If you’ve ever experienced lower back pain, difficulty urinating, and nausea, you may have had a kidney stone. With more than half-a-million cases every year in the ER, it’s a major health issue. To determine your risk factor, here’s a guide to the different types of stones and the causes behind this condition.

Are There Different Types of Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard masses found in the kidneys, which can pass through your urinary tract, causing abdominal pain and discomfort when urinating. Despite presenting similar symptoms, there are four different types of stones you could develop, including calcium, uric acid, struvite, and cystine.

Calcium is the most common type of stone and can be comprised of calcium oxalate, phosphate, or maleate. This type is typically associated with dietary issues, and the risk can be reduced by avoiding high-oxalate foods, like potato chips, peanuts, and chocolate.

Uric acid is more frequently diagnosed in men than women and can be associated with individuals who have gout or have undergone chemotherapy. A stone develops when you have high acidity in your urine.

Struvite stones are mostly found in women who experience frequent urinary tract infections. They can be larger than other stones and are usually the result of a kidney infection.

Finally, cystine stones are rare and occur in people who have cystinuria, a genetic disorder. This causes cystine to leak from the kidneys into the urine, forming stones.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Conditions like obesity, gout, and type 2 diabetes can all increase the amount of acid found in your urine, which encourages the growth of kidney stones.

Additionally, not drinking enough water can contribute to the issue. Water flushes the toxins out of your system, and without enough of it, stones may develop. Avoid foods that are high in sodium, protein, and caffeine, as they can cause dehydration.

If you think you have a kidney stone, contact Medical Center Urology in High Point, NC. Serving the Triad Area, their trained staff is well-versed in caring for all urological-based needs, whether it’s kidney stones, incontinence, or cancer screenings. To learn more about how you can take better care of your health, visit them online or call (336) 882-0220.