Increased risk in summer: what you should know about kidney stones
The risk of complaints rises and falls with the temperature Kidney stones. Cases increase especially in summer. A urologist explains the connection between heat and stone formation in the kidney.
Dr. med. Sri Sivalingam is a urologist at the renowned Cleveland Clinic in Ohio (United States). In a contribution by the institution, the physician explains why kidney stone symptoms are more common in warm temperatures.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are solid, often irregularly shaped structures composed of mineral and acid salts. You can migrate from the kidneys into the uretersgetting lodged there and causing excruciating pain in the lower back and groin.
In summer, or when temperatures are high and also in regions near the equator, cases of kidney stones increase. “We know that excess calcium in the urine can eventually develop into kidney stones”, reports Dr. sivalingam.
Stone growth often begins in winter
About 80 percent of kidney stones are made up mostly of calcium. In winter, there is often more calcium in the urine than in summer. An increased calcium level in the urine promotes the formation of kidney stones. However, complaints from the stones are increasingly registered in summer.
“Then, when the warm weather sets in, the higher temperatures and dehydration will lead to further growth of the stones that formed during the winter months and can suddenly shift”according to the urologist.
Kidney stones common in the US
According to the American National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, almost every eighth person in the USA medical help once a year due to kidney stone problems.
Why Kidney Stones Cause Pain
“Kidney stones cause pain when the ureter, which is only two to three millimeters wide, is blocked and contracts to push the stone into the bladder”, describes Dr. Sivalingam the process.
“As the ureteral kidney builds up pressure and strain, there is intense, stabbing discomfort in the lower back and/or groin, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting”describes the expert.
Kidney stones can vary greatly in size
According to the doctor, kidney stones can vary greatly in size. You can like that small as a grain of salt be or big as a golf ball. Kidney stones affect men and women about equally.
Symptoms of kidney stone displacement
Smaller stones often pass through the urinary tract without medical assistance. The following symptoms can accompany the elimination of the stones:
Medical support options
A doctor can make a recommendation as to whether the evacuation should be accompanied by medication. On the one hand, these can directly facilitate the elimination of the stones or at least the associated pain.
However, if the kidney stone is too large, surgery may be necessary. In most cases, this is a minimally invasive operation.
A kidney stone often does not come alone
According to Dr. Sivalingam developed around every second personwho has already had a kidney stone another kidney stone within the next five years. In addition, the risk of kidney stones generally increases with age.
prevent kidney stones
As the urologist points out, there are a few ways to reduce the risk of kidney stones. The regular Consumption of fruits and vegetables contributes, for example, to the fact that the urine is less acidic. Because the stones form mainly in an acidic environment.
A high consumption of salt also promotes the formation of kidney stones, since salt increases the calcium content in the urine. Therefore, in order to reduce the risk, one should low-salt diet be respected.
People with an increased risk of kidney stones should also pay attention to enough liquid to take. At least 2.5 liters is recommended by Dr. Sivalingam per day – especially in summer.
“Drinking plenty of water helps dilute urine and decreases the formation of crystals such as calcium oxalate, the substance that forms most types of kidney stones”explains the urologist.
Also enough exercise helps protect against kidney stones. Especially in winter, when many people move less, the foundation for the formation of kidney stones is often laid.
Kidney stones can also occur in healthy people
There is 100 percent protection against kidney stones, according to Dr. However, sivalingam is not. Although the risk of developing can be reduced, but Kidney stones can also occur in perfectly healthy people. Knowledge of signs and treatment options is therefore useful for all people. (vb)
Author and source information
This text corresponds to the specifications of medical specialist literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been checked by medical professionals.
Author:
Graduate editor (FH) Volker Blasek
Important NOTE:
This article contains general advice only and should not be used for self-diagnosis or treatment. He can not substitute a visit at the doctor.