🩺 Kidney Stones Explained

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys. Learn causes, symptoms, testing, treatment, and prevention in simple terms.

🩺 Kidney Stones Explained

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are small, hard clumps made from minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys.

They can be:

Tiny like a grain of sand
Or large enough to block urine flow

Kidney stones can be very painful when they move.

How Do Kidney Stones Form?

Stones form when urine contains too many minerals and not enough liquid to dilute them.

Common reasons include:

Not drinking enough water
Too much salt in the diet
Certain medical conditions
Family history of stones

Over time, crystals stick together and grow into stones.

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms depend on the size and location of the stone.

Common symptoms include:

Severe pain in the side or back
Pain that comes in waves
Pain that moves toward the lower abdomen
Blood in the urine
Nausea or vomiting
Frequent urination
Burning with urination

Small stones may cause little or no pain.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

The most common causes:

Dehydration
High salt intake
High protein diets
Obesity
Certain medications
Recurrent urinary tract infections

Some people are more prone to stones because of genetics.

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

Doctors may use:

Urine Tests

To look for blood or crystals

Blood Tests

To check kidney function
To check mineral levels

Imaging Tests

Kidney ultrasound
CT scan
X-rays

Imaging is the most reliable way to see stones.

How Are Kidney Stones Treated?

Treatment depends on the size of the stone.

Small Stones

Often treated with:

Drinking lots of water
Pain medication
Time to pass naturally

Larger Stones

May need:

Shock wave therapy (ESWL)
Special procedures to remove the stone
Surgery in severe cases

If Infection Is Present

Urgent treatment with antibiotics may be needed.

Can Kidney Stones Be Prevented?

Yes – many stones can be prevented.

Helpful steps include:

Drinking plenty of water every day
Reducing salt intake
Limiting sugary drinks
Eating a balanced diet
Following doctor recommendations if you have had stones before

Your doctor may suggest specific diet changes based on the type of stone you had.

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

Seek care right away if you have:

Severe, unrelenting pain
Fever with urinary symptoms
Vomiting that won’t stop
Blood in your urine
Inability to urinate

These can be signs of a serious blockage or infection.

Important Takeaway

Kidney stones are common and very treatable.

With proper care and prevention, many people avoid future stones.

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🩺 Kidney Stones Explained