Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys. These tiny crystals can be very painful when they move through the urinary tract. There are many facts about kidney stones that may come as a surprise to people who have never suffered from this painful condition. Here are some of the more intriguing and unexpected truths about kidney stones.
Types of Kidney Stones and Their Causes
The two most common types of kidney stones are calcium oxalate stones and struvite stones. Calcium oxalate stones account for approximately 75% of all kidney stones and form when the urine contains too much calcium and oxalate.
Struvite stones compose about 10-15% of kidney stones and are usually caused by a urinary tract infection. They develop due to high levels of magnesium, phosphate, and ammonium in the urine. Rarer types include cystine stones from a genetic disorder and uric acid stones from high urate levels.
Kidney Stone Treatment Options
Kidney stones were once managed simply by providing pain relief and trying to pass them naturally. However, multiple kidney stone treatment alternatives are now available. Small stones under 5mm have a good chance of passing on their own with medication assistance. Larger stones may require lithotripsy, which uses shock wave therapy to break up the stone into smaller fragments for easier passage.
Surprising Facts about Calcium Oxalate Stones
There is more than one type of stone: Calcium oxalate stone is the most common, but others include uric acid, struvite, and cystine, which have different compositions and causes.
Kidney stones can be almost any color: Depending on their mineral composition and the presence of molecules like magnesium, they may appear brown, tan, white, grey, or even bright orange.
Kidney stones can be many different sizes: They range from as small as a grain of sand to larger sizes over 1cm. Most pass on their own if under 5mm, but larger ones require external procedures.
Certain foods can cause stones but not calcium: High animal protein, sodium, vitamin C, coffee, and cola foods may promote stone formation by acidifying urine, albeit calcium intake alone does not cause them.
Water can stave off stones: Drinking fluids helps dilute substances in the urine to prevent supersaturation and reduce risk as dehydration increases concentrations.
Kidney stones are more common in summer and hotter climates: Higher fluid losses through sweating in heat stress the kidneys more, requiring increased fluid intake to compensate and avoid concentrated urine.
Once you have one stone, you’re more likely to have another: Existing stones may suggest an underlying issue increasing long-term risk, like gut absorption problems, that medical management aims to address for recurrence prevention.
Also Read: Calcium Oxalate Stones: Major Symptoms and Signs
Conclusion
Calcium oxalate stones are an extremely common condition affecting up to 1 in 11 people at some point in their lives. While they can cause severe pain, most cases are not life-threatening and many stones can be treated non-invasively. Small modifications to diet and fluid intake along with medication in selected cases can help prevent recurrences.
