High Temperatures Means High Risk for Kidney Stones and Urinary Problems for Women

Kidney stones and urinary difficulties are two urology issues that plague women most of time in the UAE as they are often plagued by high temperatures, and if left untreated, these conditions can be life-threatening. 

“When the heat is at its peak, most people experience dehydration, which can affect the vital organs of the body as kidneys and urinary tract,” said Dr Ahmad Al Tunji, Urology Specialist at Emirates Hospital – Day Surgery and Medical Center, Motorcity.

Kidney stones often form when urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals and salts to harden and bond together. Patients can often experience severe pain on one side or the other with nausea and vomiting. Though kidney stones also form due to genetic conditions, diet and lifestyle practices also contribute to the formation of stones. As per estimates, one in every 20 people develop kidney stones at some point in their lifetime.

“Kidney stones vary in composition, size and texture, and to avoid the risk of having a kidney stone, we recommend our patients to eat more calcium rich food, consume less sodium, eat less animal protein and limit the intake of coffee, tea and cola,” added Dr Tunji.

Image : EH-Motorcity Logo

Another common condition that affects most women in the UAE during high temperature seasons is the Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). It is a bacterial condition that affects the urinary tract and is the second most common type of infection in the body. According to the National Kidney Foundation, 1 in 5 women experiences a UTI at some point in her life. That's because women have a shorter urethra, which makes it all too easy for UTI-causing bacteria to pass through it and invade the bladder. 

“Lack of hydration is the key cause of UTI. While the effects of UTI can affect the physical capabilities of women, drinking adequate water can help prevent the risk of this condition. Therefore, it's important that there is enough of fluid intake, especially when the temperature is high as there is more loss of water,” said Dr Tunji.

It has been noted that as women get older, they experience some thinning of tissues in the feminine genital areas and bladder, which easily leads to a urinary tract infection. Prompt medical attention is necessary if the infection gets worse.

“We’ve observed that most women treat UTI very lightly and visit us only when the condition gets worse. Neglecting the problem for long causes deterioration in their condition, which otherwise could have been tacked with an early intervention. As such, it is very important to seek medical advice on time to combat the infection,” concluded Dr Tunji.