Severe Pain from Summer Dehydration...Suspect 'This Condition'[Kok!Health]

Urinary Stones Frequently Recur...
Prevention Starts with 2 Liters of Water a Day
Seek Medical Attention for Blood in Urine

During the hot summer months, people tend to sweat more and it is easy for the body to become dehydrated. Inadequate fluid intake can reduce the amount of urine produced, leading to concentrated urine and increasing the risk of developing urinary stones. If you experience sudden, severe flank pain, or if it is accompanied by hematuria or urinary disturbances, you should not dismiss it as simple muscle pain, but seek medical attention.

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According to Hyunyoung Lee, Professor of Urology at Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital, urolithiasis refers to the formation of stones in the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urine contains various components such as calcium, uric acid, and oxalate; when fluid intake is insufficient and urine output decreases, the concentration of these components increases, leading to crystal formation. When these crystals cluster together and grow, they become stones, which can then move along the urinary tract, blocking the flow of urine and causing pain.

Sudden flank pain is the classic symptom. The most characteristic symptom of urinary stones is intense pain in the flank that starts suddenly. As the stone moves down the ureter, pain may radiate to the lower abdomen or groin. Patients may also experience hematuria, frequent urination, painful urination, as well as nausea or vomiting.

If left untreated, urinary stones can cause more than just pain. Persistent blockage of the ureter by a stone prevents smooth urine drainage, which places pressure on the kidneys and can impair kidney function. If a urinary tract infection develops simultaneously, it may progress to pyelonephritis or pyonephrosis, and in severe cases, can even lead to sepsis, making proper treatment essential.

Since urinary stones have a high recurrence rate, it is important to manage your lifestyle even after treatment. The most basic preventive measure is adequate hydration. Drinking about 2 liters of water a day helps increase urine volume, lowering the concentration of substances that form stones. However, if you have heart or kidney disease that requires limiting fluid intake, you should consult medical professionals to adjust your water intake accordingly.

Hyunyoung Lee, Professor of Urology at Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital. Soonchunhyang University Seoul Hospital

Dietary habits should also be managed. Salty foods can increase the excretion of calcium in urine, thereby promoting stone formation, so it is best to eat less salt. Depending on the type of stone, a tailored diet may be necessary, such as limiting foods high in oxalate or excessive animal protein intake. Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and receiving periodic follow-up exams after treatment can also help prevent recurrence.

Professor Lee stated, "Urolithiasis can cause intense pain, but the risk can be reduced through adequate hydration and healthy lifestyle habits. If you experience sudden flank pain, blood in the urine, or urinary disturbances, do not endure it—seek an accurate diagnosis and treatment from a specialist."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.