CONNECTOR.AE 50 CONNECTOR.AE 51 Health and Wellness Health and Wellness sources. Moderation in caffeine and alcohol intake is advisable to prevent dehydration. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as obesity is a recognised risk factor for kidney stones.” Diagnosis Of Kidney Stones Kidney stones, sometimes asymptomatic, are often discovered incidentally through X-rays during routine health exams. However, for those experiencing symptoms like blood in the urine (hematuria) or sudden abdominal or side pain, diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or CT scans may help find the cause. These scans not only detect the existence of stones but also provide information on their size and location. In emergency situations, a CT scan is widely used due to its speed and precision in diagnosing kidney stones. Dr. Sam Thampan, Specialist Urology, Aster Hospital, Al Qusais, highlights, “To differentiate kidney stones from other abdominal or back pain issues, characteristics such as the sudden onset of severe pain, the presence of blood in urine, and the location of pain (radiating from the back to the lower abdomen) are key indicators.” Dietary And Lifestyle Changes For Kidney Stone Dr. Sam Thampan, Specialist Urology, Aster Hospital, Al Qusais, suggests, “Prioritise hydration by drinking plenty of water to dilute substances that may contribute to stone formation. Consider dietary adjustments such as reducing sodium intake, limiting consumption of animal proteins like meat and eggs, maintaining a balanced diet, decreasing oxalate-rich foods such as spinach and nuts, and ensuring adequate calcium intake through food Dr. Sam Thampan, Specialist Urology, Aster Hospital, Al Qusais, adds, “Diagnostic tests play a crucial role in identifying and assessing kidney stones. These include CT scans, known for their high accuracy in detection, ultrasounds, particularly valuable for pregnant individuals, X-rays capable of identifying certain stone types, urinalysis for detecting blood, crystals, or infection in the urine, and blood tests to measure kidney function and identify factors contributing to stone formation.” Treatment For Kidney Stones Dr. Sam Thampan, Specialist Urology, Aster Hospital, Al Qusais, highlights, “The choice of treatment depends on factors like stone size, type, location, and individual health considerations. It’s crucial for individuals experiencing symptoms to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.” Healthcare professionals suggest the treatment of kidney stones based on factors like size, location, and type. Small stones that can pass through the urinary tract may not require intervention, and patients may be advised to collect the stone for lab analysis. Adequate fluid intake is often recommended to facilitate the natural passage of the stone and pain medication may be prescribed. Larger stones causing blockages or severe pain may necessitate urgent treatment, such as shock wave lithotripsy, cystoscopy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy. These procedures, performed with anaesthesia, aim to break down or remove the stone, and the choice depends on the stone’s characteristics. Recovery periods and hospital stays vary depending on the procedure’s complexity.
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