Kinds of Kidney Stones

Many people discover the presence of kidney stones only when consulting a physician for related conditions like urinary tract infections or bloody urine. But, if a doctor suspects stones may be a problem, it's vitally important to gain knowledge of the kind of kidney stones you are predisposed to. That information could be the difference between bearable pain and complete agony.

Basics

• Kidney stones are bundles of waste products--hard mineral collections of calcium and other materials that grow in the urinary system. Eventually, it crystallizes into a stone that causes severe pain as it moves through the urine stream. They vary in size from grains of sand to small pebbles.

  The National Kidney Foundation reports more than 90 percent of stones pass naturally over a time frame of four to six weeks. When normal passage appears impossible, a medical procedure for removal of the stone will be employed.

Types

• The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases indicate four primary kinds of kidney stones.

  Struvite stones normally impact only females. These objects contain amounts of ammonia and magnesium and often form after a urinary tract infection. Occasionally, debris from the infection remains in the urinary system and stones eventually grow around this leftover waste. Struvite stones may grow to be exceptionally large, often inhabiting most of the kidney's urinary storage space. Thus, they normally are considered the most harmful and potentially dangerous.

  Calcium-oxalate stones form when there is an excessive amount of calcium or Vitamin D in your system. The amount of leftover calcium not used by bones and muscles is directed to the kidney. Normally, kidneys flush out excess calcium with urine but in some instances that calcium remains and combines with other waste to begin formation of a stone. Simply reducing calcium intake may not stop the stones from forming, and could be harmful, so consulting with a dietitian concerning calcium intake is important.

  Uric acid stones develop when your urine is especially acidic. This occurs primarily in people who indulge in too much red meat. Animal protein, in particular, breaks down into amino acids and encourages stones to form. Those who suffer from gout often develop stones of this sort.

  Cystine stones are extremely rare and primarily appear in people with a history of metabolic or genetic kidney disease. According to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research this genetic disorder "causes the kidneys to excrete excessive amounts of certain amino acids (cystinuria)."

Factors

• Kidney stones are most likely to develop in people with chronic urinary tract infections. Excessive use of over-the-counter pain medication is believed to contribute to stone formation. Those with urinary tract blockages who suffer from eating disorders, have a specific metabolic or genetic disease or consume too little fluid also see an increased risk. A history of kidney stones in the family is also cause for concern.

Dietary Factors

• The most common stone, the calcium-oxalate, forms not only as a result of excessive calcium, but also from eating foods with high concentrations of oxalate. Examples include tofu, oranges, leafy greens (like spinach), peanuts, instant coffee, beets, beans, rhubarb, berries, chocolate, grapes and draft beer. Too much salt also plays a part as it causes more calcium to be lost as waste, which raises the amount of calcium floating in the kidneys. Additionally, intestinal bypass surgery increases the risk of growing this sort of stone.

Fluids

• Kidney stone formation also occurs directly from not drinking enough fluid. Think of your urinary system as a large sewer network with the kidneys as the main processing plant. Waste material builds when the kidneys don't receive enough water to efficiently flush away excess buildup. Instead, the waste simply sits in the urinary system and grows painful kidney stones. Drinking at least 12 full glasses of water daily is suggested. Lemon-lime sodas, fruit juices and ginger-ale are acceptable but reduce cola, tea and coffee.