Kidney stones are fairly common among Americans. Around one in 10 people will get a kidney stone at some point, but the good news is that kidney stones don’t last forever—they usually go away on their own within a month.

Even though they all go away in relatively the same amount of time, they’re not all quite the same. Read on to learn more from our AFC Urgent Care Easley team!

What Is a Kidney Stone?

A kidney stone is a hard deposit made up of minerals and salts that forms anywhere inside the urinary system.

Having a poor diet, being overweight, having certain medical problems and using certain supplements and medications can all contribute to kidney stones. When urine becomes overly concentrated, minerals harden and cling together, causing kidney stones to develop. Even though all kidney stones are formed in similar ways, they’re not all quite the same, as we’ve explained below.

Types of Kidney Stones

• Calcium oxalate. The is the most common type of kidney stone, which is created when calcium combines with oxalate in the urine. The most common causes of this type of stone is too little calcium in your diet and not enough water.
• Uric acid. This is another common type of kidney stone. Foods that are high in purines, like shellfish and red meats, can lead to a higher production of monosodium urate, which, can form kidney stones.
• Struvite. These stones are less common and are caused by infections in the upper urinary tract.
• Cystine. These stones are rare and tend to run in families.

Are Some People More Likely Than Others to Develop Kidney Stones?

Yes. Kidney stones are most common in people between the ages of 40 and 60, as well as white men between the ages of 30 and 40. But they can affect people of all ages.

In addition to the risk factors stated below, one of the most common risk factors for kidney stones is family history.

Common Risk Factors of Kidney Stones

• Not drinking enough liquids
• Having a diet that includes the substances that form the stones, such as phosphate, which is in meat, fish, beans and other protein-rich foods
• Having a blockage in the urinary tract

Think you might have a kidney stone? We can help! Stop by our AFC Urgent Care Easley center today.