This disease was regarded as an ailment of the older generation. The situation is no longer that way. Kidney stones clinics in Dubai and globally are experiencing a constant increase in cases of kidney stones among individuals in their 20s and 30s. This situation is making doctors take into consideration the lifestyle of younger individuals and even the food that they eat.
As someone who has suffered from kidney stones in the past, it is known how much pain can result from such an issue and no one would want to have to go through the same ordeal again. What needs to be looked at is why such an issue is common among young people.
What Exactly Is a Kidney Stone?
Definition of kidney stones
Kidney stones are an accumulation of salts and minerals formed in the kidney and the most common type of kidney stone is composed of factors like calcium oxalate. Also there are some different types of kidney stones, namely, uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones observed in different conditions.
Kidney stones can vary in size as well, some can be very small like a grain of sand, while others can be large like a golf ball that may obstruct the flow of urine. Symptoms caused by kidney stones depend on their sizes.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
- Severe and sudden pain in the back or side, below the ribcage
- Pain that spreads to the lower abdomen and groin
- Pain that appears in waves and varies in intensity
- Burning sensation during urination
- Pink, red, or brown-tinged urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Fever and chills, if an infection is also present
The Real Reasons Young Adults Are Affected
Physicians believe that there are several factors of modern lifestyles, but not just one reason. Below are the reasons for the development of the trend.
- Chronic dehydration
It is the key reason for the development of the problem. In case there is no sufficient consumption of liquids, then there will be more concentrated urine which makes crystallization of minerals more probable. The young people do not consume enough liquid during the day because of the following reasons:
- Water is compensated by caffeine, soft drinks and energy drinks
- Working hours are too many without drinking breaks
- Importance of consuming water in hot conditions is underestimated
2. Processed Food and High-Sodium Diets
Modern eating patterns have shifted heavily toward convenience, and that shift is showing up in kidney stone rates. Diets high in processed food tend to be:
- High in sodium – excess salt causes the kidneys to excrete more calcium into the urine, raising stone risk
- High in added sugar – particularly fructose, which has been linked to increased calcium and oxalate excretion
- Low in fresh fruits and vegetables – reducing intake of citrate, a compound that naturally helps prevent stones from forming
- High in animal protein – frequent consumption of red meat and processed meats increases uric acid and calcium in the urine
3. Sedentary Lifestyles
Being seated for long periods at a desk, along with being physically inactive in general, results in slow metabolism and alterations in the chemistry of urine which encourage stone formation.
4. Excess Body Weight
Insulin resistance caused by obesity is another factor that causes an increased production of calcium and uric acid from the kidneys.
5. Overuse of Supplements
Some young adults may be unwittingly putting themselves at risk because of the very items they believe will help them stay healthy:
- High dose vitamin C can lead to increased oxalate production
- Excessive intake of calcium pills, particularly when they are not taken with meals, can increase stone risk
- Body building items such as protein shakes and creatine can increase the burden on the kidneys
Why Climate and Location Matter
High temperatures and arid conditions result in water loss through sweating, and therefore water consumption requirements are greater than most would think. People who reside in a hot city environment have to drink significantly more water than what is normally required in order for their urine to remain diluted.
Kidney Stone Prevention: What Actually Works
Fortunately, the majority of the underlying causes behind this growing urinary health problem can be modified. Successful stone kidney stone prevention consists of certain habits that need to be followed.
Hydration First
- Try to keep your urine a pale yellow color. It’s the easiest way to monitor whether you have drunk enough.
- Do not drink too much water at a time; instead, distribute the daily amount of water through the whole day. Drink more during hot weather and after training.
- Avoid using soft drinks and coffee as your primary fluids.
Rethink Your Plate
- Decrease salt intake. Avoid using processed products, fast food, and eat out less often.
- Use citrus lemon and orange juices, which contain natural citrate and help prevent stone formation.
- Watch your protein consumption. Consume both animal and vegetable proteins.
- Consume calcium through food, do not avoid this product. The dietary intake of calcium binds oxalate in the gut.
Move More
Exercise helps maintain good metabolism and calorie burns leads to reducing some of the risk factors associated with formation of stones.
Be Cautious With Supplements
Take doctors advice before going for taking large amounts of vitamin C or calcium supplements, especially if you have ever been diagnosed with kidney stones or related issues.
Know Your Personal Risk
If you have already experienced a kidney stone, there is a high likelihood that you will get another kidney stone within a period of five years. A urologist can conduct tests to determine:
- Composition of the kidney stone that has been passed out or removed
- Any metabolic conditions through blood and 24-hour urine test
- Need for prevention of kidney stones
When to Seek Treatment
All kidney stones don’t necessarily require a medical approach, as smaller ones can be passed naturally. However, you should consult a urologist if:
- The pain is severe to the extent of hampering your normal activities
- You are suffering from fever or chills along with stone-related symptoms, which indicates infection
- You are unable to consume fluids due to nausea or vomiting
- You are having trouble urinating or are unable to pass any urine
- Blood in the urine that does not go away
Current urology treatment in Dubai approaches include medications to help pass kidney stones or minimally invasive treatment such as shockwave lithotripsy and ureteroscopy for stones that cannot be passed naturally.
The Bottom Line
The increase in the prevalence of kidney stones among younger individuals is not a matter of coincidence; rather, it is highly correlated with dehydration, processed food intake, inactive behavior, and practices that have become a part of today’s lifestyle. The good news is that such risks are mostly controllable by you. Changes in the amount of liquid consumed and diet could make a huge difference for you.
If you have had a kidney stone before or currently experience symptoms related to it, do not hesitate to seek a doctor when the pain is tolerable. A urologist will be able to determine the cause of your risks and prevent another attack.
