Stone types

Gout›Stone types

Stone types

There are different types of kidney stones. Knowing the type of kidney stone helps you and your doctor determine its cause^1,2

Calcium oxalate stones

Certain fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and chocolates have high oxalate content
High doses of vitamin D and intestinal bypass surgery can increase this stone type in the urine

Calcium phosphate stones

Metabolic disorders, such as renal tubular acidosis
Certain medications to treat migraines or seizures

Cystine stones

Due to gene mutation that causes the kidneys excrete too much of a specific amino acid

Uric acid stones

Due to high-protein diet
People with diabetes or other metabolic syndrome
Chronic diarrhoea
Malabsorption

Struvite stones

Due to an infection in the urinary tract infection

Quick fact¹

Apart from blood, urine and imaging tests, your doctor will get you to urinate through a strainer to catch any stones your might pass. These stones will be sent to the lab to identify the type of kidney stones.

References

1 – WebMD. Kidney stones. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/kidney-stones/understanding-kidney-stones-basics. Accessed 20 June 2021.
2- Mayo Clinic. Kidney stones – symptoms and causes. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20355755?p=1. Accessed 20 June 2021.