{"id":1851,"date":"2020-11-06T11:28:45","date_gmt":"2020-11-06T04:28:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/?p=1851"},"modified":"2026-08-30T08:12:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-30T01:12:08","slug":"%e0%a6%95%e0%a6%bf%e0%a6%a1%e0%a6%a8%e0%a6%bf%e0%a6%a4%e0%a7%87-%e0%a6%aa%e0%a6%be%e0%a6%a5%e0%a6%b0-%e0%a6%95%e0%a7%87%e0%a6%a8-%e0%a6%b9%e0%a6%af%e0%a6%bc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/2020\/11\/06\/why-kidney-stone-happens\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Kidney Stones Form?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns coblocks-author-columns has-background is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-52275889 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"background-color:#8C8C971A;padding-top:2.5rem;padding-right:2.5rem;padding-bottom:2.5rem;padding-left:2.5rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:25%\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-style-rounded\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" data-attachment-id=\"7037\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/new-photo-2024\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?fit=800%2C800&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,800\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;0&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone \u2014 Board-Certified Urologist in Bangkok, Thailand\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone \u2014 Board-Certified Urologist in Bangkok, Thailand&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?fit=800%2C800&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?resize=800%2C800&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Best Urologist working in Chonburi and Cambodia\" class=\"wp-image-7037\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?resize=300%2C300&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?resize=150%2C150&amp;ssl=1 150w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?resize=768%2C768&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?resize=12%2C12&amp;ssl=1 12w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?resize=600%2C600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?resize=400%2C400&amp;ssl=1 400w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/New-Photo-2024.png?resize=200%2C200&amp;ssl=1 200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:75%\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Soarawee Weerasopone, Urologist<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bangkokhospital.com\/en\/bangkok\/doctor\/dr-soarawee-weerasopone-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bangkok hospital Headquarter, Bangkok<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"tel:+66880221445\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Samitivej Sriracha Hospital \u2014 Urology department: <strong>088-022-1445<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-outline is-style-outline--1\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-small-font-size has-custom-font-size wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.bangkokhospital.com\/en\/bangkok\/doctor\/dr-soarawee-weerasopone-2\" style=\"color:#1b4965\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Book a Consultation<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-social-links aligncenter has-normal-icon-size is-style-default coblocks-animate is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-social-links-is-layout-3e41869c wp-block-social-links-is-layout-flex\"><li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-wordpress wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M12.158,12.786L9.46,20.625c0.806,0.237,1.657,0.366,2.54,0.366c1.047,0,2.051-0.181,2.986-0.51 c-0.024-0.038-0.046-0.079-0.065-0.124L12.158,12.786z M3.009,12c0,3.559,2.068,6.634,5.067,8.092L3.788,8.341 C3.289,9.459,3.009,10.696,3.009,12z M18.069,11.546c0-1.112-0.399-1.881-0.741-2.48c-0.456-0.741-0.883-1.368-0.883-2.109 c0-0.826,0.627-1.596,1.51-1.596c0.04,0,0.078,0.005,0.116,0.007C16.472,3.904,14.34,3.009,12,3.009 c-3.141,0-5.904,1.612-7.512,4.052c0.211,0.007,0.41,0.011,0.579,0.011c0.94,0,2.396-0.114,2.396-0.114 C7.947,6.93,8.004,7.642,7.52,7.699c0,0-0.487,0.057-1.029,0.085l3.274,9.739l1.968-5.901l-1.401-3.838 C9.848,7.756,9.389,7.699,9.389,7.699C8.904,7.67,8.961,6.93,9.446,6.958c0,0,1.484,0.114,2.368,0.114 c0.94,0,2.397-0.114,2.397-0.114c0.485-0.028,0.542,0.684,0.057,0.741c0,0-0.488,0.057-1.029,0.085l3.249,9.665l0.897-2.996 C17.841,13.284,18.069,12.316,18.069,11.546z M19.889,7.686c0.039,0.286,0.06,0.593,0.06,0.924c0,0.912-0.171,1.938-0.684,3.22 l-2.746,7.94c2.673-1.558,4.47-4.454,4.47-7.771C20.991,10.436,20.591,8.967,19.889,7.686z M12,22C6.486,22,2,17.514,2,12 C2,6.486,6.486,2,12,2c5.514,0,10,4.486,10,10C22,17.514,17.514,22,12,22z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">\u0993\u09df\u09be\u09b0\u09cd\u09a1\u09aa\u09cd\u09b0\u09c7\u09b8<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-linkedin wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/soarawee-weerasopone\/\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M19.7,3H4.3C3.582,3,3,3.582,3,4.3v15.4C3,20.418,3.582,21,4.3,21h15.4c0.718,0,1.3-0.582,1.3-1.3V4.3 C21,3.582,20.418,3,19.7,3z M8.339,18.338H5.667v-8.59h2.672V18.338z M7.004,8.574c-0.857,0-1.549-0.694-1.549-1.548 c0-0.855,0.691-1.548,1.549-1.548c0.854,0,1.547,0.694,1.547,1.548C8.551,7.881,7.858,8.574,7.004,8.574z M18.339,18.338h-2.669 v-4.177c0-0.996-0.017-2.278-1.387-2.278c-1.389,0-1.601,1.086-1.601,2.206v4.249h-2.667v-8.59h2.559v1.174h0.037 c0.356-0.675,1.227-1.387,2.526-1.387c2.703,0,3.203,1.779,3.203,4.092V18.338z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">\u09b2\u09bf\u0999\u09cd\u0995\u09a1\u0987\u09a8<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n<li class=\"wp-social-link wp-social-link-mail wp-block-social-link\"><a href=\"mailto:bhquro@bdms.co.th\" class=\"wp-block-social-link-anchor\"><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M19,5H5c-1.1,0-2,.9-2,2v10c0,1.1.9,2,2,2h14c1.1,0,2-.9,2-2V7c0-1.1-.9-2-2-2zm.5,12c0,.3-.2.5-.5.5H5c-.3,0-.5-.2-.5-.5V9.8l7.5,5.6,7.5-5.6V17zm0-9.1L12,13.6,4.5,7.9V7c0-.3.2-.5.5-.5h14c.3,0,.5.2.5.5v.