Is Summer the Kidney Stone Season? Here’s All You Need to Know
With summer around the corner, people are planning vacations. Summer is all about beaches, mountains, and hill stations. However, the case is quite different for the doctors. With summer arriving, urologists start preparing for patients with kidney stones. It leaves people wondering how kidney stone is associated with warm weather.
There is no denying that kidney stones are linked to the hot season. This period seems to be getting longer, as global warming is increasing drastically. The climate change and rising temperature lead to dehydration, which worsens in summer. Sadly, the growing pollution level and the increasing carbon emissions have led to climate change.
While there is a connection between kidney stones and summer, it is not the only reason. Dehydration, for example, has been linked to a higher risk of kidney stones. But, the rising temperature is believed to increase the number of kidney stone patients. According to the National Kidney Foundation, around a half-million patients in America are admitted to hospital emergency units annually to treat kidney stones. This figure keeps increasing. Not only in the US, but we have seen a growing number of patients diagnosed with kidney stones in Europe and nearly all nations. In addition to adults, children are also prone to developing kidney stones.
Formation of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are formed when the substances in your urine start to form solid crystals that circulate in your urinary tract. These crystal-like substances can block the way for your urine, which might make them painful. Kidney stones are solidly mass-produced of small pieces. There can be one or several stones found in your kidney. These stones are made up of calcium, phosphorus, and other chemicals.
Low urine volume is caused by dehydration. Concentrated urine occurs due to the low urine volume. It reduces your kidney’s ability to dissolve salts and other chemicals in the urine, increasing the risk of kidney stones. People who don’t drink enough fluids or live in places with hotter climates tend to suffer from dehydration. Practising strenuous physical exercises might also cause dehydration. The common sign of low urine volume and dehydration is dark urine. Obesity is another risk factor. Obese people report a fluctuation in the acid level, which eventually results in the formation of stones.
You must drink enough fluids, especially if you experience warm weather throughout the year. Your diet also matters a lot when it comes to urinary health. People diagnosed with stones or urinary tract infections are asked to avoid protein-rich diets. You should avoid eating beef, pork and meat. That’s because these foods produce uric acid that forms kidney stones. Certain medicines, especially ones with a high vitamin C, make you highly vulnerable to Kidney stones. Other than that, kidney stones can be formed due to genetic disorders.
What Can You Do to Prevent Kidney Stones?
- Drink more fluids. That’s the first and more important step in preventing kidney stones. You should drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day and more if you live in a tropical and subtropical climate.
2. Add more citric acid to your diet. You can drink lemonade or plain lime water in the morning to get extra citric acid. Certain foods, like chocolate, tea, nuts, and beets, are not healthy for your kidneys, especially for people with kidney stones. Calcium and phosphate should be avoided. Limit your salt intake. Avoid soft drinks.
3. Kidney stones need immediate treatment. Tiny stones can pass through your urine. But if these stones are left untreated, they might grow into large pieces. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids this summer and pay special attention to your diet. If you experience pain or notice any sign of kidney stones, visit a nearest best Oncologist immediately.
