UAE: Kidney stone cases are rising in UAE during summers due to ‘silent dehydration’, especially those exposed to the sun during outdoor work.
The people most affected by kidney stones are middle-aged and people with outdoor work, directly under the sun and take less fluid during work outdoors.
During the summer months, there is a notable increase in the number of patients suffering from kidney stones. Medical facilities report a 30-40% increase in cases. This seasonal surge is significant in the Middle East due to heat and insufficient water intake.
“Normally during the summer, we see nearly 40 percent more cases of kidney stones,” said Dr Humam Qaraschouli, consultant urologist, Burjeel Royal Hospital, Asharej.
“Dehydration is a key risk factor among workers for kidney stones. It reduces urine volume and increases the concentration of stone-forming substances.”
“Additionally, even office workers, who often suffer from what we refer to as silent dehydration are at risk. Despite spending their days in air-conditioned environments, these individuals frequently neglect proper hydration, which similarly elevates their risk of developing kidney stones,” said Dr Satyabrata Garanayak, specialist urologist, at Thumbay University Hospital.
Reasons
The sweltering temperature causes people to sweat more, leading to dehydration, doctors say. “When the body is dehydrated, urine becomes more concentrated, creating an environment where minerals can crystallize and form kidney stones more easily,” said Dr Qaraschouli.
He added that people may not drink enough water to compensate for the fluid loss, further exacerbating the risk of kidney stone formation. “This combination of high temperatures and inadequate hydration significantly contributes to the rise in kidney stone cases during the summer months,” Dr Qaraschouli said.
Avoid certain foods
To reduce the risk of kidney stones, individuals should avoid certain foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, chocolates, black tea, nuts, and certain berries. These foods can combine with calcium in urine to form calcium oxalate stones – the most common kidney stones. “Reducing sodium consumption is crucial as high sodium levels can increase calcium excretion in urine, promoting stone formation. These dietary adjustments can help prevent kidney stones,” said Dr Garanayak.
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“One should also limit the consumption of sugary drinks and colas, as these beverages can increase the risk of stone formation due to their high fructose and phosphoric acid content. Instead, individuals should prioritise drinking water and citrus-based beverages, such as lemonade and orange juice, which contain citrate, a natural inhibitor of stone formation,” said Dr Garanayak.
Doctors also said that residents should prioritise staying hydrated by drinking 3 to 4 litres of water daily, evenly distributed throughout the day rather than consuming large amounts at once.
Common symptoms
Dr Garanayak said that a majority of patients present with flank pain, which is felt on one side of the body between the upper abdomen and the back, typically occurring below the ribs and above the pelvis.
“This pain may fluctuate in intensity. Other symptoms include painful urination, pink, red, or brown urine due to blood, and frequent urination. In severe cases, patients may also experience nausea, vomiting, and fever or chills, which could indicate a possible infection.”
Treatment
There are several treatment options available for kidney and ureteral stones. “Shock wave lithotripsy is commonly used for stones located in the kidneys or upper ureters. Also, endoscopic procedures involve using a laser to fragment and extract the stone directly from the ureter,” said Dr Qaraschouli.
“In cases of larger kidney stones, procedures such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy through the skin or open/laparoscopic surgeries may be required for effective treatment,” said Dr Qaraschouli.