DISEASES-CONDITIONS
Written by Prerna Mittra | Updated : December 16, 2024 7:22 PM IST Kidney problems seen in winter season: There has been a concerning trend seen in winters. Doctors are seeing a rise in cases of kidney stones, especially among people in the age group of 25-55 years. Calling it a seasonal spike, doctors are warning that prevention of kidney stone formation requires increased awareness and preventive measures like hydration and timely intervention. A kidney function test regularly is also recommended for patients. People usually reduce their water intake in the winter months, because they feel less thirsty. This is a big contributor to kidney stones, along with a physiological increase in calcium levels during these cold months. According to Dr Abhinandan Sadalge, consultant urologist at Lilavati Hospital Mumbai , in the winter months, many people increase their consumption of certain foods that are rich in oxalates or salt, which leads to the development of kidney stones. "Untreated kidney stones induce kidney damage. Six out of 12 adults between the ages of 25 and 55 years have been detected with kidney stones in the last one month. They complained of symptoms like dehydration, abdominal and back pain, groin discomfort, and blood in the urine. Dark yellow urine indicates you have low urine volume resulting from dehydration; it requires timely treatment. Treatment options range from dietary changes and increased fluid intake to medical interventions like lithotripsy or, in severe cases, surgical removal of the stones," Dr Sadalge explains. The doctor adds that stones in the kidneys are solid formations made of minerals and acid salts. They tend to pass via the ureter -- the tube that connects kidneys and bladder -- and one can experience lower back pain and groin discomfort. As mentioned earlier, many people drink less water in the winter season and increase their consumption of hot drinks. "This causes dehydration (loss of too much fluid from the body) leading to the formation of stones in the kidney, along with urinary tract infections (UTIs), both of which can cause kidney damage," Dr Sadalge warns. More News Dr Ruju Gala, nephrologist at Zynova Shalby Hospital Mumbai says besides dehydration, reduced outdoor activities and exercise during winter can also cause stone formation. "Lack of exercise leads to weight gain, preventing the body from regulating calcium and other minerals that cause kidney stones. People also eat foods rich in salt and protein, such as soups, stews, and processed foods, causing higher calcium excretion in the urine and kidney stones. In a month, 5 out of 12 people between 25-55 years have come to us with kidney stones problems. It is important to not dismiss these symptoms and seek immediate medical attention. Stay hydrated, limit salt intake, eat a well-balanced diet comprising fresh fruits , vegetables, and grains, exercise daily and maintain optimum weight," the nephrologist advises. According to Dr Upasana Garg, regional technical chief at Apollo Diagnostics Mumbai , a kidney function test is recommended regularly for patients to know about the functioning of their kidneys. Though KFT cannot directly detect kidney stones, it may indicate their presence through abnormal results. Elevated creatinine or blood in the urine can suggest obstruction or kidney stress caused by stones. For kidney stone testing, urine analysis often looks for: Regular kidney function tests along with radiological tests like X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds are vital in detecting kidney stones early and initiating prompt treatment. These tests 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," Dr Garg concludes. Don’t Miss Out on the Latest Updates. Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today! Enroll for our free updates Thank You for Subscribing Thanks for Updating Your Information None
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