Kidney stones, also known as renal lithiasis or nephrolithiasis, are hard deposits of mineral and salts which form in the kidneys. They can be caused by a wide range of factors and they can occur anywhere in the urinary tract. They often form when urine becomes concentrated and therefore conducive to the crystallization of minerals.
Passing kidney stones can be painful but oftentimes you just need to drink more water and take pain medication. In fact, research by the United Kidney Stone Research Council suggests increasing your water intake and adding citrus to your diet as simple ways to pass or break up kidney stones. For larger or more problematic stones, you may need surgery or other procedures. If you want to avoid all this, you need to prevent kidney stones from forming in the first place. It is therefore important to know what causes them.
Dehydration
If you don’t drink enough water or you don’t retain enough fluid, uric acid stones can form. People who live in warm climates and those who sweat a lot due to exercise, manual labor or health conditions may be at higher risk than others.
Urinary tract infections
Another type of stone forms in response to infections including those of the urinary tract. Struvite stones can grow quickly and become quite large and this happen with few symptoms being shown.
Hereditary conditions
Some people have a hereditary disorder that causes their kidney to over-produce certain amino acids. This can lead to cystine stones.
High oxalate concentration
Most kidney stones are calcium stones in the form of calcium oxalate. Oxalate is made by the liver and also found in foods like fruits, vegetables, nuts and chocolate. High doses of Vitamin D and metabolic disorders can push up the amount of calcium or oxalate in your urine.
Calcium stones may also take the form of calcium phosphate. This is common in metabolic conditions like renal tubular acidosis. It may also be connected to some migraine headaches and some medications which treat seizures.
Risk factors for kidney stones
In addition to these causes, there are several other risk factors for kidney stones. One of them is diet. Eating a high protein diet or one high in salt or sugar may increase your risk of developing certain types of kidney stones. Too much salt increases the quantity of calcium your kidneys must filter, and this increases the risk of kidney stones.
Obesity, digestive diseases and other medical conditions can also make kidney stones likely. A high body mass index, weight gain and a large waistline all boost the possibility that you can develop stones. Gastric bypass surgery, bowel disease and chronic diarrhea also cause changes in the digestive system which can affect the way you absorb calcium and water. Stone-forming minerals may therefore build up in your urine. Other diseases and conditions that may increase your risk of kidney stones include renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria and hyperparathyroidism.
If you’ve already had one or more kidney stones, there is a higher risk that you will develop another. Similarly, if someone in your family has them, you’re also more likely to develop them.
Now that you know the causes and risk factors associated with kidney stones, you’re better equipped to prevent and treat them.
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