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"wp-block-social-link-label screen-reader-text\">\u09ae\u09c7\u0987\u09b2<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<style>\n\/* Hover effect for Social Dr Pom Block - Social Icons *\/\n.wp-block-social-links .wp-social-link {\n  transition: transform 0.2s ease, opacity 0.2s ease !important;\n}\n.wp-block-social-links .wp-social-link:hover {\n  transform: scale(1.15);\n  opacity: 0.9;\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<div class=\"dr-pom-academic-icons\" style=\"display: flex; gap: 16px; margin-top: 12px; align-items: center; justify-content: center;\">\n  \n  <a href=\"https:\/\/www.researchgate.net\/profile\/Soarawee-Weerasopone\" \n     target=\"_blank\" \n     rel=\"noopener\"\n     title=\"ResearchGate Profile\"\n     aria-label=\"View ResearchGate Profile\"\n     style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #00CCBB; transition: transform 0.2s; display: inline-block;\"\n     onmouseover=\"this.style.transform='scale(1.15)'\"\n     onmouseout=\"this.style.transform='scale(1)'\">\n    <svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n      <path d=\"M19.586 0c-.818 0-1.508.19-2.073.565-.563.377-.97.936-1.213 1.68a3.193 3.193 0 0 0-.112.437 8.365 8.365 0 0 0-.078.53 9 9 0 0 0-.05.727c-.01.282-.013.621-.013 1.016a31.121 31.121 0 0 0 .014 1.017 9 9 0 0 0 .05.727 7.946 7.946 0 0 0 .077.53h.001c.024.115.06.262.112.438.243.743.65 1.303 1.213 1.68.565.376 1.255.564 2.073.564.8 0 1.536-.213 2.105-.603.57-.39.94-.916 1.175-1.65.076-.235.135-.558.177-.93a15.4 15.4 0 0 0 .063-1.207v-.512a.27.27 0 0 0-.273-.273h-2.95a.27.27 0 0 0-.274.273v.785c0 .228.0.343.273.343h1.337c.094 0 .14.045.14.137 0 .61-.063 1.043-.155 1.318-.182.546-.7 1.018-1.683 1.018-.654 0-1.135-.114-1.475-.356-.34-.244-.55-.585-.658-1.024a3.797 3.797 0 0 1-.111-.43 5.515 5.515 0 0 1-.06-.51 19.85 19.85 0 0 1-.025-.726c-.004-.28-.004-.628-.004-1.045 0-.418 0-.766.004-1.046a19.85 19.85 0 0 1 .025-.726 5.475 5.475 0 0 1 .06-.51 3.785 3.785 0 0 1 .111-.43c.108-.44.318-.78.658-1.024.34-.243.82-.357 1.475-.357.6 0 1.064.078 1.413.293.347.215.595.515.74.91.063.155.166.21.31.156l.967-.4c.15-.058.187-.18.13-.32a3.025 3.025 0 0 0-1.262-1.452C21.12.218 20.428.0 19.586 0zM8.512 4.32c-2.7 0-4.066.997-4.066 3.06v.04c0 1.92.992 2.83 3.046 2.83 1.27 0 2.038-.39 2.385-1.05h.13l.067.51c.04.2.207.34.41.34h.99V7.95c0-2.59-1.06-3.63-2.962-3.63zm-.18 1.61c1.118 0 1.628.56 1.628 1.86v.4l-1.65.16c-1.35.13-1.86.46-1.86 1.13v.04c0 .67.41 1.06 1.45 1.06.85 0 1.55-.32 1.93-.84.04-.06.13-.07.18-.02.05.03.07.1.07.16v.43c0 .26.13.42.34.42h1.05c.21 0 .34-.16.34-.42v-3.6c0-1.94-1.13-2.83-3.46-2.83-1.94 0-3.07.86-3.4 2.04l1.55.45c.18-.69.6-1.04 1.83-1.04zM2.135 16.314c-.587 0-1.066-.156-1.434-.469-.367-.312-.618-.704-.752-1.176-.034-.124-.061-.232-.082-.327a3.794 3.794 0 0 1-.044-.366 8.83 8.83 0 0 1-.022-.547C0 13.221 0 12.985 0 12.704c0-.281 0-.515.001-.704a8.81 8.81 0 0 1 .022-.547 3.802 3.802 0 0 1 .044-.366c.02-.094.048-.203.082-.328.134-.471.385-.864.752-1.176.368-.313.847-.469 1.434-.469.477 0 .892.087 1.246.262.353.175.622.443.806.804.044.083.083.157.117.222.034.066.069.144.105.235.022.054.011.099-.034.135l-.66.292c-.045.027-.082.013-.112-.045a4.043 4.043 0 0 0-.155-.27 1.247 1.247 0 0 0-.49-.495c-.225-.131-.522-.196-.892-.196-.402 0-.726.064-.972.193-.247.13-.422.302-.527.518-.027.045-.054.099-.082.16a1.39 1.39 0 0 0-.067.197 2.46 2.46 0 0 0-.05.282 5.51 5.51 0 0 0-.033.43c-.008.17-.013.376-.013.617 0 .242.005.448.013.618.008.17.02.314.034.43.013.117.03.21.05.282.02.072.042.137.066.197.105.216.28.39.527.518.246.13.57.193.972.193.4 0 .714-.07.94-.21.227-.14.394-.346.503-.617a2.43 2.43 0 0 0 .104-.395c.018-.123.027-.282.027-.477V13.2H2.34c-.04 0-.06-.02-.06-.062v-.5c0-.04.02-.062.06-.062h1.812c.04 0 .062.02.062.06v.5c0 .156-.005.296-.014.422a4.71 4.71 0 0 1-.04.342 1.732 1.732 0 0 1-.064.262c-.13.523-.402.913-.815 1.17-.413.255-.95.382-1.61.382z\"\/>\n    <\/svg>\n  <\/a>\n  \n  <a href=\"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0009-0004-8387-3559\" \n     target=\"_blank\" \n     rel=\"noopener\"\n     title=\"ORCID iD\"\n     aria-label=\"View ORCID Profile\"\n     style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #A6CE39; transition: transform 0.2s; display: inline-block;\"\n     onmouseover=\"this.style.transform='scale(1.15)'\"\n     onmouseout=\"this.style.transform='scale(1)'\">\n    <svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n      <path d=\"M12 0C5.372 0 0 5.372 0 12s5.372 12 12 12 12-5.372 12-12S18.628 0 12 0zM7.369 4.378c.525 0 .947.431.947.947 0 .525-.422.947-.947.947-.525 0-.946-.422-.946-.947 0-.525.421-.947.946-.947zm-.722 3.038h1.444v10.041H6.647V7.416zm3.562 0h3.9c3.712 0 5.344 2.653 5.344 5.025 0 2.578-2.016 5.025-5.325 5.025h-3.919V7.416zm1.444 1.303v7.444h2.297c3.272 0 4.022-2.484 4.022-3.722 0-2.016-1.284-3.722-4.097-3.722h-2.222z\"\/>\n    <\/svg>\n  <\/a>\n  \n  <a href=\"https:\/\/scholar.google.com\/citations?user=lTgsRMUAAAAJ&#038;hl=en\" \n     target=\"_blank\" \n     rel=\"noopener\"\n     title=\"Google Scholar\"\n     aria-label=\"View Google Scholar Profile\"\n     style=\"text-decoration: none; color: #4285F4; transition: transform 0.2s; display: inline-block;\"\n     onmouseover=\"this.style.transform='scale(1.15)'\"\n     onmouseout=\"this.style.transform='scale(1)'\">\n    <svg width=\"28\" height=\"28\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"currentColor\">\n      <path d=\"M5.242 13.769L0.5 9.5 12 1l11.5 8.5-4.742 4.269C17.548 11.249 14.978 9.5 12 9.5c-2.977 0-5.548 1.748-6.758 4.269zM12 10a7 7 0 1 0 0 14 7 7 0 0 0 0-14z\"\/>\n    <\/svg>\n  <\/a>\n  \n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap wp-block-paragraph\">Kidney stones are among the commonest problems I see. Reported lifetime risk is at least 10% in US and European populations, and figures as high as 17% have been reported in this region \u2014 a difference that is itself a clue to what causes them. This article explains why stones form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There is no single answer, because stone formation is multifactorial. The starting point is what the kidney does: it filters waste products from the blood and excretes them in