Anyone who’s ever passed a kidney stone will likely describe it as an excruciating experience. Symptoms can vary from severe, sharp pain in the side and back, to pain or burning sensation when urinating, to fever, chills, and even blood in the urine. And for most people, these are concurrent symptoms.
Over half a million Americans wind up in the emergency room as a result of kidney stones each year. According to the data, the chances you will have a kidney stone in your lifetime are about 1 in 11. And about 12 percent of all Americans experience kidney stones on a recurrent basis.
Although other factors play a role in developing this condition, if your relatives have a history of kidney stones, you’re even more likely to have them yourself.
What Are Kidney Stones?
As their name suggests, renal (kidney) stones are small pebble-like deposits that can develop in one or both kidneys. These ‘pebbles’ consist of hard minerals and other compounds found in urine.
They come in all shapes and sizes and they must migrate through the ducts that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder in order to be excreted. Not surprisingly, the larger the stone, the more painful it is to pass.
Kidney stones are classified by the material they are made from:
About 75 percent of kidney stones consist mostly of calcium.
Renal stones can also be made up of uric acid (which is a normal byproduct of a healthy renal system).
They can consist of cystine, which is a protein building block.
They can be formed from a phosphate mineral called struvite.
Kidney stones form when there are more of these minerals in the urine than the body can dissolve.
What Causes Kidney Stones?
In very simple terms, a key factor in the formation of kidney stones is too little water in the body. When a person is dehydrated, their urine contains less water which makes it easier for minerals, proteins, and compounds to cluster together to form stones.
Lifestyle can certainly play a role in making someone more vulnerable to this condition. For example, a diet high in foods like animal proteins or foods that are high in sodium can facilitate the formation of kidney stones.
Obesity and diabetes are also risk factors, and certain medications like diuretics may contribute to overall risk as well.
Genetics can also play a role.
Are Kidney Stones Hereditary?
The short answer is, yes. In general, individuals who have close relatives that have had kidney stones are more vulnerable to this condition themselves.
Why is this? Variations in a gene called claudin-14 have been linked to an overall increased risk of getting kidney stones. Other genes can play a role as well.
For example, mutations in genes that play a heavy role in transmitting chemical signals from outside to inside cells or that are responsible for transporting materials within cells can up a person’s risk factor for getting kidney stones. These mutations can alter the level of calcium and other materials in urine, creating an imbalance that can lead to kidney stones.
Talk With Your Doctor
Kidney stone formation is specific to each patient, and a doctor can help you understand both your risk factors as well as the preventive measures that can reduce the likelihood of developing kidney stones.
If you’ve had kidney stones or are concerned you might be genetically prone to them, the physicians and staff at Norman Urology specialize in treating disorders of the male and female urinary tract, including kidney stones.
We offer a number of procedures that help diagnose and treat kidney stones, including extracorporeal shockwave treatments that use ultrasonic waves to break up kidney stones.
If you’ve previously had, have currently, or are just curious about your risk factors, why not book an appointment with us today?