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.

Urinary Stones | Tan Urology Kidney Stones Clinic

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.

If you have noticed blood in your urine or sharp lower abdominal pain, it may be an indication of urinary stones, and a urologist should be consulted for further evaluation.

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Types of Urinary Stones

01 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.

02 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.

03 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.

04 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.

05 Xanthine stones

Xanthine stones form when xanthine, a pigment found in certain foods and medicines, accumulates within the kidneys and forms crystals.

06 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.

Although 80% to 90% of urinary stones pass without severe issues, some patients may develop complications such as urinary tract obstruction and an upper urinary tract infection (UTI).

Book an appointment for early treatment for urinary stones.

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Factors That Increase The Risk of Developing Stones

Factors That Increase The Risk of Developing Urinary Stones

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.

While some of these risk factors may be beyond your control, there are still steps you can take to reduce your risk.

Book an appointment with a urologist for a personalised risk prevention plan.

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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
Urinating small amounts

Left untreated, urinary stones can block your ureters, which increases the risk of infection, kidney damage, and kidney failure.

We know how disruptive and painful urinary stones can be.

Let us help you recover to a stone-free life.

Location

6 Napier Road #05-03,
Gleneagles Medical Centre,
258499, Singapore

Phone	: +65 6732 6503
Email	: info@tanurology.com.sg