urine. That makes the kidney the one place in the body where ions such as calcium, phosphate, uric acid and oxalate are routinely concentrated. When their concentration climbs high enough, they crystallise \u2014 and a stone begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"373\" data-attachment-id=\"1856\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/anatomy-of-kidney-and-kidney-stones\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Kidney-stone.jpg?fit=1200%2C560&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,560\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Anatomy of kidney and kidney stones illustration&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1596452898&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Anatomy of kidney and kidney stones&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"High ions concentration inside the kidney makes kidney stone\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;High ions concentration inside the kidney makes kidney stone&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Kidney-stone.jpg?fit=800%2C373&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Kidney-stone.jpg?resize=800%2C373&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"A kidney stone formed from crystallised mineral ions in the kidney\" class=\"wp-image-1856\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Kidney-stone.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Kidney-stone.jpg?resize=300%2C140&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Kidney-stone.jpg?resize=1024%2C478&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Kidney-stone.jpg?resize=768%2C358&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Kidney-stone.jpg?resize=16%2C7&amp;ssl=1 16w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A stone forms when urinary ions reach a high enough concentration to crystallise.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Before the causes: the one situation that is an emergency<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This article is about prevention, which is a calm subject. Stone disease has one situation that is not, and it is worth knowing before the rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A stone that blocks the drainage from a kidney is uncomfortable. A stone that blocks a kidney <em>and<\/em> that kidney becomes infected is a different matter entirely: the infection is trapped behind the blockage with nowhere to go, and a previously well person can become dangerously ill within hours. It is one of the few true emergencies in urology, and the treatment is to drain the kidney urgently rather than to wait for antibiotics to work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Go to an emergency department the same day \u2014 in Thailand you can call 1669 \u2014 if you have:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fever or shaking chills together with flank or back pain<\/strong>, whether or not you know you have a stone. This is the one on this list that matters most.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Pain that painkillers are not controlling<\/strong>, or persistent vomiting that stops you keeping fluids down.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Passing little or no urine<\/strong>, or feeling faint, confused or generally very unwell.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Any stone pain if you have only one working kidney<\/strong>, or a kidney transplant, since there is no second kidney to compensate while the situation is assessed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. Host factors \u2014 the ones you cannot change<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Family history \u2014 and this one is stronger than most patients expect.<\/strong> Twin and family studies put the heritability of stone disease at roughly <strong>46\u201363%<\/strong>, and having a parent or sibling who forms stones raises your own risk by about <strong>three-fold<\/strong>. It is one of the strongest predictors of recurrence there is. In a minority of cases the cause is a single identifiable gene \u2014 found in around 10% of adults and up to 30% of children with stones \u2014 which is why stones starting in childhood or early adulthood deserve a proper metabolic work-up rather than general advice. Mention your family history at your appointment; it is often what tips the balance towards investigating your chemistry properly.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Ethnicity and region<\/strong> \u2014 lifetime risk is around 10\u201315% in developed countries but 20\u201325% in the Middle East, and within this region north-eastern Thailand and Cambodia are recognised as high-stone areas. <strong>What is not settled is how much of that is genetic and how much is diet, climate and hydration<\/strong>, which travel together with geography and are extremely difficult to separate. Large genetic studies across different populations have found broadly similar genetic architecture, so regional differences should not be read as primarily inherited. The honest position is that both contribute and the balance is unresolved.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sex<\/strong> \u2014 men are affected more than women, at a ratio of roughly 2:1 worldwide.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Age<\/strong> \u2014 the peak is between 40 and 60.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Existing medical conditions<\/strong> \u2014 obesity and diabetes are reported to raise the risk by around 55% and 59% respectively. Both increase the amount of stone-forming ions excreted in the urine. Unlike the items above, these two are modifiable, which makes them worth acting on.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" data-attachment-id=\"1860\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/gender-not-equal\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Gender-not-equal.