Knowra Kidney stone disease Kidney stone disease Kidney stone disease is the formation of solid mineral deposits in the kidneys or urinary tract. Stones can cause pain, obstruct urine flow, and increase infection risk.
Urinary supersaturation : A state in which urine contains more dissolved minerals than it can keep in solution. Supersaturated urine allows stone-forming crystals to precipitate.
Nephron : The microscopic functional unit of a kidney that filters blood and forms urine. Stone-forming substances enter urine during the kidney's filtering and processing.
Noncontrast computed tomography : A CT scan performed without contrast dye, often used to detect urinary stones. It can locate stones and estimate their size and obstruction.
Uric acid kidney stone : A kidney stone composed primarily of uric acid, often associated with persistently acidic urine. Unlike many calcium stones, uric acid stones may dissolve when urine is alkalinized.
Hydronephrosis : Swelling of a kidney caused by urine buildup when its drainage is obstructed. A stone can block urine outflow and produce this pressure-related swelling.
Nucleation : The formation of a stable initial cluster from which a crystal can grow. Mineral crystals often begin around a nucleus in supersaturated urine.
Calcium metabolism : The regulation of calcium absorption, storage, and concentration in the body. Calcium balance influences how much calcium reaches urine.
Urinalysis : Laboratory testing of urine for cells, chemicals, crystals, and other findings. It can reveal blood, infection, or clues to stone composition.
Struvite stone : A urinary stone composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate, commonly associated with urease-producing bacteria. Its infection-driven growth distinguishes it from stones formed mainly through metabolic chemistry.
Pyelonephritis : A bacterial infection of the kidney, usually caused by bacteria ascending from the lower urinary tract. An obstructing stone combined with infection can lead to severe kidney infection.
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