Kidney Stones in Punjab:
Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Why Are Kidney Stones So Common in Punjab?

Punjab has one of the highest rates of kidney stone disease in India. Several regional factors contribute to this:

• Hard water: The groundwater in SBS Nagar, Nawanshahr, Hoshiarpur, and surrounding districts has high mineral content — particularly calcium and magnesium — which promotes stone formation
• Hot climate in summer: Dehydration from Punjab's summers concentrates urine, allowing crystals to form
• Diet high in salt, protein, and oxalate-rich foods: Spinach, tomatoes, nuts, and meat — all common in Punjabi diets — increase stone risk
• Low water intake: Many people in Punjab do not drink adequate water daily
• Family history: Genetic tendency toward stone formation

Symptoms of Kidney Stones — When to Go to Hospital

Small kidney stones may pass on their own without any symptoms. However, when a stone moves into the ureter (the tube between kidney and bladder), it causes symptoms that are extremely painful:

• Severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen (renal colic): Often described as the worst pain a person can experience — coming in waves and not relieved by changing position
• Pain that moves to the groin or inner thigh as the stone travels downward
• Blood in urine (haematuria) — urine appears pink, red, or brown
• Burning sensation during urination
• Frequent, urgent need to urinate
• Nausea and vomiting due to severe pain
• Fever and chills — if stone has caused a urinary tract infection (UTI)

Diagnosis — How Kidney Stones Are Detected

At Hope Hospital Nawanshahr, our Urology Department uses modern diagnostic tools for accurate, fast diagnosis:

• CT KUB (CT scan of kidneys, ureter, bladder): Gold standard for detecting all types of kidney stones — available at Hope Hospital
• Ultrasound abdomen: Quick, radiation-free screening — identifies most stones in kidneys and bladder
• Urine routine examination: Detects blood, crystals, and infection
• Blood tests: Kidney function tests (creatinine, urea) to assess how the kidneys are working
• X-ray KUB: Identifies calcium-containing stones

Treatment Options for Kidney Stones

1. Conservative Treatment (Small Stones — Less Than 5mm)

Small stones often pass on their own with increased fluid intake, pain management, and medication. Our urologist will prescribe:

• High fluid intake — 3–4 litres of water per day
• Pain relief medications
• Alpha-blockers (tamsulosin) to relax the ureter and help the stone pass
• Regular follow-up ultrasounds to monitor progress

2. ESWL — Shock Wave Lithotripsy (Stones 5–20mm)

Non-invasive procedure that uses high-energy shock waves to break the stone into small fragments that can be passed in urine. No surgery, no incision, performed as an outpatient procedure.

3. Ureteroscopy (URS) — Minimally Invasive

A thin telescope (ureteroscope) is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter to visualise and remove or laser-fragment the stone. No external incision required. Most patients go home the same day or next morning.

4. PCNL — Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (Large Stones Above 2cm)

For large or complex stones, a small incision in the back allows direct access to the kidney to remove the stone. Highly effective for stones that cannot be treated by other methods.

Prevention — How to Avoid Kidney Stones Coming Back

After treatment, the risk of stone recurrence is high without lifestyle changes. Our urologist recommends:

• Drink at least 3 litres of water daily — your urine should be pale yellow, not dark
• Reduce salt intake — salt increases calcium in urine
• Limit high-oxalate foods: spinach, tomatoes, chocolate, nuts
• Reduce animal protein (meat, fish) intake
• Increase citrus fruits — lemon juice in water is highly protective against stone formation
• Take prescribed medications as directed by your urologist
• Annual ultrasound check-up to catch new stones early

Frequently Asked Questions

Can kidney stones be treated without surgery in Nawanshahr?

Yes. Most kidney stones can be treated without open surgery — through medication, shock wave lithotripsy, or minimally invasive ureteroscopy. Hope Hospital's Urology Department provides comprehensive stone management options right here in Nawanshahr.

Is kidney stone treatment painful?

The stone itself is very painful. The treatment (ureteroscopy, lithotripsy) is performed under anaesthesia — patients feel no pain during the procedure. Recovery is usually quick — 1–2 days for ureteroscopy.

My stone passed — do I still need to see a doctor?

Yes. Even after a stone passes, you should have a urology consultation to check for remaining stones, assess kidney function, and receive dietary and medication guidance to prevent recurrence.