Kidney stones are masses that can block urine flow from the kidneys to the bladder. Most contain calcium, oxalate or phosphate. Struvite stones develop after a urinary tract infection, while uric acid stones can occur due to excess acid in the urine. Patients may have multiple types of stones, and chronic kidney stones may require further medical attention.
Kidney stones are masses of various particles that sometimes form in the kidneys. When these kidney stones travel into the ureters, the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder, a blockage can occur that prevents urine from flowing out of the body in a normal way. Most kidney stones contain calcium, but there are other types of kidney stones as well, such as those produced due to excess acid in the kidneys.
Among the most common types of kidney stones are those that contain calcium. These calcium stones also tend to contain oxalate or phosphate, both of which are naturally produced by the human body. The bones and muscles of the body need calcium to function properly. Calcium that is not used by the body is processed by the kidneys and excreted from the body in the urine. If calcium stays in one of the kidneys and combines with other waste materials, a kidney stone can form.
Struvite stones are another of the more common types of kidney stones. A struvite stone is sometimes referred to as an infection stone because this type of stone tends to develop after a urinary tract infection. Struvite stones contain a type of mineral known as magnesium and produce ammonia as a waste product.
Another of the more common types of kidney stones are uric acid stones. This type of stone can develop when there is too much acid in the urine and is more common in patients who have impaired kidney function. If uric acid stones become a common occurrence, the patient may be advised to reduce the consumption of certain foods, especially meat.
It is possible for a patient to have multiple types of kidney stones, particularly if kidney function is impaired. Blood tests can sometimes suggest the type of kidney stones you have. However, some doctors prefer to examine the stone itself to be certain of the type.
Regardless of which of the types of kidney stones an individual patient is experiencing, research has shown that if the patient has had more than one kidney stone, future kidney stones are likely to develop. If chronic kidney stones become a chronic condition, further tests may be required to make sure there are no serious medical problems to be addressed. Certain diseases, such as a progressive kidney disease known as polycystic kidney disease, are known to cause repeated cases of kidney stones in many patients.
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