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Kidney Stones
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones or renal calculi refer to the formation of a hard, crystalline mineral material within the kidney or urinary tract. Depending upon the location of the stones, the condition is further termed as:
Nephrolithiasis: stones are present in the kidney.
Urolithiasis: stones are present in the bladder or urinary tract.
Ureterolithiasis: stones are located in the ureters.
What causes kidney stones?
Kidney stones are formed when stone-forming substances (salts) are excreted in the urine. A change in the composition of urine or a reduction in the urine volume promotes the formation of kidney stones. Some of the common factors causing such a situation include:
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Dehydration caused due to less fluid intake or rigorous exercise
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Any kind of obstruction in the outflow of urine
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Decreased ability to exercise
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Infection in the urinary tract
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Change in urine composition due to abnormalities of metabolism
Certain dietary habits like high intake of proteins, excessive salt or sugar, prolonged intake of vitamin D supplements, and high intake of oxalate-containing foods like spinach
