KIDNEY STONES: KEEP THEM AT BAY THIS SUMMER

WHAT ARE KIDNEY STONES?

A kidney stone is a hard, crystalline mineral material formed within the kidney or urinary tract. Kidney stones are a common cause of blood in the urine (haematuria) and often severe pain in the abdomen, flank, or groin. Kidney stones are sometimes called renal calculi.

The condition of having kidney stones or renal stones is termed nephrolithiasis. Having stones at any location in the urinary tract is referred to as urolithiasis, and the term ureterolithiasis is used to refer to stones located in the ureters.

WHO GETS KIDNEY STONES?

Stones occur more frequently in men. The prevalence of kidney stones rises dramatically as men enter their 40s and continues to rise into their 70s. For women, the prevalence of kidney stones peaks in their 50s. Once a person gets more than one stone, other stones are likely to develop.

HOW TO PREVENT KIDNEY STONES?

Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract, affecting more people during the summer heat. There is no proven way to prevent stones from forming (heredity does play a role); however, you may be able to reduce your risk by changing your lifestyle and modifying your diet.

Here are some steps that you can take to help decrease your risk of developing kidney stones this summer:

• Increase Fluid Intake: The best way to prevent most kidney stones is to drink enough fluids – about 2 to 3 litres per day. This will differ for each individual depending on your activity level and rate of perspiration. Water is best, though citrus drinks such as lemonade and orange juice have also been shown to help prevent kidney stones.
• Limit Sodium/Salt Intake: Salt causes the kidneys to excrete more calcium, which increases the chance of developing kidney stones. Therefore, limiting foods that are high in salt/sodium can help prevent stones from forming.
• Adjust Calcium Supplementation: Calcium from food does not increase stones, but some studies have shown that supplements do, if not taken with meals. Your doctor can advise you on the most appropriate calcium levels, if you have a history of forming calcium oxalate stones.
• Reduce Animal Protein: Meats and other animal protein, like eggs and fish, can increase the risk of uric acid stones because they contain purines.
• Avoid Foods High in Oxalate: People who are more likely to form calcium oxalate stones should avoid foods high in oxalate such as beetroot, spinach, many types of berries, sweet potatoes, soy, nuts, chocolate, and carbonated drinks.
• Consult a Dietician: People who are prone to developing kidney stones may want to consult a dietician who specializes in kidney stone prevention to work on limiting or avoiding foods that may increase the chance of future stones or kidney problems, depending on the type of stone they have.

WHY KIMS?

Doctors at KIMS have tremendous experience with the diagnosis, management, and treatment of kidney stones. Under our multidisciplinary approach, the patient is treated by a team of Kidney stone surgeons in Hyderabad who are dedicated to stone disease treatment and prevention. This team of surgeons are experts at laser stone surgery and renal stones surgery. Our kidney stones treatment in Hyderabad is comprehensive with latest surgical methods including minimally invasive kidney stones surgery.