The stone disease has been known since 4800 BC, but, inspite of all the developments in technology the reason of stone disease is not perfectly known. The stone disease is accepted as a process where many interdependent factors are responsible. Some materials which are normally dissolved in the urine somehow precipitate and form crystals. In time, these crystals may combine and form the stones. Male cases are three times more common than females. The most common age group is 30-60 years old, however, stone formations can also be found in children.
Diet, hereditary factor, geographical location, frequent urinary tract infections, some metabolical anomalies and physical activity are among the factors effecting stone formation.
The climate can be a fascilitating factor for stone formation. In hot places and during summer, stone formation is more often. Increase in water loss due to perspiration resulting in decrease in urine amount and increase in urine concentration can make the precipitation of dissolved materials in the urine much easier.
Taking excessive amounts of purine, oxalat, calcium and phosphat with diet, drinking high mineral content water or extra hard water will cause removing of these materials from the body by urine and may cause stone formation.
Some hereditary metabolical anomalies (renal tubular acidosis, familial sistinuri) may be effective in stone disease.
It is accepted that regular exercise can decrease stone formation. Since family members share the same life styles, they may show similar stone disease.
