Health Tips & Wellness Blog – Prinz Klinik

Kidneys filter and excrete waste products, regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, and play a key role in maintaining blood pressure and acid-base equilibrium. However, this system can sometimes be disrupted by the formation of kidney stones that can cause considerable discomfort.

What Causes Kidney Stones Formation?

Kidney stones form when certain substances in urine, such as calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus, become highly concentrated and crystallize. The crystals can stick together and grow into a solid mass. Various factors contribute to the formation of kidney stones:

1. Dehydration: Insufficient fluid intake reduces urine volume, leading to concentrated urine and
   facilitating stone formation.
   
   
2. Dietary Factors: High oxalate intake, high salt (sodium) intake and low calcium diet.
   
   
3. Medical Conditions: Conditions like hyperparathyroidism and certain inherited metabolic disorders can lead to stone formation. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can create an environment conducive to stone development.
   
   
4. Obesity: High body mass index (BMI) is associated with an increased risk of kidney stones.

Types of Kidney Stones:

1. Calcium Oxalate Stones: The most prevalent type, these stones form when calcium in the urine combines with oxalate, a naturally occurring substance found in many foods.
   
   
2. Uric Acid Stones: Formed when the urine is too acidic, uric acid stones are more common in individuals with diets high in purines, found in certain meats and seafood.
   
   
3. Struvite Stones: Often associated with urinary tract infections, struvite stones can grow quickly and become large.
   
   
4. Cystine Stones: Rare but formidable, cystine stones result from a genetic disorder that causes the kidneys to excrete excessive amounts of certain amino acids.

Symptoms:

1. Severe pain in the back or side
   
   
2. Pain on lower abdomen and groin
   
   
3. Blood in urine
   
   
4. Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
   
   
5. Frequent urination
   
   
6. Nausea and vomiting

Prevention and Management:

Staying well-hydrated is a universal recommendation, as it helps dilute the substances that lead to stone formation. Depending on the type of kidney stones, dietary adjustments can also play a pivotal role. Avoiding excessive intake of certain foods and maintaining a healthy weight are integral components of a kidney-friendly lifestyle.