Explainer: Experts tell why kidney stone cases rise among young people due to heatwave

Rains have brought some respite in several parts of India from searing heatwave temperatures that troubled people, especially in the northern parts of the country. However, the relief came with its own health-related problems linked to waterlogging and disruptions in medical facilities, affecting millions of people. 

The intense heatwave, when temperatures exceeded 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit), caused heat stroke cases and heat-related deaths. WION spoke to doctors to understand how the heatwave impacted our kidneys after a study by All India Institute Of Medical Sciences Delhi (AIIMS) revealed that there has been an increase in cases of kidney stones. 

Stone(s) in the kidney can be a painful and recurrent condition which is increasing in the younger population. Recently, it has been seen that there is a rise in kidney cases among youngsters. Kidney stones are deposits of minerals and salts that are formed inside the kidney. They affect parts of the urinary tract, from the kidney to the bladder. When the stone moves through the urinary tract, it causes a urinary tract infection, severe pain and vomiting. It can also cause other complications like fever and sepsis. 

Experts say that this trend is concerning because it indicates the shift in traditionally associated demographics with the condition. The major factor contributing to this condition is longer exposure to heat waves. 

While responding to WION, Dr Amit Tiwari, Consultant – Urology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, highlighted how the issue has been affecting the younger generation. He said that kidney stones traditionally were seen among older adults. However, according to recent trends, there has been an increase in the number of younger adults being diagnosed with kidney stones. Various factors contribute to the rise, including sedentary lifestyle, environmental factors like heat waves and eating habits. 

Dr Tirthankar Mohanty, Consultant Nephrologist, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad told WION, “As the ambient temperature goes up, we tend to lose more water through sweat. This tends to make us dehydrated, and as you know, kidney stones are salt crystals predominantly made of calcium, which will tend to get deposited at a higher rate if you are dehydrated.” 

Dr Pankaj Kumar Gupta, Consultant Urologist, Department of Urology, The Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI), told WION: “These days there has been a rise in kidney stone formation and related complications including infections in kidneys and kidney failure among young people. Hot weather conditions, busy lifestyles and unhealthy diets are the primary reasons behind kidney-related diseases.” 

Dr Gupta said a sedentary lifestyle, eating outside food, having packaged food and dehydration may contribute to the formation of kidney stones as well as obstruct the spontaneous passage of small stones in the kidney.  

Dr Tiwari explained that young people often underestimate the importance of adequate water intake, especially during sports and outdoor activities. This ignorance leads to serious health concerns. He added that it is important for everyone, particularly the younger population, to understand the value of hydration. 

“You should drink at least three litres of liquids in a day or more if you work out or spend time in heat,” Dr Tiwari said. 

Not just intake of water, Dr Mohanty explained how the passing of urine plays its role. He said we must pass at least 2.5 litres of urine per day in order to prevent kidney stones. He agreed that it is very difficult to measure urine, hence one should take as much water as possible to make urine look white. 

“If your urine looks yellow. Then it means you are dehydrated. You should increase your water intake,” Dr Mohanty said. 

Experts have said that we must have a balanced and healthy approach towards our kidney health. Food habits especially a high protein diet, salty food like pickles, dry fruit and less water intake are the main factors that create chances of kidney stones. 

Dr Mohanty said that consuming less salt is beneficial for the health of the kidneys. He said that salt, which is sodium, tends to increase calcium removal through the urine, which increases the tendency for calcium stone formation. He also advised that one should consume fruits and vegetables because they tend to make your urine more alkaline, which prevents stone formation, especially the calcium oxalate, which happens to be the most common one around. He said that taking too much oxalate-containing food like spinach, nuts, etc. is not advisable. 

He categorically mentioned that people should know that it is not a good idea to eliminate those foods from your diet altogether because they have some other health benefits. So as you hold onto their healthy foods, they should be taken in moderation. 

Dr Tiwari chimed in saying including water-rich fruits and vegetables is beneficial. He also talked about the importance of awareness saying that universities and educational institutions also play a big part in informing the public about the risks of dehydration and the importance of maintaining regular fluid intake.