Calcium oxalate crystals are structures that can be found in acidic or neutral pH urine, and are often considered normal when other changes in the urine test are not identified and in the absence of associated signs or symptoms, in which case this may be related to a decrease in water consumption during the day or diet rich in calcium and oxalate.
These crystals are envelope-shaped and identified by microscopic urine analysis when examining type 1 urine, also known as SAA. In addition to calcium oxalate crystal, other crystals in the urine, such as triple phosphate crystal, leucine or uric acid, can be identified, the cause of which must be identified and treated. Learn more about crystals in your urine.
The main causes of the appearance of calcium oxalate crystals in the urine are:
Changes in the daily diet can promote the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, especially when there is a diet rich in calcium, oxalate, such as when eating tomatoes, spinach, rhubarb, garlic, orange and asparagus, and high doses of vitamin C are used, in daily amounts higher than recommended, in addition to low water intake during the day. This causes the concentration of urine and the precipitation of excess calcium, detecting crystals in the urine test.
Although the presence of calcium oxalate crystals in the urine is not considered a concern, it is important to increase water intake and adjust your diet under the guidance of a nutritionist, as it can also reduce the risk of developing kidney stones.
Kidney stone, also known as kidney stone, is a very uncomfortable sensation characterized by the presence of stone-like masses in the urinary tract. By examining type 1 urine, it is possible to identify the type of kidney calculus, as crystals are identified in the urine, and calcium oxalate crystals may occur when the calculation appears as a result of a diet rich in calcium, sodium, and proteins.
Stones often cause a lot of pain and discomfort, especially in the back, as well as causing pain and burning sensation when urinating. In some cases, the person may also notice that the urine is pink or red, indicating that the stone may become trapped in the urinary tract, causing blockage and inflammation. Learn to recognize symptoms of kidney stones.
Diabetes can be characterized by several changes in blood and urine tests, and in some cases calcium oxalate crystals may be noticed in the urine, especially when diabetes is not controlled and causes kidney abnormalities, or because of deficiency. in response to the treatment indicated by your doctor.
In addition to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals, in some cases glucose may also be noticed in the urine and bacteria or yeasts may also be noticed, as people with uncontrolled diabetes are more likely to develop urinary tract infections due to the high concentration of circulating glucose, which promotes the development of microorganisms. Learn about the other complications of diabetes.
Some liver changes may also promote the formation of calcium oxalate crystals, which are identified by a urine test. In addition, if the liver changes, urine tests may also indicate the presence of bilirubin and/or hemoglobin in the urine. See other tests that evaluate the liver.
Changes in the kidneys such as infection, inflammation or deficiency can also lead to calcium oxalate crystals in the urine, as kidney activity may be affected by which the filtration and reabsorption process may be altered.
Therefore, it is important for your doctor to evaluate the urine test result, verifying further alteration in addition to the presence of crystals so that the cause is identified and appropriate treatment initiated, avoiding more severe kidney damage.
Although in most cases calcium oxalate crystals are not associated with serious changes, to avoid their formation it is important to consume a lot of water during the day and eat a proper diet, so as not to consume amounts higher than recommended per day. . Calcium.
In addition, if the person has been diagnosed with diabetes, kidney or liver problems, it is important to follow the treatment indicated by the doctor, because in addition to avoiding the formation of crystals, it also prevents the progression of the disease.