Kidney Stones

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Name of the medical condition and other names that it’s been known by

  • Kidney Stones

  • Renal Calculi

  • Nephrolithiasis

  • Urolithiasis

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They range in size from microscopic grains to objects as large as a golf ball. These stones cause intense pain when they move through the urinary tract, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.

Stones form when urine becomes highly concentrated, allowing minerals like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid to crystallize. This often happens if the body lacks enough fluid to dilute these substances or lacks the natural inhibitors that prevent crystals from sticking together.

What are the different types of Kidney Stones?

  • Calcium stones: The most prevalent type, typically appearing as calcium oxalate.

  • Struvite stones: Often develop rapidly following a urinary tract infection (UTI).

  • Uric acid stones: Common in individuals who are chronically dehydrated, eat high-protein diets, or have gout.

  • Cystine stones: Caused by a hereditary disorder (cystinuria) that forces the kidneys to excrete too much of specific amino acids.

What are common symptoms of Kidney Stones?

  • Severe, fluctuating pain in the side and back (below the ribs)

  • Pain radiating to the lower abdomen and groin

  • Pain or burning during urination

  • Pink, red, or brown urine (hematuria)

  • Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Persistent urge to urinate or urinating more frequently

  • Fever and chills (if an infection is present)

How are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

Diagnosis involves identifying the stone's location and size to determine the best treatment:

  • Medical History: Reviewing symptoms and fluid intake habits.

  • Urine Testing: Checking for crystals, blood, or signs of infection.

  • Blood Testing: Assessing kidney function and mineral levels (like calcium or uric acid).

  • Imaging: Using CT scans, X-rays, or ultrasounds to visualize the stones.

How are Kidney Stones treated?

Treatment is tailored to the stone's size and the patient's level of discomfort:

  • Conservative Management: Small stones often pass naturally by drinking plenty of water and using pain relievers.

  • Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Uses sound waves to break stones into tiny fragments that can be passed in urine.

  • Ureteroscopy: A thin scope is used to locate and remove or break up stones in the ureter or kidney.

  • Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A surgical procedure for very large stones involving a small incision in the back.

Trend

  • Prevalence: Approximately 1 in 11 people (9% of the population) in the U.S. will experience a kidney stone.

  • Rising Numbers: Rates have climbed steadily over the last few decades, influenced by increasing obesity, dietary habits, and dehydration.

  • Projections: Experts expect a continued rise over the next five years as the population ages and lifestyle-related risk factors persist.

History

Kidney stones are one of the oldest recorded medical ailments; evidence of stones has been found in Egyptian mummies dating back millennia. Hippocrates famously mentioned "the stone" in the Hippocratic Oath (~400 BCE). Understanding of their chemical makeup matured in the 19th century, but the true revolution in care came with 20th-century imaging and the 1980s introduction of lithotripsy, which replaced many invasive surgeries with sound-wave technology.

Kidney Stones - Sources of Information

For informational purposes only. Consult a medical professional for advice.


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