General cooling of the body’s core temperature can set off issues in the urinary tract, including cystitis and even acute infectious inflammation of the kidneys. This is the view shared by Ekaterina Korseva, a physician specializing in internal medicine and nephrology, who practices at the SM Clinic in St. Petersburg and spoke with the Doctor Peter portal about these risks.
Dr. Korseva emphasizes that dressing for cold weather matters. Wearing a light jacket, an open midsection, or fashionable but thin footwear in winter can be uncomfortable and not ideal for health. Yet she notes that simply exposing the kidneys to a chilly breeze does not automatically trigger a kidney cold. The real danger lies in a chain reaction: general body hypothermia can weaken immune defenses and set the stage for infections to take root more easily, which may worsen the condition of the genitourinary system.
The kidneys are relatively well protected against cold, particularly in individuals with higher body fat reserves. Nevertheless, when the whole body is chilled for extended periods, immune response becomes blunted. This drop in defenses can allow harmless bacteria that normally exist in or on the body to multiply more readily, potentially invading the urinary tract and associated organs. Infections can travel from the lower urinary tract upward, creating a broader health challenge that requires timely attention.
According to Dr. Korseva, the pathogens responsible for these infections are often bacteria that already live in the body without causing symptoms, sometimes lying dormant in the mouth, tonsils, or digestive tract. When the immune system is suppressed by cold or stress, these bacteria can awaken and begin to multiply, spreading to the urinary tract and other nearby organs. People with a hidden source of infection are at higher risk of developing a symptomatic problem once hypothermia sets in.
Cystitis, the inflammation of the bladder, can be more than an uncomfortable nuisance. In some cases, it is accompanied by pyelonephritis, a more serious inflammation of the kidneys described as an acute infectious process. Bacteria can ascend from the bladder into the renal system, or, less commonly, viruses like the Epstein-Barr virus can contribute to kidney involvement. Recognizing the early signs and seeking medical advice helps prevent the condition from worsening and promotes faster recovery.
Overall, the link between body temperature, immune function, and urinary tract health is significant. People who already carry a low-grade infection or dental, tonsillar, or intestinal issues are especially susceptible when cold exposure weakens their body’s defenses. Maintaining warmth, staying dry in cold weather, and addressing hidden infections promptly with medical guidance all play an important role in reducing risk and supporting kidney health over time.
In some patients, noticeable symptoms such as unusual odors from the body or breath can be signals worth discussing with a healthcare professional, as they may reflect broader health concerns. Regular medical checkups and early management of infections help protect the kidneys and urinary tract, especially during colder months when the risk of bodily hypothermia increases.