Hyderabad: Amid heatwave conditions, kidney problems have increased across the city. Hospitals are witnessing a steady rush of people suffering from kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and chronic dehydration.
Kidneys take a lot of stress in the summer, and there is silent damage to the kidneys that is often seen in people due to the extreme temperatures.
With heatwaves on the rise, protecting the kidneys becomes very important.
The Science of Summer Dehydration
Medical experts explain that the primary culprit is the body’s cooling mechanism. As the human body loses substantial water through sweat, hydration levels plummet. Without adequate replacement, urine becomes highly concentrated, creating a “perfect storm” for mineral crystallization.
“A clear rise in urology cases becomes evident once summer begins,” says Dr Naveen Kumar, senior consultant urologist at Care Hospitals, Malakpet.
“Many assume stones develop overnight, but they are often the result of repeated dehydration and inadequate water intake over time.”
Beyond Just Water
While low water intake is the main trigger, specialists point out that modern lifestyle choices are exacerbating the risk.
The ‘Cooling’ Beverage Myth: Many residents turn to soft drinks, tea, and coffee to quench their thirst. However, Dr Venu Manne, senior consultant urologist, warns that high-sugar and caffeinated drinks can actually worsen dehydration and trigger metabolic changes that lead to stones.
Dietary Risks: High-salt diets, processed snacks, and frequent outside meals significantly increase the mineral load on the kidneys during heatwaves.
UTI Risk and Vulnerable Groups
The risk isn’t limited to stones. Reduced urine output means bacteria are not “flushed out” as frequently, allowing them to linger and multiply in the urinary tract.
High-Risk Groups Include:
Women and individuals with diabetes.
Men with prostate-related issues.
Anyone with a history of recurrent UTIs.
Red Flags: Symptoms You Should Not Ignore
Doctors urge the public to seek medical attention if they experience the following:
Pain: Sudden, severe pain in the lower back or flank area.
Urination Issues: Burning sensations, frequent urges, or blood in the urine.
Physical Fatigue: Reduced urine output, fever, or vomiting.
The Prevention Protocol
The medical community emphasizes that most summer-related kidney issues are entirely preventable through proactive habits.
Drink water before you feel thirsty
Consume water-rich fruits – cucumber, coconut water, melons
Avoid these in the summer – soft drinks, packaged juices.
Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun
Avoid caffeine and also hot drinks
“Water remains the only true source of effective hydration,” concludes Dr. Naveen Kumar. Simple lifestyle adjustments today can prevent emergency medical interventions tomorrow, he asserted.
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