In Taiwan, a 20-year-old woman named Xiao Yu couldn’t resist her love for bubble tea, but it led to a serious health issue. She ended up having more than 300 kidney stones, causing her severe pain and fever. Xiao Yu was admitted to Chi Mei Medical Centre in Tainan.
The doctors initially found her right kidney swollen and filled with stones through an ultrasound. The stones, ranging from 5mm to 2cm, were discovered via a CT scan. Xiao Yu also had an elevated white blood cell count. To address the issue, doctors provided antibiotics, drained fluid from her kidney, and performed minimally invasive surgery to remove over 300 kidney stones, which were described as resembling “small steamed buns”.
After the successful operation, Xiao Yu’s condition stabilized, and she was discharged after a few days of observation. Dr. Lim Chye-yang, the urologist who conducted the surgery, highlighted that 9.6% of people in Taiwan might develop kidney stones in their lifetime, with men being more prone than women. Typically, kidney stone cases occur in individuals aged 50 to 60, but Xiao Yu’s case was unusual due to her young age.
Dr. Lim explained that kidney stone cases are more prevalent in spring and summer when dehydration is common due to hot weather. Concentrated urine, a result of dehydration, can lead to the crystallization of minerals, forming stones. Xiao Yu’s habit of not drinking enough water and opting for bubble tea instead might have contributed to her condition.
Apart from dehydration, other factors contributing to kidney stones include genetic predisposition, chronic diseases, and diets high in calcium and protein. Dr. Lim emphasized the importance of staying hydrated, especially during hot weather, to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
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