Kidney Stones & Urinary Tract Infections

While a urinary tract infection is not the exclusive incident leading to the development of kidney stones, it is one of the primary causes. However, other precautions can help avoid the onset of these painful growths.

Origin

• Kidney stones are mineral deposits of waste products comprised of excessive calcium, protein and chemicals in the urine. These bond together, forming into a stone that causes intense pain as it moves through the urine stream.

Infection

• Chronic urinary tract infections are one of the key causes of kidney stones. Many individuals suffer no symptoms of pain and discover the presence of stones only when consulting a physician for related conditions like urine in the blood or urinary tract infections.

Debris

• After a urinary tract infection has passed, some debris remains in the system. It is believed that waste products then form around this debris, encouraging the growth of kidney stones.

Struvite

• Of the four main types of kidney stones, "Struvite stones are almost always associated with certain urinary tract infections," according to physicians at the University of Maryland Medical Center. This type of stone affects more women than men.

Other Risks

• In addition to urinary tract infections, those who engage in too little exercise, misuse certain medications, have urinary tract blockages, suffer from eating disorders, don't drink enough liquids, and have a family history of kidney stones are at higher risk of developing stones.