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,800\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;Freepik Company S.L. - www.freepik.com&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Male suffers with kidney stone more than female\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Male suffers with kidney stone more than female&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Gender-not-equal.jpg?fit=800%2C534&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Gender-not-equal.jpg?resize=800%2C533&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Illustration of the roughly 2:1 male to female ratio in kidney stone incidence\" class=\"wp-image-1860\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Gender-not-equal.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Gender-not-equal.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Gender-not-equal.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Gender-not-equal.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Gender-not-equal.jpg?resize=16%2C12&amp;ssl=1 16w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Men develop kidney stones about twice as often as women.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" data-attachment-id=\"1859\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/dm\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/DM.jpg?fit=1200%2C801&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,801\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;4&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;NIKON D610&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Old lady is testing blood sugar level using blood sugar test kid set - people with medical equipment concept&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1559892656&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;86&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00625&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Medical history for example &amp;#8211; Diabetes rises the kidney stone rate\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Medical history for example &amp;#8211; Diabetes rises the kidney stone rate&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/DM.jpg?fit=800%2C534&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/DM.jpg?resize=800%2C534&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Blood glucose testing, representing diabetes as a kidney stone risk factor\" class=\"wp-image-1859\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/DM.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/DM.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/DM.jpg?resize=1024%2C684&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/DM.jpg?resize=768%2C513&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/DM.jpg?resize=16%2C12&amp;ssl=1 16w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Diabetes and obesity both raise the risk of stone formation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. <a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/2020\/06\/19\/8-good-habits-for-the-prevention-of-kidney-stones-formation\/\">Environmental factors<\/a> \u2014 the ones you can<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Climate<\/strong> \u2014 incidence is higher in tropical regions. People in hot climates lose fluid through sweat, pass less urine, and so concentrate their urinary ions further. This is the likeliest explanation for the regional differences above.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/26166074\/\">Fluid intake<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 the single easiest way to reduce risk. Every additional 500 mL of water a day significantly lowers the incidence, and around 2,500 mL daily is the usual recommendation for stone prevention. Anyone with heart or kidney disease, or on fluid restriction for another reason, should agree their target with their own doctor first.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Diet<\/strong> \u2014 high sodium, high oxalate, high-dose vitamin C supplements and unbalanced calcium intake all push the risk up, as does a diet heavy in animal protein, which raises urinary uric acid. Note that cutting dietary calcium is usually the wrong move: it tends to increase oxalate absorption and can make stones more likely rather than less.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Too little citrate<\/strong> \u2014 citrate is a natural stone inhibitor, and citrus fruits are rich in it. A glass of lemon juice a day is a reasonable measure for anyone concerned about stones; where more is needed, <a href=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/2021\/09\/03\/potassium-citrate-kidney-stone\/\">potassium citrate therapy<\/a> is the medical version of the same idea.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Some medications and supplements<\/strong> \u2014 a number of prescribed medicines raise stone risk, and calcium or vitamin D supplements taken without a reason can do the same. Bring a list of everything you take to your appointment rather than assuming it is irrelevant, and do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own account.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"554\" data-attachment-id=\"1858\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/earth-map-countries\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Geographic.jpg?fit=1200%2C831&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,831\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Earth map with countries divided by color and description of political world map vector illustration&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1461241097&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Earth Map Countries&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Geographic location also play role in kidney stone incidence\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Geographic location also play role in kidney stone incidence&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Geographic.jpg?fit=800%2C554&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Geographic.jpg?resize=800%2C554&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Map illustrating the higher incidence of kidney stones in tropical regions\" class=\"wp-image-1858\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Geographic.