Panchkula: During the summer season, a significant increase is being observed in kidney-related ailments—particularly kidney stones and Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). The rising heat is directly impacting urinary health, making awareness and prevention more critical than ever before.
Dr. Vidur Bhalla, Director and HOD of the Department of Urology at Park Hospital, Panchkula, stated that the primary cause behind this seasonal surge is dehydration.
In hot weather, the body loses a substantial amount of water through perspiration. When this fluid loss is not adequately replenished, the urine becomes concentrated; this causes minerals such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid to crystallize, leading to the formation of kidney stones.
He further added that, concurrently, insufficient water intake results in reduced urine output, creating an ideal environment within the urinary tract for bacteria to thrive and cause infections.
Common risk factors include inadequate water intake, excessive sweating due to the heat, high consumption of salty and processed foods, excessive intake of sugary or carbonated beverages, and engaging in outdoor activities for prolonged periods without drinking water. These lifestyle habits, combined with extreme temperatures, place additional strain on the kidneys and the urinary system.
Discussing the symptoms, Dr. Bhalla advised people to watch out for severe pain in the lower back or abdomen, a burning sensation while urinating, a frequent urge to urinate, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, and fever (in cases of infection).