Bengaluru doctors flag surge in kidney stones, urinary tract infections ahead of peak summer

Bengaluru: With temperatures already inching up, doctors in Bengaluru are noticing an early surge in cases of kidney stones and urinary tract infection (UTI) — two conditions closely linked to dehydration, sedentary lifestyles, and the rising prevalence of diabetes and obesity.Hospitals say the trend, usually seen during peak summer, has begun weeks in advance this year. While winter typically sees about one kidney stone case a day, that number often doubles during the hotter months, pushing monthly cases to 50-60. Dr Rajeev Bashetty, consultant urologist, said: "Low water intake is among the most significant causes. Excess consumption of non-vegetarian food, especially red and organ meat, high-salt junk food, and a sedentary routine also contribute to stone formation. In Bengaluru, many urban professionals, particularly tech workers who sit for long hours with very little physical activity, are therefore at higher risk."
Echoing this trend, Dr Govardhan Reddy, director of renal transplant, uro-oncology, urology and andrology at Sakra World Hospital, said he is currently seeing 1-2 kidney stone cases a day. While kidney stones often present with severe abdominal pain or blood in the urine, doctors warn many cases remain silent. Increased use of routine health check-ups and ultrasound scans has led to a rise in the detection of asymptomatic stones. "Stones that remain inside the kidney may not cause symptoms unless they block the ureter, the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder. I have seen patients with stones as large as 3–4 cm who had no symptoms. However, untreated stones can lead to recurrent UTIs and, over time, may damage kidney function," Dr Bashetty said.Kidney stones can increase vulnerability to infection. "Most patients we see with UTIs have underlying risk factors such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, prior urinary obstruction due to stones, or prostate-related issues in men. During summer, dehydration increases stone formation, which can obstruct urine flow and predispose patients to UTIs," said Dr Prashant G Kedlaya, professor and head of nephrology at St John's Medical College and Hospital.Women continue to be the most affected group when it comes to UTIs. According to Dr Govardhan, shared office or public washrooms, especially during travel, may contribute in some cases, though they are not the sole cause. It can also be sometimes linked to increased sexual exposure and a condition commonly referred to as honeymoon cystitis.Doctors are also seeing more recurrent and difficult-to-treat UTIs. "This may be related to excessive or inappropriate antibiotic use in the community, including higher-end antibiotics. While the exact cause is uncertain, the trend of resistant and recurrent infections is clearly increasing," Dr Govardhan said.