Urinary stones

Urinary stones can occur anywhere in the urinary tract.

Urinary stones can occur anywhere in the urinary tract. Many substances and minerals are dissolved in the urine. At high concentrations, these can precipitate and form solid structures (mostly salts). A stone usually grows through the accumulation of these materials.

The causes of urinary stones include: 

  • Inadequate fluid intake (high concentration of dissolved substances in the urine)
  • Improper eating habits (high concentration of solutes in the urine)
  • Metabolic disorders (high concentration of solutes or minerals in the urine)
  • Drainage dysfunction in the urinary tract (small concretions cannot leave with the flow of urine)
  • Chronic urinary tract infections

Stones can lead to pain (usually colic), inflammation, and urinary obstruction.