The experience of passing a kidney stone can be both painful and distressing. If you are experiencing symptoms of kidney stones, contact your doctor right away. Treatment of kidney stones may vary depending on the type of stone involved. It is also important for individuals with a family history of kidney stones to understand the various types of kidney stones and how to prevent them.
Calcium Stones
Calcium-rich kidney stones are by for the most common form of stone. According to an Oct. 1, 2005 review of kidney stone disease in the "Journal of Clinical Investigation," calcium stones make up about 80 percent of all kidney stone cases. Calcium stones are typically dense and take on a variety of shapes, sizes and textures. Such stones form in the kidneys and urinary tract when calcium levels become enriched in the kidneys. Calcium stones like to form stones with oxalate, a compound common in many healthy foods, such as spinach, chard, beets and dark chocolate. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) recommends that those at risk for such stones drink 12 or more glasses of water per day and limit intake of high-oxalate foods.
Struvite "Infection" Stones
Struvite stones form in the kidneys in part through the action of bacteria in the urinary tract. The same "Journal of Clinical Investigation" article explains that these stones make up about 10 percent of kidney stone incidence. Struvite stones are made up of magnesium in combination with bacterial waste products, such as ammonia. The presence of struvite stones almost always suggests an underlying kidney or urinary tract infection. These stones are typically treated in conjunction with a course of antibiotics. Individuals with a history of such stones may be prescribed antibiotics as a preventive measure.
Uric Acid Stones
Uric acid stones form in individuals with highly acidic urine. These stones comprise about 10 percent of kidney stone cases, according to the review of kidney stone disease in "The Journal of Clinical Investigation." Uric acid stones are less dense than calcium stones and not easily detected by X-rays. Various genetic conditions can alter the pH balance of urine and promote uric acid stone formation. Urine is more acidic in obese individuals and in diabetics as a result of insulin resistance. As a result, such individuals are at risk for developing uric acid stones. Certain drugs can reduce urine pH and may be prescribed to individuals at risk for uric acid stones.
Cystine Stones
Cystine stones are very rare and occur as a result of a genetic defect that prevents the excretion of the amino acid cystine. These stones have a strong genetic component. Individuals with a family history of cystine stones are very likely to inherit the genetic condition that leads to cystine stone formation. Drugs can be used to prevent cystine stones. Most health professionals recommend that those at risk drink plenty of water and avoid cystine-rich foods or protein-rich foods in general.
