From the Research
Kidney stones can affect people of all ages, but they are most common in adults between 30 and 60 years old, with the peak age for developing kidney stones typically around 40-60 years of age. The risk factors for kidney stones increase with age due to metabolic changes, medication use, and dietary habits that develop over time 1. Men are more likely to develop kidney stones than women until about age 50, after which the risk becomes more equal. Certain medical conditions like gout, inflammatory bowel disease, and recurrent urinary tract infections can increase stone risk at any age. Dehydration, high-sodium diets, and excessive animal protein consumption are modifiable risk factors regardless of age.
Key Considerations
- The formation of uric acid stones is related to hyperuricosuria, low urinary volume, and persistently low urinary pH, and can be diagnosed using dual-energy CT and stone composition analysis 2.
- Increasing fluid intake to produce at least 2 liters of urine daily is the most effective prevention strategy for all age groups, along with dietary modifications based on the specific type of stone you may be prone to developing 1.
- Some studies have investigated the effects of shock wave lithotripsy on kidney stone treatment, and have found changes in routine blood tests and novel biomarkers following the procedure 3.
Prevention and Treatment
- Lifestyle modifications, such as increased fluid intake, should be recommended for all patients with kidney stones.
- Thiazide diuretics, allopurinol, or citrates should be prescribed for patients with recurrent calcium stones 1.
- Patients at high risk of stone recurrence should be referred for additional metabolic assessment, which can serve as a basis for tailored preventive measures.