It is estimated that 9% of people in the United States suffer from kidney stones and that they are more prevalent in males. Now this statistic is on the rise due to climate changes. As our planet becomes warmer, the days become hotter and dehydration, a known factor causing kidney stones, occurs more easily and frequently. Researchers at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia released a recent study showing how global warming might cause those who are already predisposed to get more kidney stones.
60,000 medical records of patients were studied in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta and Chicago that found a link between more hot days and kidney stones. As daily temperatures increase, there has been a rapid increase in the chance of patients having more kidney stones within the subsequent 20 days. In the study, kidney stones were most prevalent within 3 days of a hot spell.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are small hard deposits that can be extremely painful. They form inside of your kidneys when urine becomes highly concentrated with substances like calcium, oxalate and uric acid.
Are there different types of kidney stones?
Calcium Stones
The majority of kidney stones are classified as calcium stones which are usually in the form of calcium oxalate, a naturally occurring substance found in food. Nuts, chocolate and some fruits and vegetables are known to have high oxalate levels. The liver also produces oxalate.
Struvite Stones
These stones are the body’s way of responding to an infection like a urinary tract infection. Struvite stones can grow very quickly with few symptoms and little warning.
Uric Acid Stones
Uric acid stones are usually the result of dehydration, a high-protein diet and people who have a condition called gout. Genetics can also increase the risk of this type of kidney stone.
Cystine Stones
Cystine stones are caused by a hereditary disorder that causes the kidneys to excrete excessive amounts of certain amino acids (cystinuria)
What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
Symptoms that might occur:
- Severe pain below the ribs, on your sides and back
- Pain in the lower abdomen and groin area
- Waves of pain fluctuating in intensity
- Pain when urinating
- Colored urine (pink, red or Brown)
- Cloudy urine that sometimes has a bad odor
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent urge to urinate
- Urinating more frequently than normal
- Fever and chills (if you have an infection)
It is possible to not experience any symptoms until the stone moves around inside of your kidney or passes into the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder which is called the ureter.
It is also important to note that as a kidney stone passes through the urinary tract, the location of your pain may change location or increase in intensity.
When should I see a doctor?
Make an appointment with a Urologist New York at Luzato Medical Group if you experience any of the symptoms above.
If your pain becomes so severe that you cannot sit still, if you have blood in your urine or difficulty passing urine, please seek medical attention immediately.
A Urologist New York City at Luzato Medical Group can advise you on how to prevent and treat kidney stones.
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