Renal lithiasis, or "kidney stones," is one of the most common chronic diseases, causing symptoms such as back pain and difficulty urinating. In cases of associated infection, changes in urine color, nausea, vomiting, and fever may occur.
X-ray reveals a cluster of kidney stones | Photo: Nefroclínica
In this year's epidemiological bulletin on Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), the Ministry of Health presented data indicating a 152% increase in Primary Health Care (PHC) visits between 2019 and 2023, particularly in the Southeast and South regions. The bulletin also highlights that the Covid-19 pandemic negatively impacted access to care. Limited healthcare availability in some regions, particularly in the North, further complicates a more detailed assessment, exposing inequalities across different parts of the country and suggesting that the numbers could be even higher.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 10% of the global population suffers from some form of chronic kidney disease. In Brazil, the estimated prevalence among adults is 6.7%, tripling in individuals aged 60 and older. Among chronic kidney conditions, kidney stones, commonly known as "renal calculi," are among the most recurrent diseases and are associated with factors such as poor diet, dehydration, and family history.
Another survey, conducted by the Men's Health Reference Center of the State Department of Health, reinforces that the number of patients treated for kidney stones increases by about 30% during the summer. With the growing demand for this type of care, it is essential to raise public awareness and intensify efforts to protect kidney health.
Urologist Ivan Selegatto explains that surgery for kidney stones is necessary in cases of severe pain, infection, urinary tract blockage, or kidney damage. “Today, we have endoscopic and minimally invasive procedures, such as lithotripsy, which fragments stones into tiny particles, effectively resolving this condition. In more complex cases, other interventions may be required,” he states.
Symptoms such as back pain, increased urinary frequency, difficulty urinating, or burning sensation during urination may indicate the presence of kidney stones. “These symptoms could signal a kidney problem and should be evaluated by a specialist as soon as possible,” advises Selegatto. Other signs, such as foul-smelling urine or changes in its color (pink, red, or brown), nausea, vomiting, and fever, may occur in cases of associated infection.
Diagnosis is carried out through imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, X-rays, or excretory urography, which identify the location and size of the stones. Treatment can range from medications to relieve pain and methods to help expel small stones to interventions like lithotripsy or surgery in more severe cases.
Factors such as population aging, poor diet, and the consumption of ultra-processed foods worsen the situation. Furthermore, the high prevalence of diabetes and hypertension—conditions that affect millions of Brazilians—increases the risk of developing kidney diseases. If left untreated, kidney stones can lead to recurrent infections or kidney failure.
Preventive measures include drinking at least two liters of water per day, reducing salt intake, avoiding foods high in oxalates such as spinach and chocolate, consuming more fruits, vegetables, and fibers, maintaining a healthy weight, and cutting back on soft drinks. Risk groups, such as people aged 50 to 79, require special attention as they account for most cases requiring medical care. Men are more likely to develop this condition than women.