Learn about kidney stones (renal calculi), hard deposits of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. Discover their causes, symptoms, treatment, and how to prevent recurrence.
Kidney stones or nephrolithiasis are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys, causing severe pain and discomfort. They can vary in size and may lead to complications if not treated properly. This guide provides an overview of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and effective treatment options for kidney stones.
Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis, are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. These solid masses can range in size from a tiny grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. Kidney stones develop when substances such as calcium, oxalate, urate, cystine, xanthine, and phosphate crystallize in the urine, form solid deposits. It typically occurs when there is an excess of waste and too little liquid in the urine, leading to the crystallization of these substances. After it is formed, the stone may stay in the kidney or travel down the urinary tract into the ureter.The word nephrolithiasis comes from “nephro,” which means kidney in Latin, and “lithiasis,” which is a medical term for stones.
Kidney stones can form anywhere in the urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Small stones may pass through the urinary system unnoticed, while larger stones can become lodged in the ureter, causing pain and obstructing urine flow. This blockage can lead to complications such as kidney infections and impaired kidney function.The presence of kidney stones is often associated with severe pain, particularly when passing through the urinary tract. In most cases, small kidney stones can pass naturally through increased fluid intake and pain management. However, in cases where stones become lodged, are associated with urinary infections, or cause complications, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Kidney stones are a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide. Approximately 1 in 10 individuals will develop a kidney stone during their lifetime. The incidence of kidney stones is notably higher among individuals assigned male at birth, particularly those in their 30s and 40s. Additionally, non-Hispanic white individuals have a higher prevalence of kidney stones compared to other racial or ethnic groups.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. A family or personal history of kidney stones is a significant risk factor, as individuals with a history of stones are more likely to develop them again. Dehydration is another major contributor; inadequate water intake leads to concentrated urine, which promotes stone formation. People living in hot, dry climates or those who sweat excessively are at a higher risk.
Having a blockage in your urinary tract.
Certain medications such as diuretics, calcium-based antacids, some antiseizure medications
Certain health conditions increase risk and include:
Kidney stones develop due to a combination of genetic predisposition, dietary habits, dehydration, medical conditions, and certain medications. Understanding these factors can help individuals take preventive measures to reduce their risk of developing kidney stones.
Dehydration
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of kidney stones. Insufficient fluid intake leads to concentrated urine, which increases the likelihood of mineral crystallization and stone formation. People who live in warm climates, engage in excessive sweating, or do not drink enough water are particularly at risk.
Dietary Factors
Diet plays a critical role in kidney stone formation. Consuming certain foods in excess can increase the likelihood of developing stones. Key dietary contributors include:
Certain medical conditions increase the likelihood of kidney stone formation, including:
Certain medications and supplements contribute to kidney stone development, including:
Kidney stones can be classified into several types based on their named composition. The main types include:
Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stone, typically composed of calcium oxalate. Oxalate is a naturally occurring substance produced by the liver and absorbed from dietary sources, including certain fruits, vegetables, nuts, and chocolate. Factors such as high dietary oxalate intake, excessive vitamin D supplementation, intestinal bypass surgery, and metabolic disorders can elevate calcium or oxalate concentrations in urine, increasing the likelihood of stone formation.Calcium phosphate stones are another form of calcium-based kidney stones. These stones are more commonly associated with metabolic conditions such as renal tubular acidosis. Additionally, certain medications used to treat migraines or seizures, including topiramate (Topamax, Trokendi XR, Qudexy XR), may contribute to calcium phosphate stone formation.
Struvite stones develop in response to urinary tract infections (UTIs). These stones can grow rapidly and become quite large, sometimes with minimal symptoms or little warning. Struvite stones are more common in individuals who experience recurrent bacterial infections in the urinary tract.
Uric acid stones can form in individuals who lose excessive fluid due to chronic diarrhea or malabsorption, consume a high-protein diet, or have conditions such as diabetes or metabolic syndrome. A genetic predisposition may also contribute to the development of uric acid stones. These stones form when urine becomes excessively acidic, often due to a diet rich in purine-containing foods, such as red meat, shellfish, and organ meats.
Cystine stones occur in individuals with a hereditary disorder known as cystinuria, a condition that leads to excessive excretion of cystine, an amino acid, into the urine. This rare type of kidney stone affects both men and women and often results in recurring stone formation throughout life.
Kidney stones may not cause noticeable symptoms until they begin to move within the kidney or pass into the ureter. When a stone becomes lodged in the ureter, it can obstruct urine flow, leading to severe pain and other symptoms.
Suspected kidney stone based on the symptoms and physical exam, they may need one or more of these tests:
The treatment of kidney stones varies depending on their size, type, and the severity of symptoms. While some stones pass on their own, others may require medical intervention.
Many smaller kidney stones, typically less than 5 millimeters in diameter, pass naturally through the urinary tract. To aid this process, doctors recommend:
Larger stones, particularly those over 10 millimeters, may not pass on their own and require medical intervention. Treatment options include:
Certain medications help manage kidney stones or prevent their recurrence:
If a kidney stone causes severe obstruction or infection, additional procedures may be required:
Shockwave Lithotripsy: Uses sound waves to break large stones into smaller pieces for easier passage
Tunnel Surgery (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy): A surgeon removes stones through a small incision in the back, typically when the stone is too large or causing complications
Kidney stones can put you at risk for:
In addition to drinking more water, dietary modification is crucial in preventing kidney stones. Here are some foods that you may need to avoid:
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