Experts say that when one feels cold, one feels less thirsty, while there remains a lack of water in the body. There is less sweating, the air is dry and gradually the lack of water makes the urine thick. This condition is the biggest reason for the formation of stones. Doctors say that when elements like calcium, oxalate and uric acid accumulate in excess, the formation of stones increases.

Dr Bhavin Patel, a urology expert from Mumbai, told TOI that people unknowingly drink less water in winter and this situation increases the incidence of kidney stones. He told that excess salt, red meat, processed food and fried foods also increase the risk of stone formation. People who have already had stones, are obese, have diabetes or have high uric acid, the risk increases further in winter.

Scientific research also confirms that the cases of stones increase in cold weather. Many studies have found that people drink less water in winter, due to which mild dehydration persists for a long time. A 2014 study also revealed that stone cases increase in a seasonal pattern in cold weather. Other research has found that a diet high in salt and high protein also promotes stones, especially when less water is being consumed.

Kidney stone symptoms often begin suddenly. Sharp pricking pain in the back, stomach or waist, burning sensation while urinating, smelly or thick urine, feeling like vomiting or frequent urination, all these are warning signs. If blood is seen in urine along with pain, one should immediately contact the doctor, because stones can also block the ducts.

Sometimes small stones can be removed on their own by drinking more water, but treatment is necessary for larger stones. Doctors break and remove the stones as per requirement using shock wave, laser or endoscopic procedure. The sooner the diagnosis is made, the sooner one gets relief.

Doctors give some simple but effective advice to avoid stones in winter. Drink 10 to 12 glasses of water a day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Reduce salt and eat less packaged foods. Citrate present in citrus fruits like lemon and orange helps in preventing stone formation. Even a little physical activity every day keeps the kidneys healthy.

Overall, the risk of kidney stones increases in winter without any noise. Carelessness in drinking water, excess salt in food and less activity in the body due to cold increase the chances of stone formation.