What Causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones form when urine becomes concentrated enough for minerals to crystallise. Causes differ between people, so prevention works best after identifying your stone type when possible.

How stones form

Urine normally keeps minerals dissolved. Low fluid volume, excess of certain salts, or imbalances that favour crystal growth can allow stones to start and grow over time. Not every person with concentrated urine develops stones — individual risk factors matter.

Frequent contributing factors

• Low fluid intake
• Dietary patterns high in certain salts or oxalate-rich foods for some patients
• Metabolic conditions such as high uric acid
• Family history of stones
• Recurrent urinary infections in selected stone types
• Limited mobility or conditions that alter calcium handling, when relevant

Symptoms that may prompt evaluation

Flank pain, blood in urine, nausea during pain episodes or recurrent urinary infections may lead to stone assessment. Some stones are found incidentally on imaging done for other reasons and still deserve a clinical discussion about risk and follow-up.

Diagnosis and stone analysis

Imaging confirms presence and location. When a stone is passed or removed, laboratory analysis of the fragment — when available — can guide prevention. Blood and urine tests may be suggested in recurrent stone formers after evaluation.

Prevention themes after clearance

• Adequate daily fluids as advised by your clinician
• Dietary adjustments tailored to stone type when known
• Review of medicines or supplements that may contribute
• Metabolic evaluation in selected recurrent cases

Treatment if a stone is already present

Prevention does not replace treatment of an active, symptomatic or obstructing stone. Options after assessment may include observation for selected small stones, or procedures such as ESWL, RIRS, URSL or Mini PCNL when needed.

After clearance, Dr. Aman Chandra Deshpande may advise hydration targets and, when useful, metabolic evaluation to reduce recurrence risk. Patients in Hyderabad can consult at Apollo Jubilee Hills or Samanwi Clinics; call 80087 62525 to book.