What are the common types of kidney stones, and how are they identified?
Calcium stones, including calcium oxalate, are the most common. Other types include uric acid, struvite and cystine stones. Knowing the type guides prevention; stone analysis and other tests help identify it, while pain severity alone cannot.
Details
Why composition matters
Struvite stones can develop with particular urinary infections, while cystine stones are linked to an inherited disorder. Causes, diet advice and medicines differ between types. A treatment given to someone else with stones may therefore be unsuitable for you.
How assessment works
The clinician asks about previous episodes, family history, medicines and diet, and may request urine tests, blood tests and imaging. If a stone passes, ask how to collect it for analysis. A 24-hour urine collection can sometimes help investigate recurrence and select prevention measures.
Pain is not the only consideration
Treatment also depends on stone size, location, obstruction and infection. Fever or chills with flank pain, or inability to pass urine, needs urgent help. Do not automatically remove calcium-containing foods because a stone contains calcium; dietary advice should reflect the assessment and test results.
Related reading: How can kidney stones be prevented, and how much water is appropriate?.