Italian Society of Nephrology raises the alarm: kidney stones and acute failure increase in hot weather
Summer heat stresses the kidneys
With summer comes not only holidays and sunshine but also greater risks for your kidneys. According to the Italian Society of Nephrology (SIN), hot weather and heavy sweating significantly raise the risk of kidney stones and acute kidney injury, especially among men aged 30–60 and older adults. This is becoming more common due to climate change and prolonged heatwaves.
Kidney stones: causes and symptoms
Kidney stones, or renal calculi, form when urine becomes too concentrated with salts and minerals. This happens often in summer, when dehydration due to sweating reduces fluid volume in the body. The result? Sudden, intense pain in the lower back, often radiating to the groin — a pain so severe it’s been compared to childbirth.
About 80–90% of stones are made of calcium oxalate or phosphate, while others contain uric acid or cystine. Stones under 1 cm in diameter may pass on their own, but larger ones might require shockwave therapy (lithotripsy) or even surgical removal.
Hydration is the best prevention
The best way to prevent stones? Hydrate. The SIN recommends drinking at least 3 liters of water per day during hot months. This helps the kidneys do their job regulating water, salt, blood pressure, and vitamin levels. Also helpful are fruits, vegetables, herbal teas, and potassium citrate supplements. However, be cautious with red meat, spinach, bran, and dried fruit if you’re prone to kidney stones.
Myth-busting: calcium isn’t the enemy
Many people mistakenly believe that reducing calcium intake helps prevent stones. In truth, calcium is essential for bone health, and cutting it may do more harm than good. The real enemy? Dehydration, not milk or dairy products.
Acute kidney failure in older adults
For the elderly, who often struggle to retain salt and fluids, acute kidney injury is a serious summer risk. In these cases, increasing salt intake may be necessary — but only under medical guidance and if blood pressure is normal and no heart or liver conditions are present.
Prevention is the best medicine
To improve patient care, the SIN has created a Preventive Diagnostic Therapeutic Care Pathway (PDTA) and distributed it to all Italian regions. A new law proposal aims to launch national screening programs through general practitioners for at-risk populations such as diabetics, hypertensive patients, the obese, and those with heart conditions.
WHO recognizes the urgency
On May 23, the World Health Organization officially recognized Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) as a global public health priority — a major milestone that enables stronger collaboration with national governments and institutions to enhance both primary and secondary prevention efforts.
10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are kidney stones?
Crystals formed by minerals and salts in the kidneys that can cause severe pain.
2. Why are kidney stones more common in summer?
Because dehydration leads to concentrated urine and crystal formation.
3. How much water should I drink?
At least 3 liters per day during hot months.
4. Do milk and dairy cause kidney stones?
No, calcium is essential for bones. Dehydration is the real cause.
5. Which foods are good for kidney health?
Fruits, vegetables, teas, and potassium citrate.
6. Which foods should I avoid?
Red meat, spinach, bran, and nuts if you’re at risk.
7. Who is at risk for acute kidney injury?
Mainly the elderly, especially during heatwaves.
8. How is kidney stone pain different from back pain?
Stone pain is sharp and causes restlessness; back pain often causes stillness.
9. How are kidney stones treated?
With medication, shockwave therapy, or surgery in severe cases.
10. Are there prevention programs in place?
Yes, the SIN has proposed screening and care plans at a national level.
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