Mercury rises rapidly now summer activities kick into high gear so kidney stones become a surprisingly neglected health issue somehow. Risk of developing these painful crystals increases significantly in hot months for pretty much anyone somehow. Summer kidney stones are pretty darn troublesome altogether due to various underlying factors somehow. Let's delve deeply into specifics and find out ways that keep kidneys extremely happy.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in your kidneys. They vary in size, from tiny grains to large stones, and can cause severe pain when they move through the urinary tract. Symptoms seem pretty vague somehow. Sharp pain hits back or side blood appears in urine frequent urination occurs along with a nasty burning feeling.

Why Summer Makes Kidney Stones Worse

​Kidney stones are notably more prevalent during the summer months, primarily due to increased temperatures leading to dehydration. This dehydration results in more concentrated urine, which facilitates the crystallization of minerals into stones. Studies have demonstrated a clear association between higher daily mean temperatures and increased kidney stone presentations. For instance, research across five U.S. metropolitan areas revealed that for temperatures exceeding 10°C, the relative risk (RR) of kidney stone presentation increased, with cumulative RRs of 1.38 in Atlanta, 1.37 in Chicago, 1.36 in Dallas, 1.11 in Los Angeles, and 1.47 in Philadelphia when comparing daily mean temperatures of 30°C to 10°C.

Similarly, studies in Japan have observed higher incidence rates of kidney stones during summer months, with lower incidence during winter, further supporting the impact of ambient temperature on stone formation.

Reasons Summer Makes Kidney Stones Worse

• Dehydration Is the Culprit: Scorching temperatures trigger excessive sweating rapidly leading to severe fluid loss. Failure to replenish fluids results in highly concentrated urine that facilitates crystallization of minerals into stones rather quickly everyday.
• Higher Salt Intake: Higher salt intake often comes from salty snacks and processed foods during warm weather outdoor gatherings like summer BBQs. Excessive sodium intake often results in higher calcium levels being excreted through urine which forms a crucial component of numerous kidney stones. 
• More Outdoor Activities: Engaging in outdoor pursuits like hiking, swimming and sports can be really awesome but dehydration often occurs if you're neglecting your water intake.
• Signs you might have a kidney stone include
• intense pain in the lower back side or abdomen. 
• Nausea occurs or vomiting happens. 
• Urine appears pink, red or brown. 

Frequent urination burns. Severe pain or fever warrants immediate medical attention so act fast now contact MASSH Hospital

Treatment options for kidney stones:

Conservative Management:

• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water (8-12 cups daily) to help small stones (less than 4-6 mm) pass naturally.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or prescription drugs to manage discomfort.
• Medical Expulsive Therapy (MET): Medications like tamsulosin to relax the ureter and facilitate stone passage.

Minimally Invasive Procedures:

• RIRs surgery: This is done using a thin, flexible instrument called a ureteroscope that is inserted through the urethra and bladder to reach the kidney or the ureter.
• Ureteroscopy: A thin scope is inserted through the urethra to locate and break up stones with a laser. Fragments are removed or passed naturally.
• Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): For larger stones (>2 cm), a small incision is made in the back, and a scope is used to remove or break up the stone. Requires a short hospital stay.
• MiniPerc (Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy): MiniPerc, also called Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy, is a technique in which kidney stones are removed via a small incision made in the skin, through which specialized instruments are inserted to access the kidney. This technique uses smaller instruments and a smaller incision than traditional PCNL, resulting in less trauma to the body, faster recovery times, and fewer complications.

Surgical Intervention:

• Open Surgery: Rarely used today, reserved for very large or complex stones when other methods fail. It involves a larger incision and longer recovery.

1. Prevention: After treatment, dietary changes (e.g., reducing sodium, animal protein, or oxalate-rich foods) and medications (e.g., thiazide diuretics for calcium stones or allopurinol for uric acid stones) may be recommended to prevent recurrence.

Tips to Avoid kidney stones in Summer:

• Stay Hydrated: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. You may need more water when extremely hot outside. 
• Watch Your Diet: Watch your diet closely every day and reduce salt drastically or avoid excessive oxalate-rich foods like beets. 
• Avoid Sugary Drinks: Sugary sodas potentially increase risk of kidney stones pretty significantly due to high sugar content daily. 
• Don’t Ignore the Urge: Stick to water or lemon-infused water for a really quite surprisingly refreshing twist sometimes. Listen up, refraining from heeding nature's call can be downright hazardous so just go already whenever necessity strikes. 
• Keep Cool: Frequent urination basically helps purge minerals prior to forming stones deep inside the kidneys somehow. Stay chill by taking shade breaks, wear lightweight clothing and use fans nearby for ultimate comfort.

When to See a Kidney stone Doctor

You suspect kidney stone pain gets severe and unrelenting with blood in urine or signs of infection like fever.

Why MASSH Hospital Stands Out

MASSH (Minimal Access Smart Surgery Hospital) shines with its patient-first approach, offering personalized, precision healthcare. It specializes in minimally invasive surgeries like 3D laparoscopy, ensuring faster recovery and less discomfort. With a comprehensive range of services, expert medical team, and state-of-the-art facilities in South Delhi, Noida, and Ludhiana, MASSH is committed to delivering exceptional, compassionate care.

Final word:

Kidney stones become super painful somehow during sweltering summer months partly because people get dehydrated and consume way too much salt. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients helps prevent formation of certain health issues somehow. Severe pain or blood in urine and fever warrant swift medical attention immediately. By taking proactive steps you keep your kidneys healthy and enjoy summer fairly discomfort free somehow.

FAQs.

How can I prevent kidney stones during summer?

• Drink plenty of water (at least 2-3 liters daily).
• Avoid excessive intake of salt, oxalate-rich foods, and sugary drinks.
• Maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated, especially in the heat.

Does heat affect kidney stone formation?

Yes, dehydration due to heat leads to less urine production, which increases the concentration of stone-forming substances in the urine.

What should I do if I suspect I have a kidney stone during summer?

Stay hydrated, rest, and seek medical attention if you experience severe pain, fever, or difficulty urinating.

Can kidney stones cause dehydration?

Yes, if the stones block the urinary tract, it can lead to fluid retention and dehydration.

Are certain people more at risk during summer?

People with a history of kidney stones, dehydration-prone individuals, or those with specific health conditions are at higher risk.