Kidney Stones

What Are kidney stones?

Imagine tiny rocks forming inside your body, this is what happens when you have kidney stones. These stones are solid masses made of minerals and salts that develop in the kidneys and can travel through the urinary tract.

Kidney stones are not just a western problem; they are becoming more common in Africa due to dehydration, diet, and lifestyle changes. In fact, research shows that kidney stones are rising in African countries due to limited access to clean drinking water and high consumption of salty and processed foods.

How common are kidney stones in Africa?

  • Studies suggest that kidney stones affect about 12% of men and 5% of women worldwide, and Africa is seeing an increase.
  • Dehydration from extreme heat and limited access to clean drinking water contributes to the rise in kidney stone cases in many parts of the continent.
  • Countries in sub-Saharan Africa with high salt and meat consumption have more reported kidney stone cases.
  • Many people suffer from kidney stones without knowing until they experience severe pain.

What causes kidney stones?

Several factors contribute to kidney stones, especially in Africa:

  • Dehydration: In hot climates, not drinking enough water increases the risk.
  • High-salt diets: Many Africans consume too much salt from processed foods, seasoning cubes, and preserved meats.
  • Animal protein overload: Eating a lot of red meat, organ meats (like liver and gizzard), and fish can lead to uric acid stones.
  • Low calcium intake: Unlike what some think, avoiding calcium can actually increase the risk of stones.
  • Genetics: If kidney stones run in your family, you’re more likely to develop them.
  • Health conditions: People with diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity are at higher risk.

Types of kidney stones?

Kidney stones are not all the same. Here are the common types:

  • Calcium stones: The most common type, often formed from eating too many oxalate-rich foods like peanuts, chocolate, and spinach.
  • Uric acid stones: More common in people who eat a lot of red meat and fish, especially in people with gout or diabetes.
  • Struvite stones: Linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs), more common in women.
  • Cystine stones: A rare type caused by a genetic disorder.

Symptoms of kidney stones?

You may not realize you have kidney stones until they start moving through your urinary tract. When this happens, symptoms include:

  • Severe pain in the lower back, side, or groin.
  • Painful urination or burning sensation while peeing.
  • Blood in the urine (urine may look red, pink, or brown).
  • Frequent urge to urinate but passing little urine.
  • Foul-smelling or cloudy urine.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Fever and chills, which may indicate an infection.

How are kidney stones treated?

Treatment depends on the size and type of stone:

  • Small Stones: Can pass naturally by drinking plenty of water (at least 2.5 liters daily).
  • Pain medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol.
  • Medical procedures for larger stones:
  • Lithotripsy: Uses sound waves to break stones into smaller pieces.
  • Tunnel surgery (percutaneous nephrolithotomy): Removes stones through a small cut in the back.
  • Ureteroscopy: A thin tube is inserted through the bladder to remove stones.
  • Medications: Some drugs help dissolve certain types of stones.

How can you prevent kidney stones?

The best way to avoid kidney stones is through lifestyle changes:

  • Drink plenty of water: Aim for at least 8 glasses a day.
  • Eat less salt: Reduce seasoning cubes, processed meats, and fast foods.
  • Balance calcium intake: Eat foods rich in calcium like milk, yogurt, and vegetables.
  • Limit red meat and organ meats: Reduce your intake of liver, kidney, and gizzard.
  • Increase fruits and vegetables: They help prevent stone formation.

Foods to avoid?

Some foods can increase the risk of kidney stones, including:

  • Salty snacks: Chips, processed meats, and fast food.
  • Animal proteins: Red meat, organ meats, and shellfish.
  • Oxalate-rich foods: Spinach, chocolate, peanuts, and tea (consume in moderation).
  • Sugary drinks: Soda and artificially sweetened beverages.

When should you see a doctor?

Seek medical help if you experience:

  • Severe back or side pain.
  • Blood in your urine.
  • Fever, chills, or vomiting.

Difficulty urinating