Kidney Stones

Kidney stones (also called renal calculi, nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis) are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Passing kidney stones can be quite painful, but the stones usually cause no permanent damage if they're recognized in a timely fashion.

At a glance

Causes

Diet, excess body weight, some medical conditions, and certain supplements and medications are among the many causes of kidney stones.

Asymptomatic stones

A kidney stone usually will not cause symptoms until it moves around within the kidney or passes into one of the ureters. If a kidney stone becomes lodged in the ureters, it may block the flow of urine and cause the kidney to swell and the ureter to spasm, which can be very painful.

Symptoms

Severe, sharp pain in the side and back, below the ribs.
Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin.
Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity.
Pain or burning sensation while urinating.

Other signs

Pink, red or brown urine.
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
A persistent need to urinate, urinating more often than usual or urinating in small amounts.
Nausea and vomiting.
Fever and chills if an infection is present.

Risk factors

From family history to diet, there can be a host of risk factors that can make you vulnerable to the condition. Click here to know more

When to see a doctor?

Pain so severe that you can't sit still or find a comfortable position
Pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting
Pain accompanied by fever and chills
Blood in your urine

Difficulty passing urine

RISK FACTORS

Family or personal history

If someone in your family has had kidney stones, you're more likely to develop stones, too. If you've already had one or more kidney stones, you're at increased risk of developing another.