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Geographic.jpg?resize=300%2C208&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Geographic.jpg?resize=1024%2C709&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Geographic.jpg?resize=768%2C532&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Geographic.jpg?resize=16%2C12&amp;ssl=1 16w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Hot climates mean more fluid lost as sweat, less urine, and more concentrated ions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" data-attachment-id=\"1863\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/water\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Water.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,675\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;Freepik Company S.L. - www.freepik.com&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Plenty of water intake is the easiest way to reduce kidney stone rate\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Plenty of water intake is the easiest way to reduce kidney stone rate&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Water.jpg?fit=800%2C450&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Water.jpg?resize=800%2C450&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"A glass of water, the simplest and most effective kidney stone prevention measure\" class=\"wp-image-1863\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Water.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Water.jpg?resize=300%2C169&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Water.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Water.jpg?resize=768%2C432&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Water.jpg?resize=16%2C9&amp;ssl=1 16w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Drinking more water is the easiest way to lower your risk.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"800\" height=\"575\" data-attachment-id=\"1857\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/green-lemons-in-a-plate-with-slices-top-view-on-a-black-textured-background\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Citrate.jpg?fit=1200%2C862&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"1200,862\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;Green lemons in a plate with slices top view on a black textured background&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;Green lemons in a plate with slices top view on a black textured background&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Citrate is rich in Lemon and Citrus fruit\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;Citrate is rich in Lemon and Citrus fruit&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Citrate.jpg?fit=800%2C575&amp;ssl=1\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Citrate.jpg?resize=800%2C575&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Lemons and citrus fruit, natural dietary sources of stone-inhibiting citrate\" class=\"wp-image-1857\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Citrate.jpg?w=1200&amp;ssl=1 1200w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Citrate.jpg?resize=300%2C216&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Citrate.jpg?resize=1024%2C736&amp;ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Citrate.jpg?resize=768%2C552&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Citrate.jpg?resize=16%2C12&amp;ssl=1 16w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Citrate, abundant in lemons and other citrus fruit, inhibits stone formation.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kidney stone disease is sometimes described as a metabolic disease rather than a plumbing problem, because so much of what drives it is happening in the body&#8217;s chemistry rather than in the kidney itself. That framing is useful for patients: it explains why stones tend to come back if nothing changes, and why prevention is built out of daily habits rather than a single procedure. Look again at the second list \u2014 every item on it is something you can act on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What a prevention plan actually involves<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">General advice suits most people who have had one stone. Where stones keep returning, where they start young, where there are several at once or in both kidneys, or where there is a strong family history, the useful next step is to stop guessing and measure. That usually means three things together: <strong>analysing the stone itself<\/strong>, a <strong>blood test<\/strong> looking at kidney function, calcium, uric acid and related chemistry, and a <strong>collection of urine over a full day<\/strong> to see what is actually being excreted and in what concentration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is what turns advice into a plan. It can reveal a specific, treatable reason for the stones \u2014 an overactive parathyroid gland, a problem with how the kidney handles acid, gout, a bowel condition affecting absorption, or repeated infection producing a particular kind of stone \u2014 and each of those has its own treatment rather than being helped by drinking more water alone. It is worth asking for if you have been through the same advice more than once and are still forming stones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One practical note for anyone who has already passed a stone: <strong>keep it and take it to your urologist<\/strong>. Knowing what the stone was made of is what turns general prevention advice into a plan aimed at your particular chemistry. A stone caught in a strainer and put in a clean container tells us more than most scans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you have recurrent kidney stones or would like a tailored prevention plan, Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone offers specialist consultations at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bangkokhospital.com\/en\/bangkok\/doctor\/dr-soarawee-weerasopone-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Book a Consultation<\/a>. Appointments at Samitivej Sriracha Hospital can be arranged by calling the Urology department on <a href=\"tel:0880221445\">088-022-1445<\/a>. Questions about the cost