Types of Kidney Stones

Kidneys are bean-shaped organs, located just below the rib cage, towards the back in the upper part of a person's abdomen. Kidneys perform the important function of filtering out the toxins and waste materials from our blood. Kidneys also help in controlling the electrolyte levels for effective functioning of the body. Whenever the kidney function is adversely affected, one is at an increased risk of developing certain health problems. One such problem is the formation of renal calculi or kidney stones. This is one of the most common urological disorders. The formation of a large renal calculus can cause excruciating pain. Here's some information about the different types of kidney stones.

Renal Calculi

A kidney stone is a hard, solid stone like mass which is formed as a result of the crystallization of the minerals and salts that are present in the urine. Though urine contains certain inhibitors that prevent the formation of such crystals, sometimes, the high concentration of these minerals can result in the formation of such stones. A dip in the level of magnesium, citrates and pyrophosphates in the urine is another reason for the formation of kidney stones. These substances curtail the formation of crystals and therefore, an absence or decreased levels of these substances will make you vulnerable to this medical condition.

When these stones are small in size, these can be flushed out of the body through the urinary tract, but when these stones become large, these might cause severe pain as they move through the ureter. Those who are suffering from certain medical conditions such as gout, cystinuria, hypercalciuria, hyperoxaluria, renal tubular acidosis and diabetes are at an increased risk of developing this condition. Inadequate intake of water and consumption of certain food items might also make you vulnerable. If you have been experiencing symptoms such as abdominal pain, pain during urination, back pain, frequent urge to urinate or blood in urine, you must consult a doctor.

Types of Renal Calculi

These crystallized deposits are formed due to the presence of minerals and salts such as calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate or struvite in the urine. There are four types of kidney stones. These stones contain calcium, struvite, custine and uric acid. One of the most common types of renal calculi are those formed due to the presence of high levels of calcium in urine. If your diet contains calcium in high quantities, you might be at a risk of developing this condition. Though calcium is very essential for healthy bones, once the bones and muscles use the calcium, the rest of it goes into the kidneys. Though it might be passed out by way of urine, sometimes, the kidneys are unable to flush it out and it may form crystals. Renal calculi containing calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate are common in men.

Women are susceptible to developing struvite kidney stones. Those suffering from urinary tract infections are at a risk of developing struvite stones, therefore women are more vulnerable. Such stone-like deposits develop due to the presence of magnesium and ammonia. Another type of kidney stone is formed due to the excessive production of uric acid. Metabolic disorders could also lead to the formation of uric acid stones. Therefore, people suffering from the formation of such stones must pay attention to their diet. Uric acid stones are common in children. Sometimes, excessive production of cysteine in the urine can also give rise to formation of renal calculi. A rare genetic condition called cystinuria is responsible for the formation of such stones.

If you have been experiencing any such symptoms, you must get yourself medically examined. If the stone is not too big, natural remedies might help, otherwise you might require kidney stone treatment in order to put an end to your suffering. You must also pay attention to your dietary habits in order to prevent the formation kidney stones in future.