Basics
What are kidney calculi?
Stones that form in the urinary tract, typically in the kidneys or ureters.
What is the most common type of kidney stone?
Calcium stones
Name one unmodifiable risk factor for kidney stones.
Family history, genetics, male gender, or chronic medical conditions.
What dietary habit increases the risk of calcium oxalate stones?
Diets high in oxalate, animal protein, or sodium.
Which gender has a higher risk of developing kidney stones?
Men.
What causes the formation of crystals in the urine?
When urine becomes too concentrated.
Which stone type is associated with urinary tract infections?
Struvite stones.
Name one modifiable risk factor for kidney stones.
Inadequate fluid intake or excessive sweating.
What supplement can increase the risk of calcium-based stones?
Vitamin C or calcium supplements.
What’s a common symptom when a stone moves into the ureter?
Severe flank pain (renal colic).
What happens when crystals bind together and enlarge?
They form a calculus that can block urine flow and cause pain.
Which type of stone is hereditary and related to amino acids?
Cystine stones.
Which chronic medical condition increases the risk of uric acid stones?
Gout.
What nutrient, when low, increases kidney stone risk?
Potassium or dietary calcium (low-calcium diets can increase risk).
What medical history increases risk besides gout?
Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or intestinal disorders.
What determines the specific type of kidney stone a patient has?
Examination of the passed stone.
Which type of stone is related to high uric acid levels or gout?
Uric acid stones.
Which common infection can lead to struvite stones?
Chronic urinary tract infection (UTI).
What kind of fluid intake helps prevent kidney stones?
High fluid intake to dilute the urine.
Why might a bypass surgery increase kidney stone risk?
It alters absorption in the intestines, affecting calcium and oxalate balance.
What is another term for kidney calculi?
Renal stones or nephrolithiasis.
How large can kidney stones range in size?
From a grain of salt to a staghorn calculus.
After passing one kidney stone, what happens to your risk of developing another?
The risk of recurrence increases.
What dietary pattern may protect against kidney stones?
A diet with balanced calcium, low sodium, and high fluids (e.g., DASH diet).
Name one test or procedure used to confirm the presence of kidney stones.
CT scan, ultrasound, or urinalysis.