of consultation, testing or treatment should go to the hospital directly \u2014 for Bangkok Hospital, by email to <a href=\"mailto:bhquro@bdms.co.th\">bhquro@bdms.co.th<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Prevention planning suits a video consultation particularly well, since it is built from your history, your previous imaging and your test results rather than from an examination. Bangkok Hospital runs a Telemedicine service, arranged in advance by email to the Urology department at <a href=\"mailto:bhquro@bdms.co.th\">bhquro@bdms.co.th<\/a> \u2014 send any previous stone analysis, scan reports and blood results with the request. Acute stone pain is a different matter and should be seen in person, or in an emergency department if any of the warning signs above apply. Samitivej Sriracha is in-person only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions about Kidney Stone Formation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"schema-faq wp-block-yoast-faq-block\"><div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-1\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Why do kidney stones form?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Kidney stones form when certain minerals and ions in the urine, such as calcium, oxalate, phosphate, and uric acid, reach a concentration high enough to crystallize. The kidneys normally filter these substances from the blood, but when fluid intake is low or dietary intake is excessive, these ions accumulate and begin to aggregate into stones.<\/p><\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-2\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Who is most at risk of developing kidney stones?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Kidney stones are more common in men than women at a ratio of approximately 2:1, and most commonly occur between the ages of 40 and 60. Obesity and diabetes raise the risk by around 55% and 59% respectively. Family history is stronger than most people expect: twin and family studies estimate the heritability of stone disease at roughly 46 to 63%, and having a parent or sibling who forms stones raises risk about three-fold. Those living in tropical climates are also more susceptible due to increased fluid loss through sweating.<\/p><\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-3\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Are kidney stones hereditary?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">To a substantial degree, yes. Twin and family studies put the heritability of stone disease at approximately 46 to 63%, and a parent or sibling who forms stones raises your own risk roughly three-fold, making family history one of the strongest predictors of recurrence. In a minority of patients a single identifiable gene is responsible, found in around 10% of adults and up to 30% of children with stones, which is why stone disease starting in childhood or early adulthood deserves a full metabolic assessment rather than general advice. Inheritance is not destiny, however: the genetic component sets baseline risk, while fluid intake, diet, weight and climate largely determine whether stones actually form. Regional and ethnic differences in stone rates are real but cannot be attributed mainly to genetics, because diet, climate and hydration vary with geography too.<\/p><\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-4\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">When is a kidney stone an emergency?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Fever or shaking chills together with flank or back pain is the situation that matters most: a kidney blocked by a stone that then becomes infected traps the infection behind the blockage, and a previously well person can become dangerously ill within hours. The treatment is urgent drainage of the kidney rather than waiting for antibiotics to work. Go to an emergency department the same day, or call 1669 in Thailand. The same applies to pain that painkillers are not controlling, persistent vomiting, passing little or no urine, feeling faint or confused, or any stone pain in someone with a single working kidney or a transplant.<\/p><\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-5\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can drinking more water prevent kidney stones?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Increasing fluid intake is one of the most effective and practical ways to reduce kidney stone risk. Every additional 500 mL of water per day significantly lowers the risk by diluting urinary ion concentrations. A daily water intake of at least 2,500 mL is recommended for stone prevention. Anyone with heart or kidney disease, or on fluid restriction for another reason, should agree their target with their own doctor first.<\/p><\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-6\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">What foods increase the risk of kidney stones?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">A high intake of sodium, oxalate-rich foods (such as spinach and nuts), excess vitamin C supplements, and imbalanced calcium intake can all increase the risk of stone formation. High-protein diets and excessive animal meat consumption raise urinary uric acid levels, contributing to uric acid stones. Cutting dietary calcium is usually counterproductive, since it increases oxalate absorption and can make stones more likely.<\/p><\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-7\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Does lemon juice really help prevent kidney stones?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes. Lemon and other citrus fruits are rich in citrate, a natural inhibitor of kidney stone formation. Citrate works by binding to calcium in the urine, preventing crystal aggregation. Drinking a glass of lemon juice daily is a simple and evidence-supported dietary measure for patients at risk of calcium oxalate stones.<\/p><\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-8\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">I keep forming stones despite following the advice. What else can be done?