What is the most common type of kidney stone?

The most common type of kidney stone is a calcium stone. These stones are primarily composed of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate, and they account for about 70-80% of all kidney stones. Factors contributing to the formation of calcium stones include dietary habits, dehydration, certain metabolic disorders, and genetic predispositions.

Calcium oxalate stones can form when there are elevated levels of calcium or oxalate in the urine, often influenced by diets high in oxalate-rich foods (like spinach and nuts) or insufficient fluid intake. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as hyperparathyroidism can lead to increased calcium levels, facilitating stone formation.

Understanding the prevalence of calcium stones is vital for prevention strategies and treatment decisions, making it important for healthcare providers to focus on dietary and lifestyle modifications and to educate patients on the factors that contribute to these stones.