Who gets kidney stones?
Anyone can get kidney stones, but some people are more likely to develop stones than others. Typically, a person with a kidney stone is a man 20 to 60 years old. Although four out of five kidney stone sufferers are men, women also get kidney stones. Often, there is a family history of kidney stones. Chronic dehydration (lack of body water) can lead to kidney stones. Very hot weather, heavy sweating, or too little fluid intake contribute to the formation of kidney stones. People who work outdoors in hot weather and who do not drink enough fluids may increase their risk of getting stones. Some physicians believe that our rich diet in the U.S. may promote the development of kidney stones. Experts note that the incidence of kidney stones has tripled in Japan since World War II – at the same time the Japanese diet has become more like our own. A variety of other conditions are linked with kidney stone development. These include urinary tract blockage, urinary infections that recur, bowel di
