Summer heat actually promotes prevention of urinary stones

Summer: heat promotes urinary stones: increasing the amount of drinking prevents
Urologists report an increase in urinary stones in the summer. The reason for this is rising temperatures, which are accompanied by increased sweating. Many people then favor the formation of small stones in the urinary organs through inadequate drinking. This is indicated by the Uro-GmbH Nordrhein, an association of established urologists.

Kidney stones are among the common diseases. According to estimates, about five percent of Germans carry such deposits of salts in themselves. In men aged 20 to 50 years, these calcifications are much more common than in women. However, recent studies show that the number of young people with kidney stones is increasing continuously. As a result, almost twice as many people suffer from kidney stones today than they did 20 years ago. If these stones "wander" or obstruct the urine, they can be very painful. Unhealthy lifestyle and inadequate water and fluid intake are the main reasons for the formation of kidney stones.

Summer heat can promote the formation of kidney stones. Picture: sun_fleckl - fotolia

"Especially in the warm months, it is especially important to drink a lot," urges Dr. Urologist. Reinhold Schaefer of the Uro-GmbH North Rhine. "A large proportion of the fluid ingested is lost through the skin and respiration, reducing the amount of urine and allowing dissolved salts to crystallize more quickly into stones." In summer, at least two liters per day should be consumed, in case of extreme heat or 'sweaty' activity it has to be much more. This is especially important for people who already had urinary stones. Because the risk that stones will form again, doubles from time to time. Water and herbal or fruit teas are best suited. An addition of lemon juice also helps to prevent crystallization. Sufficient liquid intake flushes small kidney crystals out of the body before they cause problems, coffee and black or green tea are not suitable as they tend to drain water from the tissues.

If stones are stuck in the ureter, this is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting in those affected. That can be very painful. For colicky, spasmodic pain in the lumbar region and lower abdomen, nausea and vomiting a doctor should be consulted. If stones do not go away by themselves, urologists usually remove them through instrumental or surgical procedures. The type of treatment depends on the composition of the kidney stones, size and location. (Pm)