Cause 7: Underlying Medical Conditions: The Connection Between Kidney Stones and Health Issues
Certain underlying medical conditions can increase the risk of kidney stone formation. These include, but are not limited to, hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, urinary tract infections, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which the parathyroid glands produce excessive amounts of parathyroid hormone, can lead to increased calcium levels in the blood and urine, increasing the risk of calcium stone formation. Renal tubular acidosis, a condition that affects the kidney’s ability to properly excrete acids, can contribute to the development of calcium phosphate stones.
Urinary tract infections can also increase the risk of kidney stone formation, particularly struvite stones. These stones are composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate and are often associated with bacterial infections.
Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, can affect the absorption of nutrients and electrolytes in the gut, leading to increased oxalate absorption and an increased risk of calcium oxalate stones.
Proper management of these underlying medical conditions is crucial in reducing the risk of kidney stone formation. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for managing these conditions and minimizing kidney stone risk. (7)
