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6 Types of Kidney Stones: Symptoms and Treatments
Kidney stones are a relatively common medical problem affecting millions of Americans — roughly 11% of men and 6% of women during their lifetimes. Kidney stones can happen for different reasons, and knowing those reasons may help prevent stone formation in the future.
Chadi Saad, MD, and his team offer state-of-the-art treatment for kidney stones, helping patients at Nephrocare MD LLC relieve discomfort and prevent further kidney damage. In this post, learn about the six types of kidney stones and what we can do to eliminate them and even help prevent them from recurring.
1. Calcium oxalate stones
The most common type of kidney stones, calcium oxalate stones, form when calcium combines with a natural compound called oxalate. You can find oxalate in many common foods, including almonds, soy foods, green leafy vegetables, rhubarb, beets, chocolate, and some nuts and grains.
These stones form when you have high or excess levels of calcium, oxalate, or both in your blood. Some medical conditions, including thyroid disease, may also increase your risk of developing these stones.
2. Calcium phosphate stones
Though calcium oxalate stones are a combination of calcium and oxalate, calcium phosphate stones develop when calcium links with phosphate. These stones aren’t as common as calcium oxalate stones, and usually, only form in people who have specific underlying medical issues, like kidney or thyroid disorders or other medical problems that affect the balance between acids and bases or alter the way your body metabolizes (breaks down) calcium.
3. Uric acid stones
Uric acid stones derive from purines, substances found in a variety of foods, like shellfish, alcohol, and red meat. Elevated levels of uric acid are also responsible for another medical problem — gout. They also form more commonly in people who are chronically or acutely dehydrated from chronic diarrhea or other causes and in people who have metabolic syndrome or diabetes.
4. Struvite stones
Struvite is a compound composed of phosphate, magnesium, and other substances. These stones most commonly form in response to urinary tract infections (UTIs). Because struvite stones can grow quickly, immediate care is essential. The potential for these stones to develop also underscores the importance of treating UTIs right away.
5. Cystine stones
Cystine stones are uncommon, occurring only in people who have cystinuria, a genetic disorder that causes your kidneys to expel high amounts of an amino acid called cystine. If you have cystinuria, you’ll need ongoing management to prevent these stones from recurring.
6. Mixed stones
Mixed stones contain multiple substances, often a combination of calcium, phosphate, and oxalate. If you’re prone to mixed stones, you may need a more complex treatment plan to help keep them at bay.
Treating and preventing kidney stones
Kidney stone treatment and prevention often involves medical treatment and lifestyle changes, like changes in diet and making sure you drink plenty of water. Depending on the size of the stone, initial treatment may involve medication to relieve painful symptoms along with increased water intake to help move the stone.
When these conservative approaches fail, Dr. Saad may recommend minimally invasive techniques to break apart the stone or to access it and remove it using special surgical techniques. After treatment, he’ll work with you to develop a plan to help prevent stone formation in the future.
Kidney stones can cause permanent kidney damage if not promptly treated. If you have a history of kidney stones, call 313-960-6605 or book an appointment online with Dr. Saad and the Nephrocare MD LLC team in Dearborn, Michigan, today.