Crystals in urine – causes, symptoms and treatment options

Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology | July 16, 2024

Crystals in urine are very tiny, microscopic particles that can sometimes be found in the urinary tract. They are also commonly known as urinary crystals. These solid particles are deposits of minerals or salts, which form a component of urine. In general, some crystals pose no danger and are considered harmless by experts. They usually pass on their own in time. However, in certain cases, the issue can be quite severe and even be an indication of underlying conditions such as kidney stones. However, kidney stones are not the only condition that can trigger them. A UTI, or urinary tract infection, can also lead to the deposit of triple phosphate crystals in urine.

Causes of Triple-Phosphate Crystals in Urine

There can be a lot of reasons why a person suffers from crystals in their urine. Knowing the root cause behind their development is critical to understanding the right course of action. The following are the main causes of triple phosphate crystals in urine:

• Inadequate hydration or a lack of enough water in the body results in urine being highly concentrated, which in turn increases the possibility of the formation of urinary crystals.
• Excess consumption of some kinds of foods, such as those rich in oxalates (spinach, beetroots, and chocolates); high salt intake; and certain kinds of fish like anchovies can lead to the formation of urinary crystals.
• Genetic tendencies—for instance, a family history of kidney stones—increase the likelihood of people being vulnerable to urinary crystal formation. It creates a predisposition to crystal-formation ailments.
• Medicines of some types can increase the risk of a person (particularly those with a history) developing crystals in their urine.
• UTI, or Urinary Tract Infection, plays a role in modifying the composition of the urine, which in turn can increase the likelihood of crystal formation in the urinary tract.
• Other health issues, such as renal tubular acidosis and many others, can also significantly contribute to the likelihood of a person developing urinary crystals.
• Metabolic problems like gout or hyperparathyroidism can increase the chances of a person developing urinary crystals.

In addition to knowing the underlying cause of the crystal formation, it is also essential to know the type of urine crystals and which kind you are suffering from, as the treatment for each can vary significantly. For instance, the requirements and treatment procedures for fixing triple phosphate crystals are different from the kind of treatment required to fix xanthine crystals.

Crystals in Urine Symptoms

Since these crystals are usually microscopic, they tend not to display any signs or symptoms of their existence. However, they can show certain symptoms, which should not be taken lightly or ignored. The main crystals in urine symptoms include the following:

• Blood in urine: If you see blood in urine, it can be a sign of crystals in urine.
• Pain in the left or right side of the lower back.
• Difficulty in initiating a urine stream.
• Frequent urge to urinate repeatedly.
• Unclear or cloudy urine.
• Pain or irritation in the pelvic region.
• Urine that smells bad or emanates odors.
• Infection-induced fever.

Can Urine Crystals be Treated?

In one word, yes. Crystals in urine can be treated. However, what treatment option is chosen will depend on individual cases, based on the kind of stone or crystal and the overall health of the patient suffering from it. In circumstances where the stone does not seem to be an issue, the doctors would advise letting it pass naturally and asking the patient to consume lots of fluids.

The doctors could also prescribe over-the-counter medications, which can help dissolve the crystals quicker, thereby alleviating the patient's ailment in a more rapid manner.

However, if the crystal seems to have gotten too big, a physical procedure may be needed to break it down. There are multiple kinds of medical procedures that can be taken by the doctor based on the needs of the patients. Some options include:

• Shock wave lithotripsy, which breaks down the stones into tiny fragments that can then be passed
• A ureteroscope, which allows the doctors to precisely locate the stone and break it or remove it. The same can also be achieved through a cystoscopy.
• Diet modifications to control the excess of minerals that the patient might be consuming too much of or that may be leading to the formation of crystals
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, which allows the doctor to locate and eliminate bigger stones.
• Nutritional supplements and medications such as diuretics, citric acid, antibacterials, allopurinol, and others might be suggested to help dissolve the stone or prevent the formation of crystals in a patient who might indicate a susceptibility to suffering from such ailments.

Choosing the ideal course of action requires a proper diagnosis by a medical professional. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, it is critical to visit a doctor at the earliest and get checked. Upon diagnosis and based on the patient’s medical history, the doctor can effectively design a treatment plan.

Urine crystals are not always something to worry about. In fact, a lot of times, they can go unnoticed for the most part. However, if a person is experiencing distressing symptoms, medical intervention is essential and must not be ignored. A timely diagnosis and treatment allow for a safer and less painful resolution of the ailment; as such, patients need to be vigilant at all times.

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