Kidney stones are also called renal calculi. They may be formed in any portion of urinary tract, from kidney tubules to external opening.
Types:
Depending on their composition, kidney stones are classified into the following types.
- Calcium stones : These are usually calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate stones.
- Struvite stones : These are formed in response to bacterial infection caused by urea – splitting bacteria. They grow in size quickly and become quite large.
- Uric acid stones : These stones usually affect people drinking less water or consuming high protein diet.
- Cystine stones : It is a genetic disorder that causes the kidney to excrete too much of certain amino acid.
Symptoms:
Intermittent pain below rib cage in back and side ways. Hazy, brownish/reddish/ pinkish urine. Frequent urge to pass urine. Pain during micturition.
Diagnosis:
Uric acid content of blood, colour of urine, kidney X-ray, sonography of kidney are different diagnostic tests prescribed depending on symptoms.