RAWALPINDI, Jan 05 (APP/DNA): As temperature drops in the peak winter season resulting people generally reduce water intake and remain indoors with heaters, a nephrologist has warned about the dangers of winter dehydration, which can lead to urinary infections, kidney pain, and other kidney related issues.
Dr. Adnan Khan, a specialist in kidney health, emphasized that everyone being properly hydrated is vital during the colder months to prevent these common yet avoidable issues.
In an exclusive interaction with APP here on Monday, Dr. Adnan highlighted how winter habits often lead to kidney problems.
“People either stop drinking water altogether or limit it to just two or three glasses a day, usually only with meals,” he said.
This low intake, he said, directly contributes to a rise in kidney-related complaints during the season.
“Normally, this leads to urinary tract infections (UTI), inflammation in the bladder or urinary passage, kidney pain or even the formation of kidney stones. The number of such patients increases significantly in winter”, he added.
The rise in complaints is directly linked to behavioral changes in cold weather, where individuals consume less fluid overall. To combat this, he recommended maintaining a daily water intake of at least 8 to 10 glasses, even in winter. He rejected a common myth that tea or coffee can fully replace water.
“To some extent, they help, but they cannot substitute for plain water entirely”, he explained.
By ensuring adequate hydration, he highlighted that people could avoid infections, stone formation, and recurrent kidney pain.
The ultimate action after the issues is experienced, is to report to the physician. “Ideally, consult a nephrologist or urologist nearby,” he said.
Dr. Adnan also advised initial pain relieing remedies including injections or medications. He further stressed the importance of follow-up care. “Once the symptoms settle and you feel relief, it is essential to see a specialist to check for any underlying kidney damage, stones, or other issues”, he said.
The doctor also addressed the role of indoor heating in dehydration risks. With doors and windows often closed, running heaters can dry out the air, leading to increased water loss through breathing. “Heaters reduce the humidity in the room, causing what we call insensible losses, more water evaporates from the body via respiration,” Dr. Khan explained.
This can heighten dehydration, further straining the kidneys. He advised for a small opening/ provision in the rooms or offices for ventilation.
” Running heaters etc it in a completely closed room is not good for overall health”, he added.
It is important to note that kidney disorders, often linked to lifestyle factors like hydration, affect millions of people globally.
Dr. Adnan, who practices in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad notes a considerable uprising in the cases during winter due to cultural habits of fluid intakes.
