Kidney stones are solid deposits of minerals that form in the kidneys, also referred to as renal calculi. There can be various types of crystals, with the most abundant crystal determining the type, and it helps to know kidney stone causes.
Depending on the size of the stone, it can exit one’s body by traveling through one’s urinary tract when urinating. Less often, the stones are too large and do need to be removed surgically. Kidney stones are frequently very painful and can mean visiting the emergency room.
Kidney stones are a health problem that cannot be ignored, and proper care should be taken. Why so?
Risk factors for kidney stones include:
- Prior history or even family history.
- Dehydration.
- Diets that include high protein, salt, or even sugar.
- Obesity.
- Diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Cystinuria.
Types of kidney stones
- Calcium stones.
- Uric acid stones.
- Struvite stones (triple phosphate, or even magnesium ammonium phosphate).
- Cystine stones.
Calcium stones are common types and are divided into two subgroups based on the molecules they happen to be made from:
- Calcium oxalate.
- Calcium phosphate.
Different types of stones can form crystals of different shapes. Few types are more common than others. They might be present at different ages, occur more frequently in men or women, or have different rates of recurrence (the chances of having another kidney stone later).
Kidney stone treatment
Once a kidney stone is formed, the treatment will be the same, despite the type of stone it is. It will be highly dependent on the size of one’s stone.
The tube that moves urine from the kidney to one’s bladder is known as the ureter. The average ureter does have an internal diameter of just 3 mm to 4 mm.
For stones that are small enough to pass via one’s ureter, the least invasive treatment is to pass them naturally. A healthcare professional can recommend drinking lots of water. The person might also take medication to help manage pain or even reduce urine acidity. This can take from 4 to 6 weeks.
Larger stones require immediate treatment.
Lithotripsy is an outpatient procedure made to break kidney stones into smaller pieces so they can pass on their own.
Cystoscopy or ureteroscopy can be used to remove or break up kidney stones. During such procedures, a doctor inserts a special instrument via one’s urethra to reach the stone.
For very large stones, a person may need to have them surgically removed with a procedure known as a percutaneous nephrolithotomy.
Larger stones will need more immediate treatment.
Causes of kidney stones include
A high concentration of crystal-forming substances (such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid) in urine is a cause.
- Lack of substances that prevent crystals from sticking together.
- Drinking too little water.
- Exercise (too much or too little).
Kidney stone causes are indeed manifold.
Conclusion
Kidney stones are hard collections of salt and minerals that form in your kidneys and can travel to other parts of your urinary system.
Stones cause symptoms like pain, trouble urinating, cloudy or smelly urine, nausea, and vomiting.
Diet, excess body weight, a few medical conditions, and certain supplements as well as medications are among the several causes of kidney stones. Kidney stones can indeed affect any part of one’s urinary tract, from one’s kidneys to one’s bladder. Often, the stones form when the urine does become concentrated, thus allowing minerals to crystallize and also stick together.
