The lifetime risk of kidney stones among adults in the US
is around 9%, and apparently global warming may be increasing this risk. As the
temperature rises and climate becomes warm, humans are more likely to get
dehydrated, which increases the risk of stone formation.
There are four major types of kidney stones: calcium
oxalate/calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate)
and cystine.
Dehydration is a risk factor for all stones, regardless
of the type of stone. A person who is prone to kidney stones should be careful
to maintain good hydration.
A randomized trial has shown that drinking 2 liters of
fluid a day reduces the chances of stone recurrence by almost 50%. The American
Urological Association guideline for medical management of kidney stones also
recommends that patients who form kidney stones should aim to drink more than
2.5 liters of fluid per day.
All kidney stone sufferers should remember the phrase,
“Dilution is the solution to the pollution.”
Good hydration is a safe and useful therapy for all stone
formers. But, it is important to have a thorough discussion with a urologist
about the right approach to evaluation, treatment, and strategies to keep new
stones from forming (Harvard).
Dr KK Aggarwal
Padma Shri
Awardee
President Elect Confederation of
Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania
(CMAAO)
Group Editor-in-Chief
IJCP Publications
President Heart
Care Foundation of India
Past National President
IMA
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