Laxatives: A Risk Factor For Struvite Stones?

are struvite stones associated with laxative use

Struvite stones, also known as infection stones, are kidney stones composed of magnesium ammonium phosphate. They are associated with urinary tract infections and other conditions. Struvite stones are caused by infections in the upper urinary tract, and can lead to severe pain, urinary outflow obstruction, infection, and other health problems.

There is no direct link between struvite stones and laxative use. However, it is important to note that struvite stones are often associated with urinary tract infections, which can be influenced by various factors such as diet, fluid intake, and underlying medical conditions.

Characteristics Values
Composition Struvite stones are composed of a combination of magnesium ammonium phosphate (MgNH4PO4.6H2O) and carbonate apatite (Ca10(PO4)6⋅CO3).
Formation Struvite stones form when bacteria, such as Proteus or Klebsiella, enter the body and break down the urea in urine into ammonia, increasing urine pH and creating struvite.
Prevalence Struvite stones make up around 10% of all kidney stones.
Symptoms Symptoms of struvite stones include sharp, severe pain below the ribs, in the side and back; a burning sensation or pain when urinating; red, pink, or brown urine; and urinating in small amounts or more than usual.
Treatment Treatment for struvite stones includes a combination of antibiotics and surgery to remove the stones and kill the bacteria creating them.

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Struvite stones are a type of kidney stone

Struvite stones are made of magnesium ammonium phosphate and are created when bacteria, such as Proteus or Klebsiella, enter the body and break down the urea in urine into ammonia. This results in increased urine pH, creating struvite.

These stones are more common in women than in men because women have shorter urethras, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the body. They can grow very quickly and become quite large, blocking the kidney, ureter, or bladder and causing damage to the kidney.

Symptoms of struvite stones include pain in the side and back, a frequent need to urinate, and pain when urinating. If left untreated, struvite stones can lead to serious infections and even kidney failure. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention and treat these stones as soon as possible.

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They are caused by infections in the upper urinary tract

Struvite stones are a type of kidney stone that forms in the upper urinary tract. They are caused by infections in the urinary tract, specifically by bacteria such as Proteus or Klebsiella, which break down urea in the urine into ammonia. This process increases the pH of the urine, creating struvite.

Struvite stones are also referred to as "infection stones" because of their association with urinary tract infections. They are more common in women, as their shorter urethras make it easier for bacteria to enter the body.

Symptoms of struvite stones include:

  • Pain in the side and back
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • Pain when urinating
  • Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy
  • Blood in the urine
  • Persistent urge to urinate
  • Burning sensation during urination

If left untreated, struvite stones can grow rapidly and cause serious health issues, including kidney damage and life-threatening infections. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.

To diagnose struvite stones, doctors may perform various tests, including blood tests, urine analysis, imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans, and stone analysis if a stone has passed. Treatment options include shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), depending on the size and location of the stones. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to address the underlying bacterial infection.

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medshun

Struvite stones are also known as infection stones

Struvite stones, also known as infection stones, are kidney stones made of magnesium ammonium phosphate. They are often associated with urinary tract infections, particularly in women, who are more susceptible to such infections.

Struvite stones are caused by infections in the upper urinary tract. They are formed when bacteria, such as Proteus or Klebsiella, enter the body and break down the urea in urine into ammonia. This results in increased urine pH, creating struvite. The bacteria responsible for struvite stones can also infect other types of calcium kidney stones, causing further injury.

Struvite stones can grow very quickly and become quite large. They can block the kidney, ureter, or bladder and cause significant damage to the kidney. If left untreated, struvite stones can lead to serious infections.

Symptoms of struvite stones include severe pain in the lower back, frequent urination, and pain when urinating. Urine may also appear cloudy or have a bad smell. In some cases, there may be blood in the urine, indicated by a red, pink, or dark colour.

To diagnose struvite stones, doctors may perform imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, and ultrasounds to determine the size and location of the stones. They may also conduct blood and urine tests to check for abnormal levels of certain chemicals.

Treatment for struvite stones typically involves a combination of antibiotics and surgery. Surgical methods include shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy or nephrolithotripsy. In some cases, open surgery may be required to remove large stones.

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They are made of magnesium ammonium phosphate

Struvite stones, also known as infection stones, are kidney stones made of magnesium ammonium phosphate. They are a common type of urinary or kidney stone, accounting for around 10% of all kidney stones.

Struvite stones are composed of struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and calcium carbon-apatite. They are formed when bacteria, such as Proteus or Klebsiella, enter the body and break down urea in the urine into ammonia. This results in increased urine pH, creating an environment conducive to struvite formation.

The chemical formula for magnesium ammonium phosphate is MgNHPO4·H2O or MgNH4PO4·6H2O. Struvite crystallizes in the orthorhombic system and is a soft mineral with a low specific gravity. It is sparingly soluble in neutral and alkaline conditions but readily soluble in acid.

Struvite stones are often associated with urinary tract infections, particularly in women due to their shorter urethras, which make bacterial infections easier. These stones can grow rapidly and cause severe pain, urinary tract obstruction, and other health issues if left untreated.

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They are more common in women than in men

Struvite stones are a type of hard mineral deposit that can form in the kidneys. They are made from chemicals in the urine, such as calcium and phosphate, which crystallize and stick together. Struvite is a mineral produced by bacteria in the urinary tract.

Struvite stones are more common in women than in men. This is because struvite stones are often associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs), and women are more susceptible to UTIs. Women have shorter urethras, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the body.

UTIs can make the urine more alkaline, which is necessary for struvite production. The bacteria in the urinary tract break down the waste product urea into ammonia, which makes the urine less acidic. This process also increases the concentration of ammonia in the urine, which is another important factor in struvite formation.

Struvite stones can grow very quickly and become quite large. They can block the kidney, ureter, or bladder and cause severe damage to the kidney. Symptoms of struvite stones include pain in the side and back, a frequent need to urinate, and pain when urinating.

To prevent struvite stones, doctors may prescribe acetohydroxamic acid (AHA) to stop the bacteria from making ammonia. Antibiotics may also be prescribed after a stone is removed to prevent future UTIs, which can lead to the formation of struvite stones.

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Frequently asked questions

Struvite stones are kidney stones made of magnesium ammonium phosphate. They are also called "infection stones" because they are associated with urinary tract infections.

Symptoms of struvite stones include:

- Pain in the side and back

- Frequent need to urinate

- Pain when urinating

- Red, pink, or brown urine

- Burning sensation or pain when urinating

- Urinating in small amounts or more than usual

Struvite stones are caused by infections in the upper urinary tract. They form when bacteria break down the waste product urea into ammonia, making the urine less acidic and more alkaline.

Treatment for struvite stones typically involves a combination of antibiotics and surgery. Antibiotics are used to treat the underlying bacterial infection, while surgery is performed to remove the stones.

Struvite stones account for about 10-15% of all kidney stones, but they are more common in women than in men due to the increased likelihood of urinary tract infections.

Yes, struvite stones can be prevented by treating and preventing urinary tract infections. Drinking enough water and staying hydrated can also help prevent struvite stones by keeping the urine less concentrated with waste products.

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