Types of kidney stones

Urolithiasis is a serious and dangerous ailment that can not be taken lightly. The first thing that every patient who has suspicions about the development of this disease should do is to see a doctor and undergo a detailed examination to determine the types and origin of kidney stones.

From the variety and nature of the emergence of concrements depends on all subsequent treatment, so this stage is the most important. Since some species are soluble, while others, on the contrary, do not disappear on their own in any circumstances, it is impossible to take measures before the complete examination.

In this article we will tell you what kinds of stones are in the kidneys, and how they differ.

Types of calculus in the kidneys

About 80% of all stones in the kidneys account for the calcium calculus. They are the most hard and dangerous, because they practically do not dissolve and can cause serious damage to the health and vital activity of the patient.

In turn, calcium stones are divided into 2 varieties, namely:

  1. Oxalate, which arise due to an excessive increase in the concentration of oxalic acid salts. This type of concrement is absolutely insoluble, so in severe cases they have to be removed surgically. If oxalates are not too large, they can be tried through the urinary tract using conservative methods.
  2. Phosphate stones have a more friable structure and a soft composition, so they can be broken into small pieces that are excreted much more easily from the body. Meanwhile, the stones of this species grow very fast, therefore they also represent a serious danger for the sick person. The reason for the appearance of phosphates is a metabolic disorder in the alkaline side, at which the pH level begins to exceed the level of 6.2.

In addition to calcium calculus, other types of stones may appear in the urinary tract, namely:

Usually, in order to determine the type of kidney stones, it is enough to perform such analyzes as the study of the salt and biochemical composition of urine. In severe cases, it may be necessary to conduct X-rays and ultrasound, as well as an expanded excretory urogram.