Kidney Stones More and more younger people are affected

A new study [1] shows that the number of young people with kidney stones is continuously increasing by about five percent. As a result, almost twice as many people today suffer from the painful stones than 20 years ago. The disease is particularly common among adolescents and young women. The scientists suspect that one reason for this is an unhealthy lifestyle and inadequate water intake.
Urologist dr. Reinhold Schaefer from the Uro-GmbH Nordrhein, an association of established urologists, explains how kidney stones develop: "When salts dissolved in the urine deposit as fine crystals in the kidneys, kidney stones are formed." Many of them remain undetected at first because they only cause problems. if they pass from the kidney into the ureter and narrow it to the extent that insufficient urine flows through the kidneys. "This is often associated with nausea and vomiting in those affected." Kidney stones or stones in ureters are often spontaneously with the urine. This can sometimes be very painful. If they do not leave spontaneously, urologists usually remove them through surgical procedures. The type of treatment depends on the composition of the kidney stones, size and location. In about 90 percent of all cases, however, they can now be removed gently, ie not or minimally invasively. The most important modern procedures are shock wave therapy and ureteral mirroring. In the case of fragmentation due to mechanical pressure waves from the outside, affected persons excrete the resulting stone particles in a natural way. Alternatively urologists take the 'culprit' by endoscope through the urethra.

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Nevertheless, changes in lifestyle can help prevent kidney stones and kidney disease. Especially important is the daily fluid intake. At least 1.5 liters, better two it should be per day. Best to resort to water and herbal or fruit tea. An addition of lemon juice also helps to prevent crystallization. Sufficient liquid intake flushes small kidney crystals out of the body before they cause problems, coffee and black or green tea are not suitable. They are stimulants and no fluid replacement. Those who still value healthy eating should not normally have problems with kidney stones. "Balanced mixed diets consisting of whole grains, but also vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of stones forming in the kidneys", explains Dr. med. Shepherd. "At the same time, avoid overly salty foods and avoid high intake of calcium-rich products such as dairy and milk products." Last but not least, physical activity ensures that little stones in the kidneys do not stick. (Pm)