Summer is a time for fun and relaxation for most, but can be a painful time for others. One in ten people will develop a kidney stone throughout their lifetime. Doctors often see a sharp increase, sometimes a rise of as much as 30%, in patients who develop kidney stones during the warm summer months.
The most common reason kidney stones develop is dehydration. “As the temperature rises, we sweat more, and without proper hydration the body’s fluids become more concentrated with dietary minerals such as calcium,” explains Dr. Karol Rosner, Nephrologist with Hannibal Regional Medical Group. “This increases the risk that the minerals will concentrate into stones.”
It’s also important to know that even forming a stone just once increases your risk by 50% of forming additional kidney stones. Making a few adjustments to your lifestyle may also help reduce your kidney stones. Stay hydrated, follow a balanced diet, watch your salt intake, and maintain a healthy weight. “Kidney stone formation is specific to each person, and working with your healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan is a good thing to do,” says Dr. Rosner. “That treatment plan should consider what kind of kidney stones you have, possible causes for their formation, and specific steps to prevent them.”
If you experience any symptoms of kidney stones - extreme, sharp pain in the back or side that will not go away, blood in the urine, nausea and vomiting, cloudy or odorous urine, frequent urination, a burning feeling when you urinate, fever and chills - you NEED to see a doctor. To diagnose kidney stones, a doctor may do additional tests - urinalysis and/or a blood test, plain x-rays and/or CT scan.
As a nephrologist Dr. Rosner helps patients strategize ways to avoid, or minimize the risks, of developing kidney stones. To contact Dr. Rosner’s office call (573) 629-3500