Signs And Causes Of Kidney Stones

Are you starting to experience pain below the ribs or in your lower abdomen? 

Is it temporary or moving even? These can be signs of kidney stones.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

There is no hardline, definitive cause for kidney stones.  Complicating matters, there are actually 4 types of kidney stones:

  • Calcium Stones: The most common type of kidney stone, it’s typically made from calcium oxalate, which is commonly found in food and produced by the human liver.  Diet and metabolic conditions are typically the determining cause factors here.
  • Struvite Stones: They are typically seen in urinary tract infections and form in a response to the infection.
  • Uric Acid Stones: These stones form in people who lose too much fluid, don’t drink enough fluids, have gout or who eat a high-protein diet.  Genetics are also thought to be an underlying cause.
  • Cystine Stones: Generated when the kidneys excrete an excess of amino acids.
10 Signs Of Kidney Stones
  • Pain On Urination
  • Pain To The Lower Abdomen And Groin
  • Pain In That Area That Comes and Goes
  • Shifting Pain In That Area
  • Severe Pain Below The Ribs In The Side And Back
  • Cloudy, Pink, Red or Brown Urination
  • Foul-Smelling Urine
  • Nausea and Vomiting
  • Constant Need To Urinate
  • Not Urinating Enough

You should consult a medical professional immediately if:

  • You Can’t Or Have Extreme Difficulty Passing Urine
  • Blood In Your Urine
  • Severe Pain In The Lower Abdomen Region OR Pain Accompanied by Vomiting and or Fever
5 Kidney Stone Risk Factors

You may be at an increased risk of kidney stones if you:

  • Have A Family History (Or You Yourself Have Had Them Before)
  • Maintain Certain Diets (High In Protein/Salt/Sugar)
  • Dehydration (Not Drinking Enough Water)
  • Overweight (High BMI Or Weight Gain Has Been Linked To Kidney Stones)
  • Have An Infection (Certain Types Of Infections Can Lead to Kidney Stones – Urinary Tract, Cystinuria, Hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis and certain medications)

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to consult with a medical professional to get a proper medical diagnosis and treatment if appropriate.