Kidney stones in a hot climate: why they are commoner in the UAE

Emil Aldyrakov — GP, urologist-andrologist

The Gulf region lies in the so-called stone belt, a zone where kidney stones are more common than elsewhere. The reason is mundane: dehydration. And that is exactly why prevention works particularly well here.

Why heat raises the risk

In high temperatures and low humidity the body loses fluid through skin and breathing constantly and imperceptibly, and air conditioning dries it further indoors. Urine volume falls, salt concentration rises, and dissolved substances begin to crystallise. Add a typical working day in which someone drinks two coffees and forgets about water, and you have the mechanism of stone formation in its purest form.

How it presents

Small stones may cause no symptoms for years and be found incidentally on ultrasound. Renal colic begins abruptly: severe pain in the flank or side, often radiating to the groin, with restlessness — the person cannot find a position that helps — nausea, and blood in the urine. Unlike musculoskeletal pain, colic is not relieved by resting still.

When help is needed immediately

• colic with fever and chills — this suggests infection above an obstruction and is an emergency;
• vomiting that prevents drinking or taking medication;
• a sharp fall in urine output, or none at all;
• pain not controlled by painkillers;
• colic in a person with a single kidney.

Otherwise assessment can be planned, but should not be postponed for long: a stone blocking drainage damages the kidney silently.

How much to drink

Urology guidelines frame the target not as litres consumed but as urine produced: at least 2.5 litres a day. In the UAE climate that means noticeably more fluid than in a temperate one — roughly from 3 litres, and more with outdoor work or active sport. A practical marker requiring no measurement: urine should stay pale through the day.

What else has proven value: limiting salt, moderating animal protein, and maintaining adequate dietary calcium — contrary to a persistent myth, restricting dietary calcium raises the risk of oxalate stones rather than lowering it. Citrus and citrate drinks help. With recurrent stones, stone composition and a 24-hour urine analysis determine individual tactics — there is no universal anti-stone diet.

What happens at the appointment

Examination, urinalysis, and ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder. Ultrasound sees stones in the kidney well and shows dilatation of the collecting system indicating obstruction. The decision follows: observation with fluid intake, medical therapy to assist passage, or referral for surgical treatment.

How it works here

At the clinic a urologist consultation is AED 600; ultrasound of the urinary tract (kidneys and bladder) AED 1,100, bladder alone AED 800, and urinalysis AED 50. All in a single visit, with the report issued in English.

What this is based on

• AUA. Medical Management of Kidney Stones
• European Association of Urology. Urolithiasis Guidelines

FAQ

How much should I drink in the UAE to prevent stones?

Guidelines set the target as urine produced: at least 2.5 litres a day. In this climate that means roughly from 3 litres of fluid, more with outdoor work or active sport, and urine should stay pale through the day.

Should I cut down on calcium if I have had stones?

No. Restricting dietary calcium raises the risk of oxalate stones rather than lowering it. Limiting salt, moderating animal protein and citrus or citrate drinks help; with recurrent stones, stone composition and a 24-hour urine test guide individual tactics.

What happens at the appointment?

Examination, urinalysis and ultrasound of the kidneys and bladder, which shows kidney stones and signs of obstruction well. The doctor then decides between observation with fluid intake, medication to help the stone pass, or referral for surgical treatment.

This article is for information only and does not replace a consultation. If you have symptoms, see a doctor.

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