Dubai, United Arab Emirates, December 17, 2015: Urologists and nephrologists took part in DHA’s smart clinic to raise awareness about the need for lifestyle changes and early detection to tackle urological and kidney diseases.

Information was disseminated via DHA’s twitter page (@DHA_Dubai), Instagram account and through periscope.

Dr Akos Pytel, consultant urologist at Dubai Hospital highlighted that in this region there is a higher prevalence of urological and kidney stones and in general patients visit a doctor when they are in the advanced stage of their disease. “This points out to lack of awareness and inadequate water consumption. In this region, due to high temperatures, we require a significantly higher intake of water to remain properly hydrated. Moreover, those working in an air-conditioned environment are less likely to feel thirsty and therefore consume less water than their body needs to function properly.”

Dr Pytel said adequate fluid intake helps to decrease concentrations of substances involved in stone formation thus reducing their saturation degree in urine, which reduces the chances of crystallization. A well hydrated individual should pass urine six to eight times a day, and their urine should be clear. A dark yellow colour indicates that it is too concentrated, increasing the chance of crystal formation.”

Dr Abdul Munem Al Sadi, Urologist at Dubai Hospital, said that it is very important for patients to understand that early diagnosis leads to conservative management of the disease. “When patients come to us early on, often we can solve the problem with medications only but when they come to us after the stone is enlarged or when there are multiple stones we need to remove the stones laparoscopically or use other treatment methods like shock therapy.”

Al Sadi said it is very important for people to understand that flank pain accompanied by fever is a condition that they should not take lightly and that they immediately need to go to the emergency department in such cases. Flank pain refers to pain or discomfort in your upper abdomen or back. It is located below the ribs and above the pelvis and on the side. “We have seen several patients in this condition which can be a life-threatening situation and often the reason for this is that for years they ignored the symptoms of their body and that most probably the stone is obstructing the kidney which is infected.”

Al Sadi said symptoms of stones include nausea and vomiting with ongoing pain, blood in the urine, painful urination, cloudy or unpleasant-smelling urine.

Dr Fakhriya Al Alawi, nephrologist at Dubai Hospital said that some people are more prone to developing kidney stones and they should be cautious and watch out for symptoms and they may opt for a yearly urine test and ultrasound.  People with a higher risk of developing stones include those with certain health conditions such as family history, those who consume diets high in sugar and salt, obese people, and those who have digestive diseases or have undergone surgery for such diseases, those who have diseases such as renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, hyperparathyroidism, certain medications and some urinary tract infection.