KIDNEY STONE: what causes it? Who is at risk?

Cause

Kidney stones often do not have a single definite cause, although some factors may increase the risk. Kidney stones are formed when urine contains more crystalline substances (such as calcium, oxalate and uric acid) than dilute fluids in the urine. At the same time, your urine may lack the substance that prevents crystals from sticking together, creating an ideal environment for Kidney Stones to form.

Kidney Stone Type

Knowing Kidney Stone types helps determine the cause and can give clues how to reduce the risk of Kidney Stones.

Kidney Stone types include:

• Calcium stones. Most Kidney Stones are calcium stones, usually in the form of calcium oxalate. Oxalate is a natural substance found in food. Some fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and chocolate, have high oxalate levels. Your heart also produces oxalate. Dietary factors, high doses of vitamin D, intestinal bypass surgery and some metabolic disorders can increase the concentration of calcium and oxalate in the urine. Calcium stones can also occur in the form of calcium phosphate.

• Struvite stones. Struvite stones are formed in response to infections, such as urinary tract infections. These stones can grow quickly and become quite large, sometimes with few symptoms or slight warning.

• Uric acid stones. Uric acid stones can form in people who do not drink enough fluids or who lose too much fluid, those who eat high-protein foods, and those who have uric acid. Certain genetic factors may also increase the risk of uric acid stones.

• Stone cystine. These stones are formed in people with congenital abnormalities that cause the kidneys to secrete too many specific amino acids (cystinuria).

• Other stones Other, rare types of kidney stones can also occur.

Risk factors

Factors that increase your risk of Kidney Stones include:

• Family or personal history. If someone in your family has Kidney Stones, chances are you also have a risk of having stones as well. If you already have one or more Kidney Stones, you are at high risk of developing another.

• Dehydration. Lack of drinking water every day can increase the risk of Kidney Stone. People who live in warm climates and those who sweat a lot may risk higher than others.

• Certain diet Eating foods high in protein, salt and sugar may increase the risk of some Kidney Stones. This is especially true with high-sodium diets. Too much sodium in your diet increases the amount of calcium that your kidneys must filter out and significantly increases your Kidney Stone risk.

• Overweight, with high body mass index (BMI), large waist and weight measurements were associated with an increased risk of Kidney Stones.

• Digestive diseases and surgery. Stomach bypass surgery, inflammatory bowel disease or chronic diarrhea can cause changes in the digestive process that affect your calcium and water absorption, raising the levels of stone-forming substances in your urine.

• Other medical conditions. Diseases and conditions that may increase your Kidney Stone risk include renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, hyperparathyroidism, certain medications and some urinary tract infections.

Prepare to see a doctor

Small Kidney stones that do not block your kidneys or cause other problems can be treated by your family doctor. But if you have a large Kidney Stones and experience severe pain or kidney problems, your doctor may refer you to a doctor who deals with problems in the urinary tract (urologist or nephrologist).

What can you do when you see a doctor?

• Ask if there is anything you need to do before meeting a doctor, such as limiting your diet.

• Record the symptoms, including those not related to Kidney Stones.

• Note how much you drink and urinate for 24 hours.

• List all the medications, vitamins or other supplements you consume.

• Ask a family member or friend to accompany you when you see a doctor.

• Write questions to ask your doctor.

For Kidney Stones, some basic questions include:

• Do I have Kidney Stones?

• What size is the Kidney Stone?

• Where is Kidney Stone located?

• What kind of Kidney Stones do I have?

• Do I need treatment to treat my condition?

• Do I need surgery or other procedures?

• What are my chances of getting another Kidney Stone?

• How can I prevent Kidney Stones next?

• I have other health conditions. How best to manage it?

• Do I need to follow the limits?

• Should I meet a specialist? If so, does insurance usually cover specialist services?

• Is there a generic alternative to the drugs you are prescribing?

• Do you have material information that I can carry with you? What website do you recommend?

• Do I need a follow-up visit?

Your doctor may ask

• When did your symptoms start?

• Are your symptoms persistent or occasional?

• How severe are your symptoms?

• What, if any, seems to improve your symptoms?

• What, if any, appears to aggravate your symptoms?

• Does anyone else in your family have Kidney Stones?