Scientists and doctors are still investigating the exact causes of kidney stones. However, they do know that certain risk factors—such as age, gender, diet, and family history—can make a person more prone to developing them. Certain inherited diseases, such as cystinuria, hyperoxaluria, hypercalciuria, or hyperuricosuria, may also be possible causes of kidney stones.
No one knows the exact causes of kidney stones, and doctors can seldom explain why one person will get kidney stones and another person will not. However, kidney stones research has shown that people with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop the condition. (A risk factor is anything that increases a person's chances of developing a disease.)
Causes of Kidney Stones: Know the Risk Factors
Kidney stones risk factors include:
Age
Gender
Certain diets
Family history
Urinary tract infections and blockage of the urinary tract
Kidney disease, such as cystic kidney disease
Medical conditions, like gout
Excess vitamin D intake
Metabolic disorders, such as hyperparathyroidism
Certain medications, such as diuretics, indinavir, or calcium-based antacids
Inherited diseases, such as cystinuria, hyperoxaluria, hypercalciuria, or hyperuricosuria.
Age and Gender as Causes of Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are more common in males and in people who are middle-aged.
Dietary Causes of Kidney Stones
While certain foods may promote stone formation, scientists do not believe that eating any specific food causes stones to form in people who are not susceptible to the condition. (Click Kidney Stones and Diet for more information.)
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