Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, medically known as renal calculi or nephrolithiasis, are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can be composed of various crystalline materials such as calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, or cystine, varying in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a pearl or larger. Although kidney stones are more prevalent in individuals with certain dietary habits, genetic predispositions, or underlying medical conditions, they can affect anyone. The formation of kidney stones is often attributed to a concentration of urine, which facilitates the crystallization and sticking together of mineral particles.

Symptoms of kidney stones may not appear until the stones move within the kidney or pass into the ureter, the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder. When this happens, it can cause severe pain typically felt in the side and back, below the ribs, which can radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. Other symptoms include pain during urination, discolored or foul-smelling urine, nausea, vomiting, persistent urge to urinate, frequent urination, fever and chills if infection is present. The diagnosis is generally confirmed by imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans, or X-rays. Treatment varies from pain management and drinking plenty of fluids to encourage passage, to medical procedures for larger stones that may cause blockages or complications.