Do Urinary Tract Infections Cause Kidney Stones?
Urinary tract infections can be a very uncomfortable and somewhat annoying problem. What some do not realize is that UTIs can pose more complications than you would expect and may increase the risk of other health problems, however. Here's what you should know about the link between UTIs and the dreaded kidney stone.
Struvite Kidney Stones
Urinary tract infections can increase your chances of developing struvite stones, which are a type of kidney stone. These stones can also be caused by kidney infections. Since UTIs and kidney infections are the primary causes, struvite stones are also sometimes referred to as "infection stones." Like any other kidney stone, passing struvite stones can be excruciatingly painful.
Development of Struvite Stones
Struvite stones may form during or after an infection. These kidney stones can grow fast and become very large in size, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you develop UTIs regularly, there's a chance that you may also develop struvite stones regularly as well. Keep in mind that not everyone who develops a UTI will develop kidney stones, however.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
If you are prone to UTIs, it's important to be on the lookout for kidney stone symptoms. Struvite stones cause the same type of symptoms that are caused by other types of kidney stones. These symptoms include a burning sensation during urination, pain in the back or side, fever, chills, blood in the urine, foul-smelling urine, cloudy urine, and vomiting, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Also note that some kidney stones do not cause any symptoms at all, so you may not even notice that there is a problem until a urine sample reveals red blood cells.
Preventing Struvite Kidney Stones
While medications are used to help prevent other types of kidney stones, they are not effective at preventing struvite stones. Treating a urinary tract infection plays a key role in preventing struvite stones. Visiting the doctor any time you suspect that you have an infection is important, especially because the symptoms of UTIs can be similar to other infections or conditions.
When struvite stones grow to be more than 2 mm, surgery is generally required or there is a risk of obstructing the ureter. Identifying the type of kidney stone that you have plays a key role in prevention, as the causes of different types of stones can vary. Struvite stones can be identified by ammonia and magnesium, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. If you pass the stone at home, try to catch it in a strainer so that your doctor can send it out for analysis. Blood tests can also be done to determine kidney stone type.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Anyone who is concerned about his or her health should seek medical attention from a licensed healthcare professional.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
University of Maryland Medical Center
WebMD
Struvite Kidney Stones
Urinary tract infections can increase your chances of developing struvite stones, which are a type of kidney stone. These stones can also be caused by kidney infections. Since UTIs and kidney infections are the primary causes, struvite stones are also sometimes referred to as "infection stones." Like any other kidney stone, passing struvite stones can be excruciatingly painful.
Development of Struvite Stones
Struvite stones may form during or after an infection. These kidney stones can grow fast and become very large in size, according to the Mayo Clinic. If you develop UTIs regularly, there's a chance that you may also develop struvite stones regularly as well. Keep in mind that not everyone who develops a UTI will develop kidney stones, however.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones
If you are prone to UTIs, it's important to be on the lookout for kidney stone symptoms. Struvite stones cause the same type of symptoms that are caused by other types of kidney stones. These symptoms include a burning sensation during urination, pain in the back or side, fever, chills, blood in the urine, foul-smelling urine, cloudy urine, and vomiting, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Also note that some kidney stones do not cause any symptoms at all, so you may not even notice that there is a problem until a urine sample reveals red blood cells.
Preventing Struvite Kidney Stones
While medications are used to help prevent other types of kidney stones, they are not effective at preventing struvite stones. Treating a urinary tract infection plays a key role in preventing struvite stones. Visiting the doctor any time you suspect that you have an infection is important, especially because the symptoms of UTIs can be similar to other infections or conditions.
When struvite stones grow to be more than 2 mm, surgery is generally required or there is a risk of obstructing the ureter. Identifying the type of kidney stone that you have plays a key role in prevention, as the causes of different types of stones can vary. Struvite stones can be identified by ammonia and magnesium, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. If you pass the stone at home, try to catch it in a strainer so that your doctor can send it out for analysis. Blood tests can also be done to determine kidney stone type.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. Anyone who is concerned about his or her health should seek medical attention from a licensed healthcare professional.
Sources:
Mayo Clinic
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
University of Maryland Medical Center
WebMD
Published by Jody Morse - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness
Jody Morse has a B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University. As a sufferer of endometriosis, she enjoys writing about women's health issues. She has worked as an assistant wedding DJ, and is dabbling i... View profile
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