During the summer months, there is a noticeable increase in the number of patients suffering from kidney stones, with medical facilities reporting a 30-40 per cent surge in cases. This seasonal spike is especially significant in the Middle East due to the extreme heat and insufficient fluid intake. Middle-aged individuals, particularly those exposed to the sun during outdoor work, are more prone to developing kidney stones. Dehydration is a key risk factor for workers, as it reduces urine volume and increases the concentration of stone-forming substances. Even office workers, who may experience silent dehydration due to neglecting proper hydration despite spending their days in air-conditioned environments, are at risk of kidney stones.
The vulnerability to kidney stones is typically present in people between the ages of 30 and 50, with lifestyle factors and work-related exposures increasing the risk of dehydration. There is also a notable gender difference, with five male patients for every one female patient. The sweltering temperatures during the summer cause people to sweat more, leading to dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, urine becomes more concentrated, creating an environment where minerals can crystallize and form kidney stones more easily. To address this, individuals should avoid certain foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, chocolates, black tea, nuts, and certain berries, as they can combine with calcium in urine to form calcium oxalate stones.
Doctors recommend reducing sodium consumption to prevent kidney stones as high sodium levels can increase calcium excretion in urine, promoting stone formation. Additionally, limiting the consumption of sugary drinks and colas is crucial, as they can increase the risk of stone formation due to their high fructose and phosphoric acid content. Instead, individuals should prioritize drinking water and citrus-based beverages, such as lemonade and orange juice, which contain citrate, a natural inhibitor of stone formation. Staying hydrated by drinking 3 to 4 liters of water daily, evenly distributed throughout the day, is essential in preventing kidney stones.
The common symptoms of kidney stones include flank pain, painful urination, discolored urine, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills. Treatment options for kidney and ureteral stones include shock wave lithotripsy for stones located in the kidneys or upper ureters, endoscopic procedures using a laser to fragment and extract the stone from the ureter, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy for larger kidney stones. It is important for individuals to be aware of the risk factors and symptoms associated with kidney stones and take preventive measures to reduce their likelihood of developing this painful condition.
