Kidney Stones: Causes & Risks

Kidney Stones: Causes & Risks

Causes

Kidney stones often have no definite cause, although several factors may increase your risk.

Kidney stones form when your urine contains more crystal-forming substances than the fluid in your urine can dilute. At the same time, your urine may lack substances that prevent crystals from sticking together, forming stones.

Risk factors

  • Family or personal history. If someone in your family has kidney stones, you're more likely to develop stones, too.
  • Dehydration. Not drinking enough water each day can increase your risk of kidney stones. People who live in warm climates and those who sweat a lot may be at higher risk than others.
  • Certain diets. Eating a diet that's high in protein, sodium (salt) and sugar may increase your risk of some types of kidney stones. This is especially true with a high-sodium diet. Too much salt in your diet increases the amount of calcium in your kidneys.
  • Being obese. High body mass index (BMI), large waist size and weight gain have been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones.
  • Digestive diseases and surgery. Inflammatory bowel disease or chronic diarrhea can cause changes in the digestive process that affect your absorption of calcium and water, increasing the levels of stone-forming substances in your urine.
  • Other medical conditions. Diseases and conditions that may increase your risk of kidney stones include renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, hyperparathyroidism, certain medications and some urinary tract infections.

I will be talking about its treatment in the upcoming blog. Stay connected.