Medically Verified By: Dr Vijay Kumar Sarma Madduri, consultant urologist at Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Hyderabad
Infection in the bladder results in a burning sensation while passing urine, lower abdominal pain and discomfort, and sensation to pass urine frequently. (Photo: Freepik)
Urological problems in monsoon season: There are many problems that are seen in the monsoon season, owing to a rise in humidity levels in the air. Cold and cough, the flu, bacterial and viral infections, respiratory issues, foodborne illnesses and vector-borne diseases are common in the rainy season, but the one less-talked-about aspect is urological health. Dr Vijay Kumar Sarma Madduri, consultant urologist at Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology, Hyderabad says there are four main urological problems that are seen in the monsoon. Read on to find out more about them.
There is a steep rise in urinary tract infections during the rainy season, because of dampness and humidity, which leads to the accumulation of sweat in genital area, providing an ideal condition for the growth of bacteria like E.coli, the most common organism causing UTI. "Sudden weather changes can cause weakened immunity and increased susceptibility to UTI. People drink less water during rainy season, leading to dehydration, which can increase incidence of UTIs," the doctor says, adding that most commonly, infection in the bladder occurs (cystitis), which results in a burning sensation while passing urine, lower abdominal pain and discomfort, and sensation to pass urine frequently. If these symptoms are ignored, cystitis may progress to pyelonephritis (infection in kidney) causing flank pain, fever, chills and vomiting, Dr Vijay warns.
According to the doctor, the rainy season also increases the problem of passing urine frequently, or having the urge to pass urine, which is difficult to defer. Sometimes, it causes involuntary passage of urine (incontinence). "All these are more commonly seen in older men who also have an enlarged prostate," the doctor states.
Increased sweating due to humidity can predispose one to genital skin infections like candidiasis. Many kinds of rashes -- some of which may cause itching -- are also commonly seen during the monsoons, the doctor says.
Since people feel less thirsty during the rainy season, they end up drinking less water. This leads to dehydration and saturation of urine with stone forming crystals. "These crystals may subsequently form stones in the urinary tract. Such stones may cause urinary obstruction leading to pain, fever and urinary tract infection," says the urologist.
The urologist suggests taking care of urological health in monsoon season by being mindful of the following things:
"By following these precautions, urological problems can be prevented and if at all they arise, they can be treated promptly," the doctor concludes.
