Laxatives are typically used to treat constipation and to clear the bowel before a colonoscopy. While laxatives are safe for those without kidney problems, they can cause kidney stones in some cases. Kidney stones are hard objects formed from chemicals in the urine, and they can cause extreme pain and require surgery if they don't pass out of the body. Laxative abuse is associated with hyperoxaluria, which can lead to calcium oxalate kidney stones. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stones, and they are formed when calcium combines with oxalate in the urine. This can occur due to inadequate calcium and fluid intake, as well as other conditions. Therefore, it is important to use laxatives only as directed and to maintain adequate hydration to prevent potential kidney-related complications.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Type of kidney stone | Calcium oxalate stones |
Laxative abuse | High urine ammonium |
Risk factors | Idiopathic hypercalciuria, low urine volume |
Treatment | Shockwave lithotripsy, uteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithomy or nephrolithotripsy |
What You'll Learn
- Laxative abuse can cause kidney stones in patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria
- Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stone
- Uric acid stones are another common type of kidney stone
- Struvite stones are less common and caused by upper urinary tract infections
- Cystine stones are rare and tend to run in families
Laxative abuse can cause kidney stones in patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria
Laxative abuse is associated with kidney stones, with chronic use contributing to disturbances in electrolyte and acid-base balance. While kidney stones are listed among the complications of eating disorders, there have been very few reported cases.
A case study by David E. Leaf et al. presents a patient with nephrolithiasis associated with laxative abuse and idiopathic hypercalciuria. The patient's urine metabolic profiles are detailed in the report, which also reviews the literature and explains the low number of cases of nephrolithiasis associated with eating disorders and laxative abuse.
Despite low urine volumes and hypocitraturia resulting from hypokalemia, which would typically encourage the formation of kidney stones, most patients with eating disorders are protected from stone formation by the hypocalciuric effect of extracellular fluid volume depletion and increased proximal tubular sodium reabsorption. However, patients with underlying idiopathic hypercalciuria who develop eating disorders may be at an increased risk of stone formation due to low urine volume and, consequently, high supersaturation of calcium oxalate and phosphate.
Laxative abuse, therefore, can cause kidney stones in patients with idiopathic hypercalciuria, as the underlying condition, combined with the effects of laxative abuse, can lead to high supersaturation of calcium oxalate and phosphate in the urine. This high supersaturation can then result in the formation of kidney stones.
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Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stone
There are several risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing calcium oxalate stones. One of the main factors is dehydration, which occurs when individuals do not drink enough fluids. It is recommended to increase fluid intake, particularly water, to dilute the urine and make it more difficult for crystals to form.
Another risk factor is consuming too much protein. Eating large amounts of animal protein, such as beef, chicken, and pork, can increase the chances of developing kidney stones. It is advised to limit the intake of animal protein and replace it with plant-based sources of protein, such as beans, dried peas, and lentils, which are low in oxalate.
Additionally, a diet high in salt (sodium) can contribute to the formation of calcium oxalate stones. Sodium intake should be reduced to less than 2 grams per day. This can be achieved by limiting the consumption of canned, packaged, and fast foods, as well as condiments, seasonings, and meats that are high in sodium.
It is also important to include the right amount of calcium in the diet. Contrary to what some may believe, avoiding calcium is not the solution to preventing kidney stones. Calcium binds with oxalate in the stomach and intestines, preventing it from reaching the kidneys and forming stones. Eating calcium-rich foods, such as dairy products, helps ensure that oxalates leave the body without forming stones. However, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate amount of calcium in the diet.
Furthermore, vitamin C supplements should be taken with caution. Excessive vitamin C intake can lead to high levels of oxalate in the urine, increasing the risk of calcium oxalate stones. It is important to discuss vitamin C supplementation with a healthcare professional.
