Monsoon Mayhem: Why Mumbai is Seeing a Spike in Kidney Stone Cases

Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, August 19th 2025 at 10:06 GMT by Phil Bruner, Mid Day
^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

The relentless monsoon rains battering Mumbai aren't just impacting infrastructure; they’re also taking a toll on residents' health, specifically leading to a concerning surge in kidney stone cases. Doctors across the city are reporting a significant uptick in patients seeking treatment for this painful condition, prompting experts to issue urgent warnings and preventative advice.

The article published by Mid-Day highlights a worrying trend: an increase in new diagnoses and exacerbations of existing kidney stone conditions during the monsoon season. While kidney stones aren't exclusive to Mumbai or the rainy season, local medical professionals are observing a noticeable spike that demands attention. Dr. Ajay Jain, a nephrologist at Lilavati Hospital, estimates a 30-40% increase in cases compared to the pre-monsoon period. Similar observations have been echoed by doctors across various hospitals and clinics throughout the city.

Why the Monsoon Connection? The Science Behind the Stones.

The link between monsoon rains and kidney stone formation isn't immediately obvious, but several factors contribute to this unfortunate correlation. Dehydration is a primary culprit. The heavy downpour often leads people to reduce their water intake, assuming they’re adequately hydrated due to the humidity. This misconception is dangerous. When the body doesn't receive enough fluids, urine becomes more concentrated, leading to an increased concentration of minerals like calcium and oxalate – the building blocks of most kidney stones.

Dr. Smitha Shah, a urologist at Fortis Hospital, explains that “the humidity can be deceptive. People feel less thirsty, but they still need to drink plenty of water.” She emphasizes that adequate hydration helps flush out these minerals before they have a chance to crystallize and form stones.

Beyond dehydration, changes in diet during the monsoon season also play a role. The abundance of fried foods, sweets, and processed snacks – often consumed as comfort food during rainy days – can exacerbate the problem. These foods are typically high in sodium, oxalate, and purines, all known to contribute to kidney stone formation. Furthermore, increased consumption of tea and coffee, common beverages enjoyed during monsoon evenings, can also impact hydration levels due to their diuretic properties.

The article references a study by Dr. Pradeep Chowdry, a urologist at Hinduja Hospital, which suggests that the altered gut microbiome during the monsoon season might also be contributing to the problem. Changes in diet and humidity can disrupt the balance of bacteria in the gut, leading to increased oxalate absorption – another key factor in stone formation.

Types of Stones & Who's At Risk.

While calcium oxalate stones are the most common type, other types like uric acid stones (often linked to high purine diets) and struvite stones (associated with urinary tract infections) can also be triggered or worsened by monsoon-related factors.

The article identifies several groups particularly vulnerable to this surge in kidney stone cases:

Individuals with a history of kidney stones: These individuals are already predisposed and require extra vigilance during the monsoon season.
People with underlying medical conditions: Those with diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or gout are at higher risk due to metabolic imbalances that can contribute to stone formation.
Those who consume diets high in oxalate, purines, and sodium: A diet rich in these substances significantly increases the likelihood of developing kidney stones.
Individuals who don't drink enough water: Dehydration is a major trigger for stone formation across all demographics.

Prevention & Treatment: What Can You Do?

The good news is that preventative measures can significantly reduce the risk of developing or worsening kidney stones during the monsoon season. Experts recommend the following:

Hydration is Key: Aim to drink at least 2-3 liters of water daily, even if you don't feel thirsty.
Dietary Modifications: Limit intake of oxalate-rich foods (spinach, rhubarb, chocolate), purine-rich foods (red meat, organ meats, seafood), and processed foods high in sodium. Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables with a lower oxalate content.
Lemon Power: Drinking lemon water can help increase citrate levels in urine, which inhibits calcium stone formation.
Moderate Caffeine & Tea Intake: Be mindful of the diuretic effects of these beverages and compensate by drinking more water.
Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity is linked to increased risk of kidney stones.
Consult a Doctor: Individuals with a history of kidney stones or underlying medical conditions should consult their doctor for personalized advice and potential preventative medications.

For those already experiencing symptoms like severe pain in the back or side, blood in urine, nausea, and vomiting, prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent complications. Treatment options range from medication to manage pain and infection to procedures to break up or remove stones. The surge in kidney stone cases during Mumbai’s monsoon season serves as a stark reminder of the importance of proactive health management, particularly when environmental factors are at play. By understanding the risks and adopting preventative measures, residents can navigate the rainy season with greater peace of mind and protect their kidney health.

DIY Woodworking

Announcing The World''s Largest Collection of 16,000 Woodworking Plans

N※N

DIY Woodworking

DIY Woodworking

DIY Woodworking

DIY Woodworking

Monsoon Mayhem: Why Mumbai is Seeing a Spike in Kidney Stone Cases

DIY Woodworking