Why do kidney stones form?
“Kidney stones form when substances that would normally be filtered out in urine accumulate in excessive amounts, or when the substances that help prevent crystal formation are too low,” explains Dr. Málik.
The process starts with a chemical imbalance: too many dissolved minerals and not enough water to keep them diluted. “The most important natural protection is proper hydration. I recommend drinking enough so that your urine is clear – except for the first one in the morning.” Citrates and magnesium help prevent stones, while dehydration promotes crystal formation and stone growth.
Risk factors
Kidney stones typically develop due to a combination of factors. Family history plays a strong part: “If a parent or sibling has had kidney stones, the risk is four to five times higher. Some rare types, such as cystine stones, are almost entirely genetic,” notes Dr. Málik.
Modern lifestyle habits also contribute – such as obesity, lack of physical activity, and diets high in salt, sugar and refined carbohydrates.
Certain foods can increase the risk too, including dark chocolate, spinach, sorrel, gummy sweets, and excessive intake of animal protein due to the accumulation of oxalates and other compounds.
Not all stones cause pain
Symptoms range widely, from no discomfort at all to severe renal colic. “Often the condition only comes to light when someone experiences intense, cramping pain and seeks urgent medical care,” says Dr. Málik.
Other possible symptoms include blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, urinary tract infections, or signs that resemble prostate problems. Because of this, confirming the diagnosis often requires multiple checks.
How are kidney stones diagnosed?
A doctor may suspect stones based on symptoms and medical history, but imaging is key to a precise diagnosis. “Ultrasound and X-ray are the most common tools, but if the stone isn’t visible, a CT scan may be necessary. With these methods, we can accurately determine the size and location of the stone in the vast majority of cases.”
Conservative treatment: waiting for the stone to pass
Stones smaller than 5 mm often pass on their own. “Medication can support this process by reducing pain, helping the stone move, and preventing further attacks,” the doctor explains. However, if the stone becomes lodged or is too large to pass, surgical intervention is needed.
Modern, minimally invasive solutions
Dr. Rose Private Hospital offers advanced laser endoscopic procedures that are quick, precise, and significantly reduce discomfort. “We can access the stone either through the natural urinary passage or through a tiny incision in the back. Our goal is to minimise the strain on the kidney, using the smallest possible instruments. Despite their size, these tools are highly effective – the thin but powerful Holmium:YAG laser allows us to break even very hard stones.”
Patients can usually return home within one or two days and resume everyday activities shortly after. Compared with traditional open surgery, these techniques lead to less pain, fewer complications, and much faster recovery.
Prevention
Effective prevention requires knowing the stone’s composition. When a removed or passed stone is analysed, the treatment and preventive advice can be tailored to that specific type – whether calcium oxalate, uric acid, or infection-related stones.
In general, reducing salt and refined sugar intake, staying well hydrated (so urine remains clear), limiting high-oxalate foods, and managing uric acid levels can significantly lower the risk of recurrence.
For patients who have already had kidney stones and want to avoid future episodes, further blood and urine tests can identify the underlying causes.
Every case is unique, which is why personalised treatment is essential.
When should you see a doctor?
Any strong lower-back or flank pain, blood in the urine, or difficulty urinating should prompt an immediate visit to a urologist. Early diagnosis not only speeds recovery but can also prevent complications such as infections or kidney inflammation. Persistent back discomfort can also indicate a stone, so it’s worth getting checked if the symptoms continue, adds Dr. Málik.
Urological care at Dr. Rose Private Hospital
At Dr. Rose Private Hospital, patients benefit from advanced diagnostic tools and state-of-the-art laser and endoscopic treatments, designed to remove kidney stones as comfortably, quickly, and safely as possible.
Kidney stones are treatable – and in most cases preventable. A urological consultation can help detect problems early and ensure timely treatment.
