It is possible to develop kidney stones with or without the risk factors listed below. However, the more risk factors you have, the greater your likelihood of developing kidney stones. If you have a number of risk factors, ask your healthcare provider what you can do to reduce your risk.
Specific Lifestyle Factor
- Diet rich in meat, sodium, oxalate, and tomatoes
- Reduced fluid intake
- Increased fluid loss in hot weather
- Grapefruit juice
- Dehydration
- Long periods of inactivity
- Being overweight
- Fasting
Medical Condition
- Urinary tract infection
- Previous kidney stone
- Gout
- Crohns disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Kidney disease
- High blood pressure
- Chronic diarrhea
- Overactive parathyroid gland
- Certain cancers
Age
- 20-40
Gender
- Men are 4-5 times more likely to develop calcium or uric acid stones
- Women are more likely to develop struvite stones
Genetic Factors
- Family members who have had kidney stones or gout
Ethnic Background
- Caucasianand Asians are more likely than African Americans, Native Americans, and people from Africa and Middle East.
Medications
Antacids containing silicates
Anticonvulsants: tropiramate, felbamate, zonisamide
Decongestants: guaifenesin, ephedrine
Some diuretics(such as triamterene)
Some steroids
Thyroid medications
Some chemotherapy drugs
Some drugs used to treat HIV (such as indinavir)
Socioeconomic Factors
Sedentary jobs
Higher socioeconomic class
References:
Krauses Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy. 10th ed. WB Saunders; 2000.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: http://www2.niddk.nih.gov/ .
Parmar MS: Kidney stones. Brit Med J. 2004;328:1120-1124.
Last reviewed February 2007 by David Juan, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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