Kidney stone cases surge in APAC: Are you at risk?
Kidney stone cases surge in APAC: Are you at risk?
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Kidney stones. Just the mention of them can make many wince in discomfort. These tiny, hard deposits can form in the kidneys and cause excruciating pain. While many people may have heard of kidney stones, not everyone truly understands what they are, why they form, or how they can impact the body. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind kidney stones, the rising incidence in Asia Pacific region, and what it's like to experience this condition.


What are kidney stones?

Symptoms of gout
At their core, kidney stones are small, hard deposits made up of minerals and salts. These crystals can form when the concentration of certain substances in urine becomes too high, causing them to crystallise and solidify.1


Although kidney stones can vary in size, ranging from tiny grains to stones as large as a golf ball, they all share one thing in common: they can cause severe pain, particularly when they move or become lodged in the urinary tract.


The formation of kidney stones can be linked to a number of factors, including dehydration, poor diet, and certain medical conditions. They are more common in adults, but children and adolescents can also be affected.


Did you know?
DID YOU KNOW?
Kidney stones typically occur in adults, but can affect children as well and can occur even in babies. The increased incidence in this younger age group may possibly be due to too much salt from diets high in ultra processed food or unnecessary treatment with some oral antibiotics.

Why are kidney stones on the rise in APAC?

Several factors contribute to the increasing prevalence of kidney stones in the APAC region:

Hot and humid climate
Hot and humid climate

Hot and humid climate
Countries in APAC, especially in Southeast Asia, experience high temperatures and humidity, leading to excessive sweating and dehydration. Low fluid intake can result in concentrated urine, increasing the risk of stone formation.

Lifestyle habits
Lifestyle habits

Lifestyle habits
A sedentary lifestyle, obesity and metabolic disorders like diabetes are on the rise in APAC region, all of which are risk factors for kidney stones.

Dietary habits
Dietary habits

Dietary habits
Traditional Asian ingredients and diets rich in oxalate-containing foods, such as spinach, tea and nuts, and high salt intake can contribute to stone development. Increasing consumption of highly processed foods and sugary drinks also exacerbates the condition.


Did you know?
DID YOU KNOW?
The risk of developing kidney stones again increases if you've had them before. In fact, 50% of people who have had one kidney stone will experience another within 5 to 10 years.

How do kidney stones affect the body?

How do kidney stones affect the body?
The pain caused by kidney stones is often described as one of the most severe types of pain that a person can experience. This pain occurs when a stone moves or gets stuck in the narrow passages of the urinary tract, blocking the flow of urine. When this happens, the kidneys, bladder, and ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder) become inflamed and cause pain.2


The pain often starts suddenly, usually in the side or lower back, and can radiate to the abdomen and groin area. In some cases, people may also experience nausea, vomiting, or blood in the urine.


For some, the stone may pass on its own, but for others, medical intervention is needed. If the stone is too large to pass naturally, or if it is causing severe symptoms, treatment options may include medication to help break down the stone, or in some cases, surgical procedures to remove or break up the stone.


Did you know?

DID YOU KNOW?
Natural remedies, such as lemon juice or lime slices in water, can help reduce stone formation due to the citrate content in these fruits. However, regular high-dose vitamin C should be avoided, as it can contribute to stone formation.

Staying hydrated plays a crucial role in preventing kidney stones, particularly in tropical climates. Hydration helps maintain adequate urine output, which is essential for stone prevention. To ensure sufficient hydration, patients are advised to drink at least 6 glasses of water daily or ensure their urine is clear rather than a strong yellow colour, which indicates proper hydration.

Dietary changes can also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. High salt intake is a major risk factor, as is a calcium-deficient diet. Excessive protein intake can lead to uric acid stones, and in rare cases, an overabundance of oxalates in the diet may require reduction to prevent stones.

Medical intervention is necessary if kidney stones cause symptoms such as pain, infection, or blockage of urine flow. Intervention may also be considered for stones larger than 5mm, as they are less likely to pass on their own. For patients with recurrent stones or stones in both kidneys, a thorough evaluation is recommended to determine the underlying cause, followed by dietary modifications or medications to reduce stone formation.

Kidney stones can significantly impact health, causing severe pain, especially when they block the ureters. This pain is often described as worse than childbirth. The blockage can lead to kidney failure and severe infections. Even in the absence of obstruction, large stones can cause inflammation in the kidney, leading to kidney loss.


Dr Tan Yung Khan
Senior Consultant Urologist
Medical Director
Urohealth Medical Clinic


With kidney stone cases rising in APAC, it is crucial to take proactive steps toward kidney health. If you experience symptoms, consult a healthcare professional without delay.


We hope you found this article insightful and thought-provoking. At Healthful, we are always eager to hear from healthcare professionals, patients, and communities who are making a difference. If you have an interesting story, groundbreaking research, or a unique perspective that you’d like to share, we’d love to connect with you! Please reach out to us at [email protected].


References

  1. Khan SR, Pearle MS, Robertson WG, et al. Kidney stones. Nat Rev Dis Primers. 2016;2:16008.
  2. Song L, Maalouf NM. Nephrolithiasis. [Updated 2020 Mar 9]. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Blackman MR, et al., editors. Endotext [Internet]. South Dartmouth (MA): MDText.com, Inc.; 2000-.

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