As winter begins, experts are witnessing a concerning trend which is a significant increase in kidney stone cases among adults aged 25-55 This seasonal spike in kidney stone formation has raised alarms within the medical fraternity and underscores the need for increased awareness and preventive measures such as prompt hydration and timely intervention. A kidney function test regularly is recommended for patients to know about the functioning of their kidneys.
The winter season not only sees an increase in joint issues, respiratory illnesses, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and skin conditions but can also contribute to the formation of kidney stones. This can be attributed to reduced water intake in winter months coupled with a physiological increase in calcium levels during the winter months.
Dr. Abhinandan Sadalge, consultant urologist, Lilavati Hospital in Bandra said, “During winter, many people tend to include certain foods that are high in oxalates or salt can lead to the development of kidney stones. Untreated kidney stones induce kidney damage. 6 out of 12 adults aged 25-55 have been detected with kidney stones in the last 1 month and complained of symptoms such as dehydration, abdominal and back pain, groin discomfort, and blood in the urine. Dark yellow urine indicates that you have low urine volume resulting from dehydration and importance of timely treatment. So, treatment options range from dietary changes and increased fluid intake to medical interventions like lithotripsy or, in severe cases, surgical removal of the stones.”
“Kidney stones are solid formations made of minerals and acid salts. The stones tend to pass via the ureter, which is the tube that connects your kidney and bladder, and one can experience lower back pain and groin discomfort due to kidney stones. Many people tend to drink less water in winter due to the colder weather and there is increased consumption of hot drinks this causes dehydration (loss of too much fluid from the body) in the body leading to the formation of stones in the kidney and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). Both of these conditions can cause kidney damage if left untreated,” Dr Sadalge added.
Dr Ruju Gala, nephrologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital Mumbai said, “A kidney stone can be described as a solid mass made up of tiny crystals and is commonly seen during winter. The causes of kidney stones are dehydration, reduced outdoor activities, and exercise due to a sedentary lifestyle during winter. Lack of exercise leads to weight gain and may prevent the body from regulating calcium and other minerals causing kidney stones. Moreover, people also eat foods high in salt and protein, such as soups, stews, and processed foods during winter causing higher calcium excretion in the urine and kidney stones. In a month, 5 out of 12 people aged 25-55 have come with kidney stones problem. It’s crucial not to dismiss these symptoms and seek immediate medical attention. One must stay hydrated, limit the salt intake, eat a well-balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, and grains, exercise daily, maintain optimum weight, and avoid excessive calcium that can cause kidney stones.”
Dr Upasana Garg, regional technical chief, Apollo Diagnostics Mumbai, adds, “A kidney function test regularly is recommended for patients to know about the functioning of their kidneys. Though KFT cannot directly detect kidney stones but it may indicate their presence through abnormal results. Elevated Creatinine, changes in BUN, or blood in the urine can suggest obstruction or kidney stress caused by stones. Moreover for kidney stone testing, urine analysis (which is part of kidney function test in some cases) often looks for: Microscopic traces of blood in the urine, abnormalities in urine`s acidity or pH level and irregular levels of certain minerals (like uric acid, oxalates etc) that are associated with kidney stones. Regular kidney function tests along with radiological tests like X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds are vital in detecting kidney stones early on and initiating prompt treatment. These tests together can reveal abnormalities, allowing for more effective management strategies. Early detection can prevent stones from growing larger or causing complications like kidney damage, UTIS, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). With proper awareness and preventive measures, the impact of this winter-related health concern can be prevented. Stay vigilant and monitor your kidney health.”