They are small crystals that form in the kidneys or urinary tract. These crystals form as a result of the accumulation of insoluble substances in the urine. They are usually hard and sharp-edged. They can move along the urinary tract, causing pain, infection and other problems. Types of kidney stonesThey are treated with medications, fluids or surgery.
What are the Types of Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are crystallized minerals and other substances that harden in the kidneys and form stones. Kidney stones can cause pain, infection, and sometimes kidney damage. The size of the stones may be very small, or they may be large enough to fill the inside of the kidney. Types of kidney stonesis determined by the types of crystals they contain.
- The most common kidney stones are calcium stones. It usually occurs in the form of calcium oxalate (the most common), rarely in the form of calcium phosphate. Excessive dietary oxalates and calcium may contribute to the formation of this type of stone.
- Uric acid stones are associated with excessive consumption of purine-rich foods, especially meat and fish. When the body cannot excrete uric acid through urine, this acid can crystallize and form stones. It is also more common in individuals with gout or chronic diarrhea.
- Struvite stones, also known as infection stones, are caused by urinary tract infections. These stones are formed by the crystallization of ammonia, a substance produced by bacteria. Struvite stones can grow rapidly and block the urinary tract.
- Cystine stones occur as a result of cystinuria, a rare genetic disorder. Cystinuria is a condition in which the kidneys cannot properly absorb an amino acid called cystine from urine. Cystine accumulates in the urine and can crystallize and form stones.
Types of kidney stones For prevention, it is necessary to consume plenty of fluids and follow a balanced diet. It is important to make lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor if necessary. People who are particularly prone to stone formation reduce the risk by limiting their intake of certain minerals or other ingredients.
Kidney Stone Treatment
The most important step for treating kidney stones is to drink enough water. Thus, it makes your urine more abundant and diluted. It helps your kidneys remove stones from the body. To reduce pain and discomfort, your doctor may prescribe painkillers or certain medical medications.
In the ESWL treatment method, kidney stones are broken by using high-energy sound waves from outside the body. The shattered stones are then eliminated from the body through urine. In the endoscopic lithotripsy method, an endoscope (flexible tube) is inserted into the urinary tract and the kidney stone is broken up.
The shattered stones are then eliminated from the body through urine. In the percutaneous nephrolithotomy treatment method, a small incision is made in the kidney and the kidney stone is removed. This procedure is usually performed for large stones or when other treatments have failed.
Types of kidney stones To prevent the symptoms from reoccurring, you should be examined regularly by a specialist physician. Lifestyle changes are made such as consuming adequate amounts of water, healthy eating habits and regular exercise. Additionally, kidney stone formation is prevented by regularly using the medications prescribed by your doctor.
