Kidney Stones, medically termed nephrolithiasis, are solid crystalline deposits that form within the kidneys when minerals and salts become concentrated in the urine. Kidney stones are a common condition in the UAE, influenced by factors such as hot climate, dehydration, dietary habits, and metabolic conditions. While some stones remain asymptomatic, others can cause severe pain, urinary obstruction, infection, and kidney damage if not managed appropriately.

Stones form when urine becomes supersaturated with substances such as calcium, oxalate, uric acid, or cystine. Reduced urine volume, often due to inadequate fluid intake, increases the risk of stone formation. Certain medical conditions, including hyperparathyroidism, gout, obesity, and chronic urinary tract infections, further predispose individuals to nephrolithiasis. Recurrent stone disease is common without preventive strategies.

Patients may present with sudden onset of severe flank pain that radiates to the lower abdomen or groin, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine. Smaller stones may pass spontaneously, while larger stones can obstruct urine flow, leading to hydronephrosis, infection, or acute kidney injury. Some stones are discovered incidentally during imaging for unrelated conditions.

Diagnosis involves urine and blood tests to assess kidney function and metabolic abnormalities, along with imaging studies. Ultrasound is commonly used initially, while CT imaging provides detailed assessment of stone size, location, and degree of obstruction. Stone analysis, when available, guides long-term prevention strategies.

Management depends on stone size, location, symptoms, and complications. Small, non-obstructing stones may be managed conservatively with hydration and pain control. Larger or symptomatic stones may require medical therapy to facilitate passage or interventional procedures coordinated with urology services. Preventive care is a key component of nephrology management, focusing on fluid intake optimization, dietary modification, and correction of metabolic risk factors.

Long-term follow-up is essential, as recurrent kidney stones increase the risk of chronic kidney disease. Nephrology care plays a critical role in identifying underlying metabolic causes, preventing recurrence, and preserving kidney function.