Monsoon and UTIs: The overlooked risk that could harm your kidneys

UTIs surge in the rainy season due to humidity, wet clothes, and poor hygiene. Left unchecked, they can lead to serious kidney problems. (Image: Pexels)

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) typically rise significantly during the wet months of the year, and this is not just coincidental. Across clinics and hospitals, urologists see a higher number of UTI cases as soon as the rains start to come down. With the availability of data, one can see the increase in UTI cases year over year for the month of September onward. As the season progresses to eventually a blistering hot summer, a multitude of patients, particularly women, reported mild symptoms that progressively escalated to pelvic pain, discomfort, and increased frequency of urine voiding.

What is it about the rainy season that appears to increase the susceptibility of the body to infections? How could a mild case of UTI with complaint of just frequency be leading to serious complications? Could getting caught in the evening rain or utilizing a public restroom be triggering something as cumbersome as a urinary tract infection? These are just a few of the concerns that experts have to sift through year after year during this rainy and uncertain time!

While many people feel UTIs are just minor nuisances, health experts communicate if left unaddressed for too long, there are serious health concerns. There are frequent reports of untreated infection complaints evolving into bladder complications, which might see irreversible damage to the kidneys as well.

Realizing a deeper connection among the seasonal fluctuations/changes with acts of communicating urinary health may be beneficial in the long run, says Dr. Mangesh Patil, Urologist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai.

Also Read: 7 Unmissable tips to keep children safe from waterborne diseases this monsoon

Why UTIs Get More Frequent In Monsoon:

1. Humid Climate Is Conducive to Bacteria

Rain, wet air, and increased air humidity promote the proliferation of bacteria, particularly in the genital area.

2. Wet Clothes and Lack of Personal Hygiene

Individuals typically spend several hours changing to dry attire after getting soaked in the rains. This supports bacterial multiplication, raising chances of infection.

3. Source of Bacteria in Water

Waterlogged roads and flood largely translate into increased probabilities of bacterial pollution in water for drinking or bathing purposes.

4. Women and Vulnerable Men Are at Greater Risk

As women possess a shorter urethra, they become more vulnerable to UTIs biologically. Men with prostate issues and diabetic men are also more susceptible.

How UTIs Can Advance to Kidney Problems:

1. Infections Can Move Upward

Unless treated, a lower UTI (bladder/urethra) can ascend to the kidneys and lead to pyelonephritis—a far more serious complication.

2. Signs of Involvement of the Kidneys

Fever, pain in the flank, vomiting, and chills can be signs of a kidney infection. These are a call for immediate medical aid.

3. Permanent Damage to the Kidneys

Delayed or inadequate treatment can lead to scarring of the kidneys, compromised renal function, or even life-threatening sepsis.

4. Increased Risk in Certain Groups

Individuals with diabetes, kidney stones, or anatomical problems are at higher risk for complication. UTIs can go undetected but quietly develop into kidney disease in children and the aged.

Prevention and When to Ask for Assistance

1. Dry Up and Practice Genital Hygiene

Shower off damp clothes in a hurry and wash the genital area firmly but regularly.

2. Do Not Self-Treat

Self-medicating conceals the symptoms and postpones effective treatment.

3. Consume Ample Amounts of Safe and Clean Water

This serves to wash out the bacteria from the urinary tract prior to nesting.

4. Don't Ignore Early Symptoms

Painful urination, frequency, urgency, and cloudy urine must be examined promptly by a medical professional.

5. Undergo a Urological Check-up If Necessary

Chronic infection may need imaging and testing to exclude underlying causes.

A monsoon UTI may be small to begin with, but left untreated, it can create some major kidney issues. Catch it early, treat it right.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis