What Are Uric Acid Stones?
Uric acids, products of purine metabolism, are considered unwanted wastes inside the body that need to be eliminated through the urine or stool. When there’s a high concentration of uric acid in the urine, formation of uric acid stones or calculus, may occur. Most uric acid stones are found in the kidneys, in the urinary bladder, and some may get stuck in the ureter. The ureters are thin tubes that carry urine from the kidneys down to the urinary bladder for storage, and eventually for excretion. Uric acid stones are frequently formed due to overproduction of uric acid, and defects in the reabsorption and secretion of uric acid in the kidneys. Taking in excessive amounts of purine will also lead to greater concentration of uric acid in the blood. Dehydration or inadequate amount of fluid in the body usually increases uric acid concentration in the urine, thus leading to stone formation. Some drugs also tend to increase uric acid levels.