In summary, calcium oxalate stones are the most prevalent type of kidney stone, and they are closely associated with high oxalate levels in the body. By making dietary adjustments, such as increasing fluid intake, reducing animal protein and sodium consumption, and ensuring adequate calcium intake, individuals can lower their risk of developing calcium oxalate stones. Additionally, being mindful of vitamin C supplementation can also help prevent the formation of these common kidney stones.
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Uric acid stones are another common type of kidney stone
To prevent the formation of uric acid stones, it is recommended to reduce the consumption of high-purine foods such as red meat, organ meats, beer, alcoholic beverages, meat-based gravies, sardines, anchovies, and shellfish. Instead, it is advisable to follow a healthy diet comprising mostly vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Limiting sugar-sweetened foods and drinks, especially those containing high-fructose corn syrup, is also recommended, as is limiting alcohol intake.
Additionally, decreasing the consumption of animal-based protein and increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables can help reduce urine acidity, thereby lowering the risk of uric acid stone formation. Staying well-hydrated is also crucial, as dehydration can lead to decreased urine production and create an environment conducive to stone formation.
It is worth noting that laxative abuse is associated with hyperuricosuria, which predisposes individuals to uric acid stones. Therefore, it is important to use laxatives only as directed and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
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Struvite stones are less common and caused by upper urinary tract infections
Struvite stones are a less common type of kidney stone, accounting for about 10 to 15 percent of all kidney stones. They are, however, more prevalent in women than in men.
Struvite stones are caused by upper urinary tract infections (UTIs) from bacteria. These bacteria produce the waste product ammonia, which increases the alkalinity of urine. Struvite, a mineral produced by bacteria in the urinary tract, crystallizes and forms stones when the urine becomes more alkaline. The main chemicals in a struvite stone include struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and calcium carbonate-apatite.
The symptoms of struvite stones are similar to those of other types of kidney stones and can include pain in the side and back, a frequent need to urinate, and pain during urination. These stones can grow rapidly and cause significant pain and other health problems if they become too large to pass through the urinary tract.
To diagnose struvite stones, doctors may perform blood tests, urine testing, 24-hour urine culture, X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or intravenous urography. Treatment options include shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL), with PNL being the preferred treatment for larger stones. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent future UTIs, which can lead to struvite stone formation.
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Cystine stones are rare and tend to run in families
Laxative abuse is associated with kidney stones, specifically ammonium urate stones. Kidney stones are solid masses made up of tiny crystals that form when urine contains too much of certain substances. There are four types of kidney stones: calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine.
Cystine stones are rare, accounting for only 1% to 2% of all kidney stones, but they make up 6% to 8% of kidney stones in children. They are caused by a rare, inherited condition called cystinuria, which affects the body's ability to process the amino acid cystine. Cystinuria is an autosomal recessive gene, meaning that both parents must pass on the gene for their child to have the condition. This condition causes cystine to build up in the urine, leading to the formation of cystine stones.
People with cystinuria tend to develop multiple cystine stones throughout their lives, and these stones tend to be larger than other types of kidney stones. Symptoms of cystine stones include sharp pain in the side or back, groin or abdomen pain, blood in the urine, vomiting, and upset stomach. In some cases, cystine stones can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) if they become stuck in the urinary tract.
While there is no cure for cystinuria, the condition can be managed through dietary changes, medication, and surgery. Treatment focuses on preventing cystine stones from forming by reducing the amount of cystine in the urine. This can be achieved through increased water intake, limiting sodium and animal protein intake, and medication to make the urine less acidic. In cases where cystine stones become too large or cause complications, surgery may be necessary to remove them.
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Frequently asked questions
Laxative abuse is associated with calcium oxalate kidney stones.
Kidney stones are hard masses that form from crystals in the urine.
Symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the lower back, blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills, or urine that smells bad or looks cloudy.
Risk factors for kidney stones include dehydration, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and a family history of kidney stones.
To prevent kidney stones, it is recommended to stay hydrated, maintain a balanced diet, and avoid excessive use of laxatives.