August is the peak month for developing kidney stones. Heat, humidity, and dehydration, along with obesity, sedentary lifestyle, family history, gout, repeated urinary tract infections or a diet high in sodium and protein can increase the risk of kidney stones. Diabetic patients may have acidic urine which also increases their risk. Children are at increased risk of developing kidney stones due to the rise in diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
As many as 13 percent of men and 7 percent of women are at risk of developing a kidney stone sometime during their life. The most common age to develop a kidney stone is between the ages of 30 to 50. Those who have had kidney stone in the past are more likely to develop them again. Most kidney stones are due to excess calcium oxalate in the system. Others form from struvite, uric acid, or cysteine.
There are easy steps you can take to prevent kidney stones. Staying well hydrated is the most effective way to prevent kidney stones, especially for those at higher risk. An 8-ounce glass of non-caffeinated fluid with each meal, and between each meal keeps the urine dilute which helps prevent kidney stones. Low salt and reduced animal protein intake also can be beneficial. Dietary calcium in general reduces the risk while supplemental calcium can increase the risk of kidney stones forming.
We recommend seeing a doctor if you think you have a kidney stone. Kidney stones can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine and infection. Based on your symptoms, additional tests might be needed to confirm if you indeed have a kidney stone. If left untreated, kidney stones can result in serious kidney damage.
