Several factors, such as diet and lifestyle, contribute to the formation of urinary tract stones |
Kidney stones are formed when urine becomes concentrated. Certain substances like calcium, oxalate, uric acid or cystine in the urine leaves small residues or crystals, along the inner surface of the kidneys. Most people have chemicals in their urine which act as inhibitors and prevent kidney stone formation. But these inhibitors do not function in everyone, leading to the formation of stones in them.
Several factors contribute to the formation of kidney stones. The chemicals that make up the stones, like calcium, are part of our daily diet. However many researchers believe that diet is likely only to influence a person who is susceptible to the condition. The other common causes of kidney stones are infections and obstructions of the urinary tract. Some of the most common causes are listed below:
Dietary factors seem to influence the type of stones that are seen among people from different parts of the world.
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Hot
climate and excessive sweating can cause depletion of body fluids. This can result in highly concentrated urine, precipitation and stone formation.
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Certain
pathological conditions are also seen associated with formation of renal and urinary stone formation. Obstruction, or infection of urinary tract may lead to formation of phosphate stones.
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A person with a
family history of kidney stones is more likely to develop the condition
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Certain
disorders of the kidney, like polycystic kidneys, increase the risk of developing kidney stones
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Hyperparathyroidism and certain
metabolic disorders increase the chances of developing the stones.
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The
pH of urine also determines the formation of stones in the urinary tract. If the urine is alkaline, calcium phosphate stones may get precipitated.
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