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A 20-year-old woman in Tainan recently shocked doctors after being admitted to Chi Mei Hospital with fever and severe lower back pain. What initially seemed like a routine infection turned into an astonishing discovery when scans revealed more than 300 kidney stones lodged in her right kidney
The imaging showed her kidney was swollen and filled with stones ranging from tiny grains to clusters nearly two centimeters in size. Doctors described the stones as resembling “small steamed buns” because of their sheer number and unusual appearance.
Upon reviewing her lifestyle, specialists learned that the cause was not a rare disease but years of poor hydration habits. Instead of drinking water, she had relied heavily on sugary drinks like bubble tea, sweetened juices, and alcohol. This constant lack of water led to chronic dehydration, which caused minerals to crystallize in her urinary tract and form hundreds of stones
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Doctors treated her with a procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Through a small incision in her back, they used surgical tools to carefully extract the stones. The operation lasted about two hours, and more than 300 stones were removed. The patient recovered quickly, with her fever subsiding and her pain improving within days before she was discharged from the hospital
Though extreme, this case highlights the growing risks linked to high consumption of sugary drinks. Health experts warn that replacing water with sweetened beverages can significantly increase the likelihood of kidney stones, obesity, diabetes, and other chronic conditions
Tips for protecting kidney health:
Drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water daily
Limit sugary drinks such as soda, juice, and bubble tea
Eat a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables, and low sodium intake
Balance caffeine or alcohol consumption with extra water
Try naturally flavored water with cucumber or herbs for variety
Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms like back pain, fever, or blood in urine
This extraordinary case is a powerful reminder of how everyday habits can impact long-term health. Choosing water over sugary alternatives is a simple step that can protect your kidneys and prevent painful and dangerous complications