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Stop guessing and measure. Where stones recur, begin at a young age, occur in numbers or in both kidneys, or run in the family, the useful step is a metabolic assessment: analysis of the stone itself, blood tests covering kidney function, calcium and uric acid, and a full day&#8217;s urine collection to see what is actually being excreted and at what concentration. This can identify a specific treatable cause such as an overactive parathyroid gland, a problem with how the kidney handles acid, gout, a bowel condition affecting absorption, or repeated infection producing a particular stone type. Each of those has its own treatment and is not solved by drinking more water alone.<\/p><\/div> <div class=\"schema-faq-section\" id=\"faq-question-9\"><strong class=\"schema-faq-question\">Can I plan stone prevention by video consultation?<\/strong> <p class=\"schema-faq-answer\">Yes, and it suits this particularly well, because a prevention plan is built from history, previous imaging and test results rather than from an examination. Bangkok Hospital Headquarters offers a Telemedicine service, arranged in advance by email to the Urology department at bhquro@bdms.co.th; send any previous stone analysis, scan reports and blood results with the request. Acute stone pain should be seen in person, or in an emergency department if the warning signs above apply. Samitivej Sriracha is in-person only, booked through the Urology department line 088-022-1445.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@graph\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"MedicalWebPage\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/2020\/11\/06\/why-kidney-stone-happens\/#webpage\",\n      \"url\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/2020\/11\/06\/why-kidney-stone-happens\/\",\n      \"name\": \"Why Do Kidney Stones Form?\",\n      \"description\": \"Why kidney stones form: the chemistry of concentrated urinary ions, the host factors that cannot be changed including a substantial inherited component, the environmental factors that can be changed, what a metabolic prevention plan involves, and the one stone situation that is a genuine emergency.\",\n      \"inLanguage\": \"en\",\n      \"datePublished\": \"2020-11-06\",\n      \"dateModified\": \"2026-08-30\",\n      \"lastReviewed\": \"2026-08-30\",\n      \"specialty\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\/Urologic\",\n      \"medicalAudience\": { \"@type\": \"MedicalAudience\", \"audienceType\": \"Patient\" },\n      \"isPartOf\": { \"@id\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/#website\" },\n      \"author\": { \"@id\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/#physician\" },\n      \"reviewedBy\": { \"@id\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/#physician\" },\n      \"publisher\": { \"@id\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/#physician\" },\n      \"disambiguatingDescription\": \"Regional and ethnic differences in stone prevalence are real but their attribution is unresolved: diet, climate and hydration travel with geography and are difficult to separate from inherited factors, and trans-ancestry genetic studies have found broadly similar genetic architecture between populations. Such differences should not be presented as primarily genetic.\",\n      \"about\": { \"@id\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/2020\/11\/06\/why-kidney-stone-happens\/#kidney-stones\" }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"MedicalCondition\",\n      \"@id\": \"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/2020\/11\/06\/why-kidney-stone-happens\/#kidney-stones\",\n      \"name\": \"Kidney stones\",\n      \"alternateName\": \"Nephrolithiasis\",\n      \"description\": \"Stones form when ions the kidney concentrates in urine \u2014 calcium, phosphate, uric acid and oxalate \u2014 reach a concentration high enough to crystallise. Stone formation is multifactorial, and is better understood as a metabolic condition than a plumbing problem, which is why stones recur if nothing changes and why prevention is built from daily habits rather than a single procedure. Reported lifetime risk is around 10-15% in developed countries and 20-25% in the Middle East.\",\n      \"epidemiology\": \"Stone disease has a substantial inherited component. Twin and family studies estimate heritability at approximately 46-63%, and a positive family history in a parent or sibling confers roughly a three-fold increased risk, making it one of the strongest clinical predictors of recurrence. A monogenic cause is identifiable in around 10% of adults and up to 30% of children with stone disease, which is why early-onset stone disease warrants metabolic and, where appropriate, genetic assessment. Regional and ethnic variation in prevalence is real but reflects a combination of genetic background, diet, climate, hydration and obesity, and the relative contribution of each is not resolved.\",\n      \"riskFactor\": [\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalRiskFactor\", \"name\": \"Family history of stone disease in a parent or sibling, conferring roughly a three-fold increased risk; heritability of stone disease is estimated at 46-63% in twin and family studies\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalRiskFactor\", \"name\": \"Monogenic stone disease, identifiable in about 10% of adults and up to 30% of children with stones\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalRiskFactor\", \"name\": \"Male sex, at roughly 2:1 worldwide\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalRiskFactor\", \"name\": \"Age between 40 and 60, the peak incidence\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalRiskFactor\", \"name\": \"Obesity, reported to raise risk by around 55%\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalRiskFactor\", \"name\": \"Diabetes, reported to raise risk by around 59%\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalRiskFactor\", \"name\": \"Hot climate, through fluid lost as sweat and more concentrated urine\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalRiskFactor\", \"name\": \"Low fluid