Women at greater risk for urinary infections than men: Urologist explains monsoon hydration

You may not feel thirsty or the urge to hydrate your body in the monsoon as much as you do in the scorching summer. However, health experts warn that staying hydrated is key even during the rains. Those who work in air-conditioned rooms or have busy schedules often forget to drink water at proper intervals. Dr KR Sajeesh, consultant urologist at the District Hospital, Palakkad, explains how to drink water properly this season. 

The right amount of water
It is important to drink 1.8–2.2 litres of water every day for optimal hydration. However, kidney patients, heart patients, and those with inflammatory diseases should seek a doctor’s advice before determining their hydration levels. Meanwhile, those with a kidney stone or other urinary infections should drink at least 3 litres of water. 

It is assumed that a healthy person will get adequate hydration if he/she drinks 100 ml of water per hour during waking hours. However, most people forget to drink water in the monsoon as they do not feel thirsty. Make sure to carry boiled and cooled drinking water whenever you go out. Not drinking enough water and thinking there wouldn’t be any public toilets would invite danger. Drinking sufficient water and then holding the urge to urinate may cause infections. Due to unique physiological features, women are at a greater risk of urinary infections than men. Not drinking sufficient water is the most common cause for kidney stones, their enlargement and subsequent infection. 

Symptoms
Know that you are not drinking enough water if your urine turns a dark yellow or if you experience pain or a burning sensation during urination. Drinking four or five litres of water, thinking that a hydrated body is always healthy, might put extra stress on the kidneys. Besides, it would also alter the amount of essential minerals like sodium. However, it is better to drink slightly more water than usual during pregnancy. 

When you are unable to eat, the water consumed with food is also limited, leading to dehydration. So, you should consciously drink more water to stay hydrated. Make it a habit to drink water at specific intervals. Moreover, ensuring that the drinking water is safe and clean is also a key factor.