4 TexasHealthHuguley.org Stay stone-free this season Summer can raise the risk of kidney stones Quenching your thirst isn’t the only reason to drink plenty of water in the summer. In hot places, like Texas, dehydration makes kidney stones more likely to form. When you don’t drink enough water, your urine becomes concentrated with minerals like calcium and oxalate, which can stick together to form tiny crystals that may eventually become stones. “It’s basic chemistry,” says urologist Christopher Buchanan, MD. Stones may sit in the kidney for years without symptoms until one moves into the ureters (tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder) and blocks the flow of urine. “And then, all of a sudden, that stone causes you severe pain because it’s in a narrow tube,” Dr. Buchanan says. Treating stones If you develop a troublesome stone, medicines can help it pass. Larger stones may need to be removed with ureteroscopy. Using a small scope, Dr. Buchanan goes through the bladder into the ureter, breaks the stone up with a laser and removes it in pieces. Symptoms of a stone Kidney stone pain typically begins in the side or lower back and may move toward the groin as the stone travels. The pain can be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. If symptoms are mild, you can call your doctor for advice. Seek immediate care for pain that’s severe or comes with a fever. To schedule an appointment, visit TexasHealthHuguley.org/Buchanan. Kidney stone quick guide Stay hydrated, and recognize when to seek care for possible kidney stones with these tips from Dr. Buchanan. Prevention starts with hydration: Drink more water— enough to produce about 2 to 2.5 liters of urine per day or slightly yellow (not dark) urine. Limit tea and soda. Sodas may dehydrate you, and tea contains oxalates. Consume less salt. A salty diet contributes to stones. Enjoy refreshing lemonade. Citric acid helps prevent calcium from binding to oxalate in urine to form stones.
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