intake\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalRiskFactor\", \"name\": \"High sodium, high oxalate, high animal protein, high-dose vitamin C supplements and unbalanced calcium intake\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalRiskFactor\", \"name\": \"Certain prescribed medicines, and calcium or vitamin D supplements taken without indication\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalRiskFactor\", \"name\": \"Low urinary citrate, since citrate is a natural stone inhibitor\"}\n      ],\n      \"possibleComplication\": {\n        \"@type\": \"MedicalEntity\",\n        \"name\": \"Obstructed and infected kidney: fever or rigors with flank pain in the presence of an obstructing stone traps infection behind the blockage and can cause rapid systemic deterioration in a previously well patient. It is a urological emergency requiring urgent decompression of the collecting system rather than antibiotics alone, and needs same-day emergency assessment; in Thailand the emergency number is 1669. Uncontrolled pain, intractable vomiting, anuria, or any stone episode in a solitary or transplanted kidney also require same-day assessment.\"\n      },\n      \"typicalTest\": [\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalTest\", \"name\": \"Stone composition analysis\", \"description\": \"Performed on any passed or retrieved stone. The composition is what converts general prevention advice into a plan directed at the individual patient's chemistry.\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalTest\", \"name\": \"Metabolic blood testing\", \"description\": \"Renal function, calcium, uric acid and related chemistry, to identify a systemic cause.\"},\n        {\"@type\": \"MedicalTest\", \"name\": \"24-hour urine collection\", \"description\": \"Measures what is actually being excreted and at what concentration. Indicated for recurrent stone formers, young patients, multiple or bilateral stones, and a strong family history. It can identify treatable causes including primary hyperparathyroidism, renal tubular acidosis, gout, malabsorptive bowel disease and infection-related stone formation, each of which has its own treatment.\"}\n      ],\n      \"primaryPrevention\": {\n        \"@type\": \"LifestyleModification\",\n        \"name\": \"Kidney stone prevention\",\n        \"description\": \"Fluid intake is the single easiest measure: every additional 500 mL of water daily significantly lowers incidence, and around 2,500 mL daily is the usual recommendation, though anyone with heart or kidney disease or on fluid restriction should agree a target with their own doctor. Reduce sodium, oxalate and animal protein load and avoid high-dose vitamin C supplements, but do not cut dietary calcium, which increases oxalate absorption and can make stones more likely. Citrate from citrus fruit inhibits stone formation, and potassium citrate therapy is the medical version of the same idea. Bring a full list of medicines and supplements to the appointment, and never stop a prescribed medicine unsupervised. Anyone who passes a stone should keep it for analysis. A strong family history does not make stones inevitable: the inherited component sets the baseline risk, while the modifiable factors determine whether stones actually form.\"\n      }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Disclaimer:<\/strong> This content is written and reviewed by Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, a board-certified urologist at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. It is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Fluid targets and dietary changes need adjusting for your own kidney and heart health, and no prescribed medicine should be stopped on the basis of this article. No medical advice, diagnosis or prescription is provided through personal messaging channels or social media. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any medical treatment. In an emergency, attend the nearest emergency department \u2014 in Thailand the emergency number is 1669.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Kidney stones are not bad luck \u2014 they are the end result of a set of risk factors, some fixed and some entirely within your control. Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, urologist at Bangkok Hospital, explains why stones form and which of the factors behind them can actually be changed.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":185281453,"featured_media":10131,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"Why do kidney stones happen? Dr. Soarawee explains the host and environmental risk factors behind kidney stone formation, and what you can do to reduce your risk.","jetpack_seo_html_title":"Why Do Kidney Stones Form? Causes & Risk Factors | Dr. Soarawee Urology","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"jetpack_seo_schema_type":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_wpcom_ai_launchpad_first_post":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"{title}\n\n{excerpt}\n\n{url}","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[1],"tags":[1384,1455],"class_list":["post-1851","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-kidney-stone","tag-kidney-stone","tag-why-kidney-stone"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_likes_enabled":false,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pgZdrK-tR","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Why-Kidney-Stones-Form.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1851","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/185281453"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1851"}],"version-history":[{"count":37,"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1851\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11846,"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1851\/revisions\/11846"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/10131"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1851"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1851"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/drsoaraweeurology.com\/bn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1851"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}