We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Struvite Kidney Stones?

By J. Banfield
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 11,516
Share

Kidney stones are hard, rock-like masses that form within the kidneys as the result of accumulated mineral salts and other substances. These masses range in size and can be as small as a grain of sand or larger than a golf ball. Typically, most are less than 1/3 inch (8.5 mm) in diameter. There are five types of kidney stones, each classified by the substances that cause it. Struvite kidney stones are larger stones that consist primarily of ammonium and magnesium phosphate.

Struvite kidney stones are quite large stones that look like hard crystal and make up from 10 percent to 15 percent of all kidney stones. Bacterial waste and infection are to blame for struvite kidney stones, which form as urea-splitting bacteria flourish in the wake of a kidney or urinary tract infection. These bacteria can be found in the kidneys or in the blood. Struvite kidney stones are most common in women, infants and the elderly, all of whom are more susceptible because they are more prone to urinary tract infections. The infection, stone formation and symptoms can all be severe.

Symptoms of struvite kidney stones vary slightly from other kidney stone conditions. Fever, chills, nausea and loss of appetite are common, and burning abdominal pain, similar to the pain of a kidney or urinary tract infection, may indicate the presence of struvite kidney stones. Differing from calcium kidney stones, the pain is dull, aching, burning, less localized and less likely to occur in repeated flare-ups of pain. Damage to the inner lining of the urinary tract as the result of an infection can cause the appearance of blood in the urine. The accompanying infection may also cause cloudy urine or an unusual odor.

Struvite kidney stones’ link to bacteria means physician-prescribed antibiotics must be administered to kill the infection and prevent further stone formation. If the stone is small enough, it can be passed on its own through normal urination. If it is too large and painful, other methods must be implemented for removal.

Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy removes stones smaller than 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) near the kidney. Ultrasonic waves or shock waves break up the stones so they may pass from the body via the urine. Ureteroscopy is utilized for stones in the lower urinary tract. This involves inserting a tube through the urethra to reach the stones. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy removes larger stones by inserting an endoscope into the kidney through a small opening.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-struvite-kidney-stones.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.