By Mr Karyee Chow, Consultant Urological Surgeon 

Summer brings sunshine, holidays, festivals, barbecues—and for a growing number of people, kidney stones. While many associate kidney stones with tropical countries, research and clinical experience are revealing a seasonal pattern right here in the UK. The reason lies in hydration, lifestyle, and a few summer-specific habits.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are solid deposits that form inside the kidneys when certain minerals in the urine, like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, become too concentrated. These minerals crystallise and form stones, which may remain in the kidney or travel into the ureter (the tube from the kidney to the bladder).

Some stones pass unnoticed. Others can block the urinary tract and cause sudden, severe pain, often described as one of the worst pains imaginable. Symptoms can include:

• Pain in the back or side, radiating to the groin

• Nausea and vomiting

• Blood in the urine

• Pain or burning during urination

• Urgency and frequency of urination

Summer spike: Why the incidence of kidney stones rises Urology departments across the UK, including in Manchester, consistently note an increase in kidney stone presentations in the summer months. Several factors contribute to this:

1. Dehydration

Warmer weather means we lose more fluid through sweat. If we don’t replace this our urine becomes more concentrated. This makes it easier for crystals to form. Tea, coffee, and alcohol may worsen the problem by acting as diuretics.

2. Outdoor lifestyle

Summer holidays, festivals, and days out often mean disrupted routines. People are more likely to skip meals or fluids during travel, forget to drink enough, or load up on barbecue food and alcohol—all of which can increase the risk of stones.

3. Dietary factors

Summer barbecues and fast food often involve red meat, processed snacks, and salty marinades. These can raise the levels of uric acid and calcium in the urine. Add to that a lack of fruit and vegetables, and the protective factors are reduced.

4. General lifestyle trends

Obesity and diabetes are well-established risk factors for kidney stones. Rates of both are increasing in the North of England and the UK. This is contributing to the general increase in the incidence of kidney stones.

What can you do to prevent kidney stones?

Simple changes, especially in summer, can dramatically reduce your risk of kidney stones.

1. Drink plenty of water

Aim for at least 2 litres of fluid per day, more during warm weather and if you’re active or sweating. Water is best. Keep a bottle with you and sip regularly. A good rule of thumb: if your urine is dark yellow, you need to drink more.

2. Watch what you eat 

Go easy on red meat, sausages, and salty snacks. Animal protein increases calcium and uric acid in the urine. Try to include vegetables, salads, and citrus fruits. Fresh lemon juice contain citrate, which helps prevent stones.

3. Cut down on salt

Salt also increases calcium in the urine. Check food labels, and avoid excessive use of sauces, crisps, and processed food.

4. Moderate alcohol and sugary drinks

Alcohol dehydrates you, and sugary carbonated drinks have been shown to increase your risk of stones.

5. Stay active

Exercise helps keep your metabolism healthy and supports kidney function. It is well established that the risk of stones is higher in people who are not mobile. But make sure you drink more to replenish the fluid loss through sweating. 

6. If you’ve had a stone before, be careful

If you’ve had a kidney stone in the past, your risk of getting another one is significantly higher. You may benefit from specific dietary advice, as well as blood and urine tests to check for any metabolic abnormality that would predispose you to developing kidney stones in the future.

Prevention is better than cure

Beyond the severe pain and disruption to daily life, kidney stones come with a financial cost to both individuals and the health service. Managing stones can require multiple GP appointments, A&E visits, numerous tests, specialist reviews, and sometimes surgical procedures. Interventions like shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy (telescopic operation) and keyhole surgery percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) are increasingly common. For recurrent stone formers, the impact on quality of life can be long term. 

Final thought

Summer is a time for enjoyment, not emergency hospital visits.  Whether you’re heading to the park or beach, firing up the barbecue, or just soaking up some sunshine, a little extra awareness and a few smart habits can prevent weeks of pain, days off work, and costly interventions.

­­Find out more at www.urologyclinics.co.uk  / Contact Urology Clinics Manchester e: info@urologyclinics.co.uk