Final answer:
Kidney stones are of several types, but the two types asked in the question are calcium oxalate stones and uric acid and cystine stones. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common and form when calcium combines with oxalate in the urine, while uric acid and cystine stones form under conditions of consistently acidic urine or due to a genetic disorder. Other types include calcium phosphate and struvite stones.
Step-by-step explanation:
Types of Kidney Stones
There are several types of kidney stones, with each type composed of different substances. The two types of urinary tract obstructions involving kidney stones as outlined for the student's question are:
- Calcium oxalate stones
- Uric acid and cystine stones
The most common type, calcium oxalate stones, are formed when calcium combines with oxalate in the urine. Inadequate calcium intake can lead to increase in oxalate levels in the bloodstream, and hence, a higher risk of stone formation as oxalate is a strong promoter of calcium oxalate precipitation in the urine.
Uric acid stones occur when the urine is consistently acidic, often in conditions such as gout or high protein diets. Cystine stones, on the other hand, are typically formed in individuals with a genetic disorder known as cystinuria, which leads to excessive cystine levels in the urine.
Other types of kidney stones include calcium phosphate stones, associated with certain metabolic conditions, and struvite stones, which are related to urinary tract infections.
Kidney stones can block the flow of urine and cause symptoms like pain, known as colicky pain, and hematuria when they pass through the urinary tract or become lodged. Treatment may include passing them naturally, using high-intensity ultrasound to break them into smaller pieces, or surgical removal if necessary.