Heat causes 40% rise in kidney stone cases among youth

NEW DELHI: Intense heat, coupled with insufficient intake of fluids, has led to a spike of 30-40% of incidences of kidney stones among the younger population, aged between 20 and 40, in the city, according to doctors.
Medical experts say a combination of elements creates an environment conducive to the formation of kidney stones. According to Dr Anup Gulati, director of urology and kidney transplant at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, “There is a 40% increase in kidney stone cases, both in males and females, in the past month, due to rising temperatures and dehydration.We are especially witnessing this in the younger age group as they are usually more active in their colleges or professional lives, and hence lose body fluids through sweating. They also have an inadequate intake of liquids or meals.”

He added that dehydration, induced by extreme heat, leads to an increase in the saturation of lithogenic compounds in urine, increasing chances of formation of stones. These stones do not pass on their own through urine, which then leads to colic pain.
“The rise in cases of kidney stones is predominantly due to dehydration, which leads to reduced urine volume. This, in turn, increases the concentration of stone-forming substances such as calcium, oxalate and uric acid. Hot weather fosters the formation of kidney stones as the substances crystallise and aggregate more readily in concentrated urine,” said Dr Mayank Gupta, director of urology, Dharamshila Narayana Hospital.
While dehydration is one of the primary causes, other factors also play a crucial role.
“People who engage in consuming large amounts of oxalate in food, like green leafy vegetables, caffeinated products, chocolates and nuts, tend to develop stones more frequently than others. Genetic predisposition also increases the risk, as a history of kidney stones in the family can make individuals more susceptible. It is also known that people who consume too many dairy products tend to develop stones more frequently. Besides, there are other causes like primary hyperoxaluria — a state of disordered metabolism characterised by an increased urinary excretion of oxalate — and other factors that can increase chances of stone formation,” said Dr Rohit Kaushal, senior consultant, urology, kidney transplant, Max Superspeciality Hospital, Saket.
Often, kidney stone formation occurs without manifesting any symptoms initially, say doctors. “Individuals may not experience discomfort or become aware of the stone’s presence until it begins to move or obstruct the urinary tract, which can take several days or even weeks,” said Dr Jayant K Hota, senior consultant, nephrologist, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital.
According to Dr Anupam Roy, associate director, department of nephrology and renal transplant at Venkateshwar Hospital, Dwarka, typical symptoms of kidney stones include persistent, severe pain on the side of the abdomen or back, a constant urge to urinate, and sometimes hematuria, which is blood in the urine. Other associated symptoms can include nausea and vomiting, which often accompany the intense pain caused by the stones.
The doctor said the best way to prevent stone formation is by staying hydrated and consuming plenty of fluids, especially during the hot summer months. Restrictions on salt and protein intake also help, he added.