Understanding Urinary Stones

Urinary tract stones, also called renal calculi, are hard deposits of minerals and proteins that can form in different parts of the urinary system as a result of a chemical imbalance. The urinary system comprises two sections: the upper and lower urinary tract. The kidneys and ureters make up the upper urinary tract, while the bladder and urethra make up the lower urinary tract. Depending on their location, urinary tract stones can be classified as kidney stones, ureteral stones, or bladder stones. These deposits vary in size and shape and may require medical intervention if they become large enough to cause blockages or potential infections.

What Are The Different Types Of Urinary Stones?

(1) Calcium stones - Calcium stones are the most common type of urinary stones and can form due to an excess of oxalate, commonly found in some fruit, vegetables, nuts and chocolate. (2) Uric acid stones - Uric acid stones form when uric acid accumulates in the urinary tract. They are more common in people whose diets are high in purines or who have gout. (3) Struvite stones - Struvite stones (also known as infection stones) form due to a bacterial infection that causes an increase in alkaline substances such as phosphate and magnesium. (4) Cystine stones - Cystine stones form due to cystinuria, an inherited disorder in which the kidney excretes a high level of a specific amino acid that crystallises and forms stones. (5) Xanthine stones - Xanthine stones form when xanthine, a pigment found in certain foods and medicines, accumulates within the kidneys and forms crystals. (6) Silica stones - Silica stones form when silica minerals accumulate in the kidney and form crystals that can lodge within the urinary tract. These stones tend to occur in people with certain medical conditions.

What Are The Factors That Increase The Risk of Developing Stones

(1) Family or personal history - If someone in your family has had kidney stones, you are at higher risk of developing them too. If you have already had kidney stones before, you are also more likely to get them again. (2) Dehydration - Not drinking enough fluids can cause urine to become concentrated, leading to the formation of stones. The risk may be higher if you live in warm climates and perspire a lot. (3) Certain diets - Certain diets that are high in animal protein, salt, sugar, and oxalate (such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate) can increase your risk of stone formation. (4) Obesity - Obesity, a high body mass index (BMI), a larger waist size, and weight gain have all been associated with an increased likelihood of developing urinary stones. (5) Digestive diseases and surgery - Digestive diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, and gastric bypass surgery can affect your body’s absorption of calcium and water. (6) Certain medical conditions - Medical conditions that may increase your risk of developing stones include renal tubular acidosis, hyperparathyroidism, gout, cystinuria, certain medications and UTI.

Do I Have Urinary Stones?

Symptoms of a kidney stone may not manifest until it shifts within the kidney or travels into the ureter - the conduit that links the kidney and bladder. Once this happens, the following signs and symptoms may present themselves: Pain in the side and back, below the ribs, Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, Nausea and vomiting, Fever and chills, Frequent urge to urinate, Cloudy or foul-smelling urine, Blood in the urine, and Urinating small amounts