Kidney Stones in Saudi Arabia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention Tips

January 05, 2026

Kidney stones are a common health problem in Saudi Arabia, especially because of the Kingdom’s hot climate, dehydration risk, and diet habits that may increase stone formation. Many people experience sudden severe pain and end up in emergency care without realizing that early warning signs were already present.

The good news is: kidney stones can often be prevented with the right lifestyle changes, hydration, and medical guidance. In this educational blog by Demas Medical (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia), we explain what kidney stones are, why they’re common in Saudi Arabia, key symptoms, treatment options, and the best prevention tips.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. Stones can be small like sand or large enough to block urine flow. When a stone moves into the urinary tract, it can cause intense pain and complications.

The most common types include:

Calcium stones (most common)
Uric acid stones
Struvite stones (infection-related)
Cystine stones (rare, genetic)

Why Kidney Stones Are Common in Saudi Arabia

Kidney stones are more frequent in the Gulf region due to specific health and environmental factors.

1) Hot Climate & Dehydration

Saudi Arabia experiences high temperatures for many months, increasing water loss through sweating. When the body is dehydrated:

Urine becomes concentrated
Minerals crystallize more easily
Stone formation risk increases

2) Low Daily Water Intake

Many people unintentionally drink less water due to work routine, travel, or lack of thirst.

3) Dietary Habits

Certain diets can contribute to stones, such as:

high salt intake
frequent fast food
excessive animal protein
sugary drinks / soft drinks

4) High Rates of Metabolic Conditions

Health conditions like:

obesity
diabetes
high blood pressure
can increase kidney stone risk as well.

Early Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Symptoms may start mild and become severe. Here are warning signs Saudi citizens should not ignore:

✅ 1) Severe Pain (Flank Pain)

Most common symptom:

sharp pain on one side of lower back
pain may move to groin/lower abdomen

✅ 2) Burning Urination

You may feel pain or burning while urinating.

✅ 3) Blood in Urine

Urine may appear:

pink
red
brown

✅ 4) Frequent Urge to Urinate

Feeling the urge again and again, even if little urine comes out.

✅ 5) Nausea or Vomiting

Severe pain can trigger nausea.

✅ 6) Fever (Serious Sign)

If kidney stones cause infection, fever/chills can occur.
🚨 This is an emergency and needs immediate medical care.

How Kidney Stones Are Diagnosed

At Demas Medical, kidney stone diagnosis typically includes:

1) Urine Test

Detects blood, infection, or crystals.

2) Blood Test

Checks kidney function and mineral levels.

3) Ultrasound / CT Scan

Confirms stone size, position, and blockage risk.

Early diagnosis helps prevent complications like:

infection
urine blockage
kidney damage

Kidney Stone Treatment Options in Riyadh

Treatment depends on the stone type and size.

1) Home Treatment (Small Stones)

If stone is small, doctors may advise:

drinking more water
pain relief medicine
medication to relax urinary tract and help stone pass

✅ Many stones pass naturally within a few days/weeks under medical supervision.

2) Medical Procedures (Large Stones)

If stones are large or causing blockage, treatment may include:

Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL)
breaks stones into smaller pieces
Ureteroscopy
removes/breaks stone with a small scope
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
for very large stones

Demas Medical provides guidance and specialist evaluation to ensure safe treatment.

Best Prevention Tips for Kidney Stones (Saudi Arabia Climate Friendly)

Prevention is the most powerful strategy, especially for people who had stones before.

✅ 1) Drink Enough Water Daily

Goal: keep urine light yellow/clear.
In Saudi climate, hydration is essential.

📌 Tip: Add reminder on phone, carry a bottle, drink water before thirst starts.

✅ 2) Reduce Salt Intake

Too much salt increases calcium in urine (stone risk).
Avoid:

chips
fast food
salty pickles
processed food

✅ 3) Limit Soft Drinks & Sugary Beverages

Cola drinks increase stone risk for some people.

✅ 4) Balance Protein Intake

Excess red meat can increase uric acid stones.

✅ 5) Eat More Citrate-Rich Foods

Natural protection against stones:

lemons
oranges
citrus fruits

✅ 6) Don’t Ignore Urinary Infections

Infections can lead to stone formation. Early treatment is necessary.

When to See a Kidney Specialist in Riyadh

You should consult a kidney specialist if:

pain is severe and repeated
blood appears in urine
fever/chills occur
urine output reduces
stones keep returning

Demas Medical’s experienced kidney specialists support patients with prevention plans, kidney health monitoring, and treatment options.

Conclusion

Kidney stones are common in Saudi Arabia due to dehydration and lifestyle factors, but the condition is manageable. Recognizing symptoms early and making lifestyle adjustments can reduce the chance of recurring stones and protect long-term kidney health.

Demas Medical (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia) is dedicated to kidney wellness—offering expert guidance, diagnosis, and kidney care services in a supportive and professional environment.

If you are experiencing kidney stone symptoms, contact Demas Medical in Riyadh for expert evaluation and personalized kidney care.