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They've been described as being more painful than childbirth-what I'm talking about are Kidney
stones. And believe it or not-one common hot weather condition, dehydration, is one of the leading causes of this serious ailment that causes excruciating pain.
During the warmer months, people are more active; they sweat more and don't replenish enough of
their fluids causing dehydration. Dehydration basically increases the concentration of the substances that make up the stones which can include combinations of protein and various minerals such as calcium, magnesium and phosphate. Signs of an attack include; sudden, very severe pain, usually in the side radiating towards the groin. It occurs when a stone, which may have been there for weeks or months, gets stuck in the passage between the kidney and bladder and causes a blockage. There may also be visible blood, fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor or urologist...the first thing that needs to be done is some form of an x-ray or an ultrasound to figure out where the stone is and how large it is.
So for those of you who are susceptible or have a family history of kidney stones, the key way to
prevent new stones from forming is to be very well hydrated. Shoot for three liters of non- carbonated fluids per day. It's the easiest and most natural way to protect yourself from this painful condition. |
