Introduction
Oxalate, also known as oxalic acid, is a naturally occurring substance found in plenty in plants and humans. It's not an essential nutrient for people, and too much of it can lead to kidney stones. Oxalate acts by getting rid of extra calcium in plants by binding with it. That is why maximum high-oxalate foods are plant-derived. High oxalate levels can be found in tea, green leafy vegetables, raspberries, dates, and potatoes. Excess amounts of oxalate may bind to minerals like calcium in the gut and prevent the body from properly absorbing other nutrients in the digestive tract.
What Is Iced Tea Nephropathy?
Iced tea nephropathy is a type of oxalate nephropathy which is characterized by an acute or chronic decline in kidney function linked to the calcium oxalate crystals accumulation in the kidney tubules. Additionally, acute tubular injury and accompanying acute or chronic nephritis (inflammation of nephrons, a functional unit of kidneys) or fibrosis (loss of function with scar tissue formation) are common. This may occur due to excessive consumption of iced tea.
What Are the Causes of Iced Tea Nephropathy?
Oxalate and calcium are expelled in the urine continuously. They easily combine to form calcium-oxalate crystals. If the concentration of the oxalate is too high to be diluted, a tubular accumulation of calcium oxalate crystals is formed, leading to tubular injury in the kidney. Intake of a high amount of iced tea is linked to acute kidney injury, which can further progress to acute kidney failure.
Who Is at Risk of Iced Tea Nephropathy?
The risk factors of iced tea nephropathy are listed below:
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People who consume excessive amounts of iced tea or black tea.
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People having any kidney disorder.
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People who have high blood sugar.
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People who take any medicine which have toxic effects on the kidneys.
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People above the age of 60.
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People who have a high protein diet.
What Are the Symptoms of Iced Tea Nephropathy?
The symptoms of iced tea nephropathy are listed below:
- Sharp pain during urination.
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Recurrent urinary tract infections.
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Abdominal pain that is radiated.
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Burning during urination.
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Urine may be pink, red, or brown colored.
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Urine that is cloudy or has a bad odor.
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Having an ongoing urge to urinate, urinating more frequently than usual, or infrequently.
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Nausea and vomiting.
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Infection-related fever and chills.
What Are the Possible Complications of Iced Tea Nephropathy?
The possible complications of iced tea nephropathy are mentioned below:
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Kidney stones.
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Acute renal failure.
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Kidney inflammation.
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Chronic renal failure.
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Kidney infections.
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Death, seizures, and coma.
When to Get Help for Iced Tea Nephropathy?
In case of any of the signs listed below, seek immediate medical help:
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Fever.
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Chills.
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Swelling in the body.
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Nausea.
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Confusion.
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Seizures.
How Is Iced Tea Nephropathy Diagnosed?
Iced tea nephropathy is diagnosed in the following ways:
Routine diagnostic tests are listed below:
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Albumin Test in Urine - This examination reveals albumin, a blood protein, in the urine. Albumin is not typically removed from the blood by the kidneys. Unhealthy kidney function may be indicated by excessive protein in the urine.
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Urinalysis - The composition of urine is checked for the presence of oxalate sediments in it.
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Albumin-Creatinine Ratio - The chemical waste product called creatinine is what healthy kidneys remove from the blood. The amount of albumin in a urine sample in relation to the amount of creatinine is measured by the albumin-creatinine ratio. It serves as a marker for renal function as well.
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Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) - The doctor can determine the glomerular filtration rate of the kidneys by estimating the level of creatinine in a blood sample. Poor renal function is indicated by a low filtration rate.
Other diagnostic tests include:
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Imaging Test - To determine the shape and size of the kidneys, the doctor may use ultrasound and x-rays. The condition of blood circulation within the kidneys can also be assessed using MRIs and CT scans (computed tomography scans). Other image processing methods may also be used in certain circumstances.
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Renal Biopsy- Following the administration of local anesthesia, the physician may advise a kidney biopsy to obtain a sample of kidney tissue. A tiny piece of kidney tissue is then extracted by doctors using a fine needle for microscopic examination to check for the accumulation of oxalate calcium crystals in the kidney.
How Is Iced Tea Nephropathy Treated?
Iced tea nephropathy is treated in the following ways:
- Limiting the intake of foods that are rich in oxalates.
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Increased intake of water.
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Medications to drain out any accumulation of oxalate crystals and stones.
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Adding calcium to the diet binds with oxalates in the stomach which leads to the neutralization of oxalates in the stomach.
For advanced stages of iced tea nephropathy, the following treatment modalities are considered -
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Dialysis: Waste materials and extra water are taken out of the blood during this treatment.
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Transplant: Sometimes, the best course of action is a kidney transplant. Tests are used to decide who is a good candidate for transplant surgery.
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Symptom Management: Depending on the person's current health conditions, all symptoms are treated.
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Treatment of Underlying Conditions: Conditions leading to dehydration should also be recognized and treated with the proper medications. Among them could be over-the-counter medications.
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Surgical Removal- Excessively large and painful oxalate stones may need to be removed surgically.
How to Prevent Iced Tea Nephropathy?
Iced tea nephropathy can be prevented in the ways listed below:
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Instead of iced tea, consume milk tea as milk balances the oxalates present in the tea.
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Consume less amount of iced tea or black tea.
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Reduces the amount of oxalate consumption found in other food items like green leafy vegetables, potatoes, and dates.
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Drink plenty of water.
Conclusion
Iced tea nephropathy is an injury to the kidney because of excessive consumption of iced tea. It may cause the accumulation of oxalate crystals in the kidney. It is diagnosed by the presence of excessive oxalate crystals in the urine with the absence of protein. Kidney stones are painful and may cause recurrent urinary tract infections. Tea combined with milk causes the neutralization of oxalates and prevents any kidney damage. The decline in kidney function is referred to as nephropathy. End-stage renal disease, also known as kidney failure, is the last stage of nephropathy. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding oxalate-rich food helps in the prevention and progression of iced tea nephropathy.
