Kidney stones, also known as stones or renal lithiasis, represent a public health problem of considerable importance. Its formation is a complex process that begins with the supersaturation of urine with certain minerals and salts.
Dr. Oscar Bielsa Galí, head of the Urology Service at the Quirónsalud Barcelona Hospital, explains it. “When the concentration of elements exceeds the dissolution capacity of the liquid that contains them, they begin to crystallize and aggregate, eventually forming stones located between the kidney and urinary tract.
There are several types of kidney stones. The most common are calcium oxalate (70%), followed by uric acid (10%) and struvite (10%). The causes of this pathology are varied. Dehydration is one of the main ones, since the lack of water concentrates urine and facilitates the crystallization of minerals. Diet also plays a crucial role: a diet rich in protein, sodium and sugar can increase the risk of stone formation. Genetic factors predispose some people to this condition, as do certain medical conditions such as hyperparathyroidism, gout, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Additionally, urinary tract infections can promote the formation of specific stones.
A common ailment
Approximately 10% of the Spanish population has had or will have kidney stones at some point in their life.
Kidney stone symptoms can vary in intensity and location. Those affected usually experience severe pain in the lower back or side, which may radiate to the abdomen and groin. This pain, known as renal colic, is one of the most intense that can be suffered.
Other symptoms include painful urination, pink, red, or brown urine, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, frequent needing to urinate in small amounts, nausea, vomiting, and fever and chills if there is an associated infection.
The diagnosis of kidney stones can be made through different methods. Renal ultrasound is very effective in detecting stones larger than three millimeters, with a sensitivity greater than 80%. Plain abdominal radiography is also useful, especially to classify stones according to their visibility on X-rays.
Doctors Oscar Bielsa Galí, head of the Urology Service at the Quirónsalud Barcelona Hospital, and José Antonio Lorente Garín, also head of the Urology Service at the Quirónsalud Hospital in Barcelona.
In Spain, approximately 10% of the population will suffer from kidney stones at some point in their lives. Prevalence varies depending on region, climate and eating habits. People between 30 and 50 years old are most affected, and men are more likely to develop them compared to women.
Risk factors include family history, dehydration, a diet high in protein, sodium and sugar, and obesity. In addition, diseases of the digestive tract, such as inflammatory bowel disease, also increase the risk of stone formation.
It is well known that the incidence of kidney stones increases during the summer. This is due to dehydration caused by heat, as people sweat more and, if they do not compensate with adequate fluid intake, they can concentrate their urine, thus promoting the formation of stones. Furthermore, changes in the summer diet, with greater consumption of foods rich in oxalates, contribute to this increase.
The most affected segment
Men between 30 and 50 years old are the people who have a greater propensity to develop kidney stones
Dr. José Antonio Lorente Garín, also head of the Urology Service at the Quirónsalud Hospital in Barcelona, points out that “preventing the formation of kidney stones is possible with simple and effective measures. Hydration is key: drinking at least 2-3 liters of water a day helps keep urine diluted.”
A balanced diet, limiting the consumption of salt, animal proteins and foods rich in oxalates, and increasing the intake of fruits and whole grains, can significantly reduce the risk. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding overweight and obesity are also important preventive factors. Additionally, reducing the consumption of sugars and processed foods is beneficial.
In short, kidney stones are a common but preventable pathology. With healthy lifestyle habits and regular consultation with a urologist, especially for those with risk factors, it is possible to minimize the incidence and effects of this painful condition.
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