In the Middle East in particular, kidney stones are more common in the summer due to the extreme heat. A considerable increase of 30–40 percent in people coping with this excruciating illness has been recorded by medical facilities.
Rising cases of kidney stones
During the scorching summer months, a surge in kidney stone cases becomes increasingly evident, particularly impacting the Middle East region. Medical institutions report a significant 30–40 percent rise in patients afflicted by this painful condition. This seasonal escalation, attributed to the relentless heat and inadequate fluid intake, prompts concerns among healthcare professionals.
Dr. Humam Qaraschouli, a consultant urologist at Burjeel Royal Hospital, Asharej, notes, "During the summer, we observe nearly 40 percent more instances of kidney stones." Middle-aged individuals, especially those engaged in outdoor occupations under the sun, are notably vulnerable. Exposure to high temperatures coupled with inadequate hydration poses a substantial risk factor for kidney stone formation. Dr. Satyabrata Garanayak, a specialist urologist at Thumbay University Hospital, underscores the risk even for those in office settings, where improper hydration practices prevail despite the comfort of air-conditioned environments.
A recent case at Thumbay University Hospital highlights the severity of kidney stone complications. A 35-year-old laborer presented with excruciating right-sided pain, leading to the discovery of a sizable 6 cm kidney stone, medically termed a staghorn calculus. Such instances necessitate comprehensive treatment strategies, often involving surgical interventions like percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS).
Dietary Adjustments and Hydration
Typically affecting individuals aged 30 to 50, kidney stones disproportionately affect men, primarily due to occupational dehydration risks. The combination of soaring temperatures and insufficient fluid intake intensifies the concentration of minerals in urine, facilitating stone formation.
Dietary modifications, including reducing oxalate-rich foods and sodium intake, emerge as crucial preventive measures. Hydration plays a pivotal role, with experts recommending a daily water intake of 3 to 4 liters, evenly distributed throughout the day.
Common symptoms of kidney stones manifest as flank pain, painful urination, and discoloration of urine, often accompanied by nausea and fever in severe cases. Treatment options range from shock wave lithotripsy for smaller stones to more invasive procedures like percutaneous nephrolithotomy for larger calculi.
As the summer heat exacerbates the risk of kidney stone formation, awareness campaigns stressing hydration and dietary adjustments become imperative. By adopting proactive measures and seeking timely medical intervention, individuals can mitigate the debilitating effects of kidney stones, ensuring a healthier and more comfortable summer experience.