Dehydration in Monsoon: How It Affects Kidney Stones and Urinary Health

The monsoon period is invigorating - cool breeze, cloudy skies, and no scorching heat of summer. While the weather may seem harmless, people forget one critical fact relating to health: you can still be dehydrated during the rainy season. While we might sweat less, you still continue to lose fluid through your skin and urine. And this occurs under the radar and can contribute to or worsen other urinary health problems during the rainy season, especially kidney stones.

Monsoon urinary disorders are much more common than most expect. With moist air, decreased water consumption, and possibly some increased infections, the kidneys and urinary tract are under more stress. Recognizing this seasonal trend can help minimize your discomfort, especially if you are someone prone to kidney stones or urinary infections.

Why Do We Get Dehydrated in the Rainy Season

Typically, people believe dehydration is a summer issue. Yet during monsoon season dehydration occurs for the following reasons: 

1. Decreased Thirst

Cool weather blunts the body's natural thirst drive. Although your body may need fluids, you simply don’t feel thirsty and do not drink.

2. Humidity

Humid air also decreases the evaporation of sweat. You might actually feel less sweaty or hot, but you are still losing fluids through sweating, and those lose is unperceived.

3. Decreased Water Consumption

As people feel “not thirsty” during monsoon, they simply tend to drink less water. Over time, therefore the kidneys are receiving less fluid to remove salts and toxins.

4. More Tea & Coffee

Rainy days may also increase caffeine-based beverages. The caffeine increases urine output, therefore further depleting fluid regain.The Relationship Between Dehydration & Formation of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones arise from minerals like calcium, uric acid, or oxalate concentrate within the 
kidney.

Dehydration during monsoon helps expedite the process.

1. Concentrated Urine 
When you are not consuming enough water to hydrate, urine will become darker and denser. This denser urine allows those minerals to become sticky and form stones. 

2. Slow Kidney Function 
Kidneys use water to filter excess salts out. When there is not enough hydration, the kidneys cannot filter properly, which can lead to the development of crystals. 

3. High Concentration of Oxalate 
Dehydration can eventually lead to the high concentration of oxalate in urine which can accelerate kidney stone formation. 

4. Not Urinating Often Enough 
With cooler weather people tend to hold their urine longer when they may normally urinate often. You hold your urine, minerals can become concentrated and lead to more kidney stones. 

Some of The Common Urinary Health Issues Associated With the Rainy Season 

The monsoon season tends to bring about a variety of urinary health issues. The most common are: 

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) 

The combination of humidity and wet clothing creates an excellent environment for the bacteria to grow in. This is even more if you are dehydrated and will increase the occurrence of UTIs. 

The most common UTI symptoms include: 

• Burning when you urinate 
• Frequent urge to urinate 
• Lower abdomen pain when you urinate 
• Cloudy and foul odored urine 

2. Kidney Stones

People with a family history of kidney stones or a history of their own in general should be particularly careful in the monsoon season because dehydration is a significant direct cause of 
kidney stones. 

3. Bladder Infections

People tend to drink less water in cold weather as they are less inclined to use bathrooms, which increases risks of bladder infections.

4. Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS)

And older adults may present with:

• Frequent urination,
• Urgency,
• Weak urine stream,
• Inability to feel emptying.

How Monsoon Foods Impact Your Kidney & Urinary Health

Things to avoid eating in monsoon to reduce the risk of kidney stones:

• Deep fried snacks (pakoras/samosas)
• More tea/coffee/carbons drinks than normal
• Foods high in oxalates such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate
• Very salty processed foods
• Safer things to eat in monsoon:
• Drinking warm water or herbal tea
• Eating more citrus fruits (citrate helps prevent formation of kidney stones)
• Eating hydrating foods (e.g., cucumber, watermelon, buttermilk)
• Less salt/fried food

Simple Tips to Prevent Urinary Problems in Monsoon

1. Hydration is Non-Negotiable

Drink 2–3 litres of water every day - even if you do not feel thirsty.

2. Monitor the Color of Your Urine

• Very Pale Yellow = Hydrated
• Dark Yellow = Dehydrated

3. Don't Hold your Urine
Go to the bathroom every 3–4 hours. Holding your urine encourages bacteria to grow.

4. Maintain good hygiene

Don't wear clothes that are damp, avoid sitting in damp spots, and clean yourself appropriately.

5. Limit Tea & Coffee

Caffeine has a diuretic affect, causing you to urinate frequently, leading to dehydration.

6. Increase Citrus

Drink lemon water, eat oranges, or sweet lime as these are high in citrate and greatly reduce the risk of kidney stones.

7. See a Specialist, if the symptoms persist

If you have pain, burning, or recurrent UTIs, you should see a medical specialist to address the problem.

When Should You See a Doctor?

You will need to see a Urologist immediately for; 

• Severe pain in the lower back going to your abdomen
• Blood in your urine 
• Pain with urination 
• Frequent urination or urgency to urinate
• Fever and chills (likely an infection)
• Nausea or vomiting with urinary pain
• Do not ignore early urinary symptoms during monsoon. 

Allowing symptoms to linger could lead to complications such as growth of a stone or bladded blockage due to infection, which can take a toll on your overall health.

The monsoon indeed brings relief from the heat and can be cool, but also increase urinary health problems during the rainy season. Increase in dehydration-related health issues appear to be the silent, and with significant impact of lower urinary tract symptoms. However, staying hydrated, maintaining good hygiene, and raising your awareness of urinary symptoms can help you feel good about your urinary health.
 

If you or someone you know is experiencing urine discomfort, symptoms of a kidney stone or repeat kidney infections, then it's crucial that you get expert medical care as soon as possible.

GEM hospital can provide timely diagnosis and treatment in the ED or inpatient service with heart, kidney and urinary care specialists, now until the end of monsoon.
 

You can Book An Appointment to protect you or a loved one during the monsoon season's challenges to your kidney and urinary health.