Summer hospital urinary stones… Let's get friendly with oranges, lemons, and kiwis rich in citric acid

During the summer when hot sunlight pours down and sleepless nights due to tropical nights occur, the number of patients complaining of urinary stones is increasing. On the 22nd, medical staff advised that during the hot summer days, excessive sweating and insufficient fluid intake can reduce urine volume and increase its concentration, thereby promoting the formation of urinary stones, so special attention should be paid to hydration.

Westernized diet leads to urinary stones

 

Urinary stones are known to be influenced by factors such as age, gender, geographical environment, and socioeconomic structure. Risk factors have been identified as age over 60, income level, diabetes, hypertension, body mass index, and a history of cancer.

 

The incidence of urinary stones in Korea is showing an increasing trend every year due to changes in environment and climate, as well as Westernized dietary habits. Additionally, there are changes observed in the composition of urinary stones.

 

Professor Juyong Lee of the Department of Urology at Severance Hospital explained, "While calcium stones still account for most urinary stones, the proportion of uric acid stones, which are less visible on X-rays, has recently increased. This is closely related to the Westernization of diet leading to a rise in metabolic syndrome, including obesity, hypertension, and diabetes."

 

 

Symptoms caused by urinary stones vary depending on the size and location of the stone, associated diseases, the degree of urinary obstruction, and inflammation. However, most patients experience severe pain. Typically, intense pain occurs in the side or lower abdomen, and rather than persisting at the same intensity, it often presents as intermittent episodes of sudden, severe pain that come and go. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or abdominal bloating may also occur, and hematuria, or blood in the urine, is also commonly observed.

 

Reasons to be especially cautious during the summer season

 

The causes of urinary stones are diverse, including genetic factors, dietary habits, lifestyle, surgical history, and urinary infections, but they tend to form especially in the summer. This is because, in summer, sweating increases and urine concentration rises, making it easier for urinary stones to form. Additionally, the hot weather leads to increased consumption of salty foods, raising the salt concentration in the body, which acts as a risk factor for stone formation. Furthermore, decreased fluid intake is the most significant cause of urinary stones. When fluid intake decreases, the retention time of stone-forming crystals in the urine increases, leading to a higher likelihood of stone formation.

 

According to the recent three-year monthly patient statistics from the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, the number of patients with urinary stones was notably higher in August each year. In August 2023, the number of patients with urinary stones was 48,232, an 18% increase from 40,541 patients in January of the same year. Additionally, the number of patients receiving treatment in August has steadily increased over the past three years.

 

Professor Kim Myung-soo of Ewha Urology Hospital's Urinary Stone Clinic explained, "During hot summer days, sweating excessively and not consuming enough fluids can reduce urine volume and increase its concentration, promoting the formation of urinary stones." He also added, "Additionally, increased exposure to sunlight boosts vitamin D production, which enhances calcium absorption in the intestines, and this is considered one of the reasons for the rise in urinary stones during summer."

 

Neglect can cause permanent loss of kidney function

 

For small stones less than 5mm in size, sufficient treatment can be achieved with adequate hydration without special treatment. Therefore, even after diagnosis, patients often wait for natural expulsion rather than immediately undergoing treatment. However, if the stones are larger or do not pass naturally, active treatment is necessary. ☆The representative treatment for urinary stones is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, which helps break the stones into small pieces for easier expulsion. In addition, there are treatments such as endoscopic surgery that use lasers to break and directly remove the stones. The choice of treatment method is determined comprehensively considering the size and shape of the stones, the patient's condition, and in consultation with a specialist.

 

Professor Yoo Dae-sun of the Urology Department at Daejeon Eulji Medical Center warned, "If the blockage of urine is temporary, recovery will be quick, but if this condition persists for a long time, it can cause permanent damage to kidney function." He also cautioned, "Stagnant urine provides an environment where bacteria can proliferate more easily, so there is no guarantee against infectious diseases such as pyelonephritis."

 

■High recurrence rate... Prevention methods

 

Unfortunately, the recurrence rate of urinary stones is high. Even after treatment, about 7% of patients experience recurrence within a year, and it is reported that approximately 50% of patients experience recurrence within 10 years. Therefore, for prevention, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids. ☆Consuming about 2 to 3 liters of fluids per day is helpful. Additionally, reducing excessive intake of protein and sodium, and consuming fruits and vegetables rich in citric acid such as lemon, kiwi, and orange, are also important.

 

Additionally, regular exercise helps with weight loss and blood circulation, and promotes metabolic activity, which can reduce the risk of stones. However, high-intensity exercise may actually cause stones due to dehydration and other factors, so caution is needed when choosing the intensity of exercise.

 

Professor Ahn Soon-tae of the Department of Urology at Guro Hospital emphasized that "adequate hydration is the most important rule for kidney stones" and advised that "it is better to drink plenty of lukewarm water rather than coffee or sugary drinks."

 

camila@fnnews.com Reporter Kang Gyumin

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