Kidney stones are a painful and common condition, but not all stones form for the same reason. One lesser-known type, known as struvite stones, develops due to urinary tract infections and can grow rapidly if left untreated. Unlike other stones caused by dehydration or dietary factors, struvite stones form when bacteria alter the chemical balance of urine, leading to large, branching stones that may damage the kidneys over time.
On that note, Apex Hospital – leading kidney stone treatment center in Sirsa – breaks down every aspect of struvite stone, including its causes, preventive measures and the best treatment. Read on!
What Are Struvite Stones?
Struvite stones, also known as infection stones or triple phosphate stones, are made up of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate. They form in alkaline urine, urine that’s less acidic than normal and are strongly linked to bacterial infections in the urinary tract.
These stones can grow very quickly, sometimes filling an entire kidney (a condition known as staghorn calculi). If not removed, they can lead to repeated infections and serious kidney complications.
What Causes Struvite Stones in Humans?
The primary cause of struvite stones is infection by certain bacteria that produce an enzyme called urease. This enzyme breaks down urea into ammonia, making urine alkaline and creating ideal conditions for struvite crystal formation.
Common bacteria responsible for struvite stones include:
– Klebsiella pneumoniae
– Pseudomonas aeruginosa
– Staphylococcus species
People at higher risk include:
– Women (as they are more prone to UTIs)
– Those with long-term urinary catheters
– People with poor bladder emptying or a neurogenic bladder
– Individuals with spinal cord injuries or urinary tract abnormalities
In short, repeated or chronic UTIs are the root cause of struvite stones.
Symptoms of Struvite Stones
Struvite stones may not cause symptoms until they become large or cause an infection. Common signs include:
– Persistent UTIs
– Flank pain or pain in the back and sides
– Fever and chills (due to infection)
– Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
– Blood in the urine (hematuria)
– Frequent urge to urinate or burning sensation during urination
If you experience these symptoms, it’s important to consult an experienced urologist immediately to prevent complications like kidney infection or damage.
Diagnosis of Struvite Stones
To diagnose struvite stones, doctors may use:
– Urine tests to detect infection, high pH, or crystals.
– Imaging tests like CT scans, ultrasounds, or X-rays to see the stones’ size and position.
– Stone analysis after removal or passage to confirm its type.
– Identifying the infection-causing bacteria helps guide effective treatment and prevention strategies.
Treatment Options for Struvite Stones
Since struvite stones are infection-related, treatment involves both stone removal and infection control.
1. Antibiotic Therapy
Antibiotics are prescribed to clear the bacterial infection causing stone formation. However, antibiotics alone rarely dissolve existing stones, especially large ones. They are essential before and after stone removal to ensure complete infection clearance.
2. Stone Removal Procedures
Most struvite stones need surgical intervention because of their size and structure. Common procedures include:
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A small incision in the back allows direct stone removal.
Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL): Uses sound waves to break smaller stones into pieces that can pass naturally.
Ureteroscopy: A small scope passed through the urethra helps locate and remove or fragment stones.
3. Medications and Urinary Acidification
Doctors may prescribe urease inhibitors (like acetohydroxamic acid) or medications that make the urine more acidic. This helps prevent the formation of new struvite stones by reducing bacterial activity and crystal growth.
Tips to Prevent Struvite Stones
Prevention focuses on avoiding urinary infections and maintaining a healthy urinary environment.
1. Stay Hydrated
Drink at least 2–3 liters of water daily to dilute the urine and flush out bacteria and toxins. Staying hydrated is the easiest and most effective way to prevent all types of kidney stones.
2. Manage and Prevent UTIs
Treat any UTI promptly. Don’t ignore symptoms like burning during urination, frequent urination, or cloudy urine. Chronic infections are the main cause of struvite stones.
3. Practice Good Urinary Hygiene
– Urinate frequently and don’t hold urine for long.
– Wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
– Avoid harsh soaps or sprays in the genital area that can disturb the natural pH balance.
4. Regular Checkups
If you’ve had a struvite stone before, regular follow-ups and urine cultures help detect infections early and prevent recurrence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the primary cause of struvite stones?
The main cause of struvite stones is a chronic urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by bacteria that produce the enzyme urease. This enzyme raises the urine’s pH, allowing magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate to combine and form stones.
2. How to treat struvite stones?
Treatment involves two key steps:
Removing the stones through procedures like percutaneous nephrolithotomy or shock wave lithotripsy.
Eliminating the infection with antibiotics to prevent recurrence. In some cases, urease inhibitors are prescribed to reduce future stone formation.
3. What foods should I avoid with struvite stones?
Avoid alkalizing foods that make urine less acidic, such as:
– Excessive dairy (milk, cheese)
– Processed and salty foods
– Antacids with calcium or magnesium
– Sugary sodas and refined foods
– Instead, include hydrating fluids and vitamin C-rich fruits to support kidney health.
4. Are struvite stones serious?
Yes. Struvite stones can grow large and fill the kidney, leading to chronic infections, kidney obstruction, or even kidney damage if not treated. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications.
5. Can struvite stones come back after treatment?
Unfortunately, yes. If the underlying infection isn’t completely treated, struvite stones can recur. Regular follow-ups, urine tests, and infection control are essential to reduce recurrence risk.
Get Struvite Stones Treatment at Apex Hospital
Dealing with struvite stones can be painful and stressful, but with the right diagnosis, medical care, and follow-up, recovery is absolutely possible. The key is to act early, treat underlying infections, and get personalized guidance from experienced specialists.
If you or someone you know is struggling with kidney stones or recurrent urinary tract infections, don’t delay professional help.
For trusted and advanced care, Dr. R.K. Mehta at Apex Hospital is one of the leading urologists in Haryana, known for his expertise in kidney stone management and minimally invasive treatments.
Book your consultation today — contact us via WhatsApp or call 91680 3900 to discuss your condition with our experts and take the first step toward a healthy, stone-free life.
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