Kidney Stones can happen to anyone. Family history of Kidney stones makes you more likely to develop one too. And if you've already had one or more Kidney stones, you're at increased risk of developing another.
However, certain groups have been seen to be more prone to develop the condition. They include:
- Age: More common in middle aged people.
- Gender: Almost 3 times more common in men than in women.
- Other medical conditions: Hyperparathyroidism, kidney diseases such as renal tubular acidosis, and other inherited metabolic conditions, including cystinuria and hyperoxaluria have been seen to be associated with higher incidence of kidney stones.
- Chronic diseases: Conditions such as Diabetes and Hypertension are also associated with an increased risk of developing Kidney stones.
- Surgery: Those who have undergone intestinal bypass or ostomy surgery are also at increased risk for kidney stones because surgery can change the dynamics of water and calcium absorption leading to stone-forming tendencies.
- Some conventional medications which raise the risk of Kidney stones include medications like diuretics, calcium-containing antacids, long term corticosteroids and one of the drugs used to treat HIV infection called indinavir sulphate.
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Dietary factors:
- Inadequate fluid intake predisposes to dehydration, which is a major risk factor for stone formation.
- High intake of animal protein, high-salt diet, excessive sugar consumption, excess vitamin D supplementation, and possible excessive intake of oxalate-containing food such as spinach.
- Alcohol consumption
