As Southern California experiences ongoing high temperatures, health professionals are warning about the increased risk of kidney stones, a condition that can cause severe pain and is often overlooked compared to other heat-related illnesses.
Cedars-Sinai urologist Arash Akhavein, MD, explained the connection between hot weather and kidney stone formation. “Dehydration when you’re in drier, hotter climates is a big risk for the formation of stones. The more you sweat or lose fluids, the more concentrated your urine becomes,” Akhavein said. “When urine is too concentrated, it won’t dilute minerals effectively, and those are the conditions under which stones may form.”
Kidney stones are solid deposits made up of minerals and salts such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid. When these stones move into the ureter and block urine flow, they can cause intense pain.
Akhavein noted that several factors contribute to kidney stone development. “What makes people form stones can be multifactorial,” he said, adding that both diet and genetics play important roles.
Individuals with a family history of kidney stones or digestive disorders like inflammatory bowel disease or chronic diarrhea face higher risks. According to the National Kidney Foundation, about 10% of people will develop a kidney stone during their lifetime, with men being slightly more likely than women.
Treatment options depend on the size and severity of the stone. Some may pass naturally, but larger stones causing blockage or severe symptoms might require medical intervention. One common noninvasive procedure is shock wave lithotripsy, which uses sound waves to break up stones so they can pass more easily.
Akhavein also performs ureteroscopy frequently. This procedure involves inserting a scope through the urethra to break up and remove stone fragments using a laser while placing a temporary stent to help urine flow until swelling decreases.
For very large stones that cannot be broken down by other means, percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be necessary. This surgical method involves accessing the kidney directly through an incision in the back to remove problematic stones.
To reduce risk or recurrence of kidney stones, Akhavein recommends several strategies:
– Drink enough water: Healthy adults should aim for at least 2 ½ liters of urine output daily by drinking about 3 liters of water spaced throughout the day.
– Add citrus: Lemon or lime juice contains citric acid that helps prevent new stones from forming or existing ones from growing.
– Adjust diet: Limit foods high in oxalate (such as spinach and nuts), avoid excessive animal protein and salt intake while maintaining normal calcium consumption.
“You don’t need to avoid these things altogether,” Akhavein advised. “Everything is fine in moderation.”
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is located in Los Angeles and was founded in 1902. The hospital’s current president is Thomas M. Priselac. Cedars-Sinai has a pediatric ward and serves as a training hospital; its 2022 annual report recorded over 50,000 patient admissions for treatment during that year (https://www.cedars-sinai.org/about/annual-report.html).
More information on this topic can be found on the Cedars-Sinai Blog: What You Need to Know About Kidney Stones.
