What causes kidney stones?

The causes of kidney stones include genetics, eating habits, metabolic problems, changes in the body's environment, and other factors. An unhealthy lifestyle and certain diseases may also increase the risk of kidney stones. After identifying these causes, improving diet, increasing water intake, and receiving medication or surgery when necessary are the main countermeasures.

1. Genetic factors

Kidney stones have a certain genetic tendency. If there is a history of kidney stones in the family, the individual's risk of developing kidney stones will increase. This may be related to certain inherited metabolic diseases in the body, such as hereditary hyperoxaluria or cystinuria. For people with genetic risks, regular physical examinations and real-time monitoring of urine and blood metabolic indicators should be carried out, and preventive drugs recommended by doctors should be used when necessary.

2. Inadequate eating habits and hydration

A high calcium, high oxalate, high salt diet, as well as excessive intake of animal protein, may increase the concentration of stone-forming substances in the urine and increase the possibility of kidney stone formation. For example, foods with high oxalate content, such as spinach and strong tea, may induce calcium oxalate stones, while foods high in sodium are prone to secondary excessive urinary calcium excretion. If you do not drink enough water for a long time or sweat too much, causing the urine to be concentrated, it will also make stones more likely to form. It is recommended to consume enough water 2-3 liters per day, reduce the intake of the above foods appropriately, and maintain a balanced diet.

3 Metabolic and physiological factors

Metabolic disorders are an important cause of kidney stones. Hyperparathyroidism can increase urinary calcium concentration, and gout patients are more likely to form uric acid stones due to increased uric acid concentration. Obesity and metabolic syndrome may also be related to kidney stones. Through proper exercise and weight control, and in conjunction with doctors to adjust diet and drug metabolism, the risk of stones can be significantly reduced.

4. Disease and drug effects

Certain diseases, such as urinary tract infection, can change the pH value of urine and induce stone formation. In addition, long-term use of certain medications, such as diuretics and anti-epileptic drugs, may also affect kidney metabolic function. If there are underlying diseases or long-term medication is required, the treatment plan should be adjusted under the guidance of a doctor to avoid further aggravation.

Kidney stones require targeted prevention and treatment based on the cause, such as laparoscopic lithotripsy, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), and drug lithotripsy. Improving eating habits, increasing water intake, and exercising moderately are basic strategies for preventing kidney stones. It is recommended to see a doctor as soon as possible when symptoms are severe or abnormalities are found, and receive professional treatment and evaluation.