What causes kidney stones? The powerfully painful condition is said to be more intense than labor and delivery, making it one of the most painful experiences a person can have. Knowing what causes kidney stones to form in the first place may help people at risk for developing them to find ways of preventing the condition from occurring.
What is a Kidney Stone?
Crystalline formations develop in the kidneys or in the urinary tact. The material is very hard and when it passes through the urinary tract, the pain is excruciating. The pain is the most significant sign that the stones have formed but it is also a common reason that a person may find blood in his or her urine. Pain occurs in the groin, flank or abdominal area.
Two main types of kidney stones exist:
• Urolithiasis stones form in the urinary tract.
• Nephrolithiasis stones form in the kidneys.
Anyone experiencing the painful condition knows how intense the discomfort is but they may not be aware of the reasons that they kidney stones developed in the first place. While there are no absolute approaches to preventing the condition from occurring, knowing the causes may help in some cases.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
Stones are commonly formed from calcium mixed with phosphate or oxalate. Some stones are made from the amino acid cystine and others may be comprised of uric acid.
The formation of stones may pass through the urine unnoticed. However, if there is not enough urine in the bladder and urinary tract, the stones can become more prominent.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a considerable problem when it comes to this painful condition. The lack of fluids in the urinary tract makes passing kidney stones, including small ones, very painful. In addition, when urine is restricted on a regular basis, kidney stones can form.
Infection
An infection in the urinary tract can cause struvite stones to form. Struvite stones are formations that develop as a result of infection and they are often referred to as “infection stones”.
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions can lead to the formation of kidney stones. Anyone with the following conditions may be at risk for developing this painful problem:
• Hypercalciura is high levels of calcium in the urine.
• Gout can produce high levels of uric acid in the urine.
• Inflammatory bowel disease may increase risk of kidney stones.
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Hyperparathyroidism and other metabolic diseases
Medication
Certain medications can lead to the development of kidney stones in some people.
• Diuretics
• Crixivan
• Antacids containing calcium
Risk Factors
In addition to the causes of kidney stones, it is important to consider the following risk factors:
• Males older than 40 years
• Caucasians
• Family history of kidney stones
• Personal history of more than one kidney stone episode
• Too much protein in diet
• Too little fluid intake
• Kidney abnormalities
Kidney stones may not always be preventable but an intelligent approach it so make sure that you are getting enough fluids. Staying properly hydrated can make the possibility of keeping kidney stones at bay much higher.
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