One more reason to drink plenty of water throughout the day: dehydration is a key risk factor for the development of kidney tones. Stones in the urinary tract can be very painful and can even lead to a medical emergency.
Having stones in any part of your body may sound frightening, and that’s because it is. A large stone in the urinary tract can cause an obstruction, severe infection and, if not properly treated, can lead to the complete loss of a kidney.
Urologist Dr Hemanth Kumar Ramasamy keeps a collection of stones of different shapes and sizes in clear glass jars in his office. He has seen and treated many cases is his practice. This, he explains, is because Malaysia is located within the “stone belt” – a geographical area in the world where incidence of kidney stones is especially high.
“The stone belt extends from Afghanistan and goes through Pakistan, India, Thailand, Burma, Malaysia and so on,” says Dr Hemanth. The phenomenon is likely caused by a combination of hot weather and dietary factors such as a high sodium diet and inadequate fluid intake. “Stones can happen to both men and women. Men who have big prostates and who have not been treated may have a higher risk of developing stones. This is due to the presence of stagnant urine which promotes stone formation.”
“Urologists in Malaysia have postulated that one in 10 Malaysians will develop stones at least once in their lifetime. Do remember, most stones are so small they can be passed out on their own without causing any symptoms,” Dr Hemanth explains.
“The ureter is about 2mm wide, but since it’s a muscle, it can dilate. Any stone less than 3mm will be passed out naturally. It may hurt a little as they come out, but if you have small (1mm) stones, you generally won’t feel anything. After a certain size threshold (more than 7mm), chances of the stone being passed out spontaneously comes down tremendously.”
WHAT ARE URINARY TRACT STONES?
Denne historien er fra August 2018-utgaven av Health Today Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra August 2018-utgaven av Health Today Malaysia.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
When Depression Strikes Teenagers
It can be difficult to imagine that those in the carefree days of youth can be hit by such a somber illness. However, the numbers don’t lie: a significant number of young people suffer from depression and this figure is on the rise. Our contributing psychiatrist reveals the facts about teenage depression and how to spot the signs.
5 Things You Should Know About Probiotics
If you haven’t heard of probiotics or have been wondering what they are, here are some basics on the topic to get you started.
Internet Safety For Children
There’s nothing more comforting than to have your chicks safely back in the roost as they unwind on their gadgets in the solace of their rooms. But are they truly alone in their rooms and are they truly safe? Online gadgets are windows to another world, and no one is looking out for your child there. So how do we shield them from the unwarranted possibilities that lie in that realm?
A Cuppa Joe, Anyone?
Coffee, one of the most widely consumed drinks in the world, is derived from the beans of Coffea canephora (best known as robusta) and C. arabica. Coffee is unique in terms of its perceived and actual effects on the body and is also loved for its distinct aroma and taste. Our general perception about coffee is that it can keep us awake. However, its benefits go beyond the “wake-me-up” action and it can be categorized as a health drink.
Emilia Clarke - Conquers Real-life Adversities
Her on-screen character, Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones was meant to be a blend of Napoleon, Joan of Arc and Lawrence of Arabia—courageous heroes of the past. But when illness struck actress Emilia Clarke, she had to channel some of that strength and bravery into her real-life situation.
The Fertility Revolution
A pioneer in Malaysia's fertility treatment offers his insight on two revolutionaryadvances that made a big difference in bringing hope to many couples who are unable to conceive naturally.
6 Skin Myths Debunked
A pimple has erupted on your nose (oh, horrors). Family members and friends are quick to give you well-meaning advice, while the internet abounds with ‘effective’ tips and solutions. But how do you know if any of that information is true?
Addiction: What You Don't Know
Addictive behaviours have been described as one of the greatest scourages of humankind. In order to treat it, we have to first understand what courses it.
Hello, Hunky Hemsworth!
With the third Thor movie, Thor: Ragnarok set to open in just a few weeks, we turn our attention to the big, blond, easy-on-the eyes star – Chris Hemsworth.
Battling Two Cancers
Being diagnosed with liver cancer was bad enough, but as he was fighting for recovery, Mohd Salleh Yusof was struck by lung cancer as well. Determined to enjoy life to the fullest, Salleh shares his experience with HealthToday.
