Types of Kidney Stones

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 Kidney Stones Information

 Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones

A kidney stone is a solid material that forms when salts and other substances in the urine stick together to form crystals. These crystals may further stick together to form a larger stone.

Normally, a chemical found in the urine prevents substances to form crystals. However, this chemical does not seem to work in other people, so they form stones.

Types of kidney stones.

There are several types of kidney stones. Among these are calcium stones, struvite, uric acid, and cystine stones.

 Calcium stones

Calcium stones are the most common type of stones. Calcium, a normal part of a healthy diet, is used by bones and muscles. Extra calcium not used by the body goes to the kidneys. In most people, the kidneys flush out the excess calcium along with the rest of the urine. However, in some people, the calcium stays behind and joins with other waste products to form a stone. The most common combination is called calcium oxalate.

 Struvite Stones

A struvite stone contains the mineral magnesium and ammonia - a waste product. This type of stone may form after an infection in the urinary system.

 Uric Acid Stones

A uric acid stone may form when the urine contains too much acid. People who tend to form uric acid stones may need to eat less meat, fish, and poultry. These foods increase the amount of acid in the urine.

 Cystine stones

Cystine stones are not common. It occurs when cystine builds up in the urine and form stones. Cystine is one of the important building blocks that make up muscles, nerves, and other parts of the body. Cystine stones are considered rare. A disease called cystinuria, which runs in families, causes cystine stones.

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Kidney and Kidney Stones (KKS) has provided this material for your information. It is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your primary health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with your health care provider. The mention of any product, service, or therapy is not an endorsement by Kidney and Kidney Stones.

Source: Scientific background provided by The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. NIH Publication No. 07–4154, April 2007


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