Kidney stones

The symptoms of kidney stones include:

• Severe pain - usually in the lower back, side, or groin
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent and painful urination
• Weakness, fever, and chills
• Blood or pus in the urine
• Blocked urination

Kidney stones form when crystals separate from the urine and stick to the inner surfaces of the kidney. They range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball.

Several factors affect your kidney stone risk:

• Not drinking enough fluids
• A family history of kidney stones
• Kidney disorders
• Metabolic disorders (problems that interfere with how your body digests or uses food)
• Chronic urinary tract infections
• Limited activity for several weeks
• Misuse of some medications
• Most kidney stones are made of calcium combined with other substances, others consist of uric acid or cystine

A CT scan is a common test that a provider may order if you are having symptoms of a kidney stone. A CT scan can identify kidney stones, how many there are, how big they are, and where they are.

Most kidney stones will pass out of the urinary tract on their own or with a little help. Some people are asked to drink 2 to 3 quarts of water daily to help keep the stone moving along the urinary tract. Most can be passed at home with the help of pain relievers.

Depending on their size and location, some stones may need to be treated. A urologist will review the imaging and determine next steps. Fortunately, treatment options are relatively non-invasive, meaning there are no incisions and the vast majority are outpatient procedures. Common treatment options include the use of sound shock waves to break up the stones and surgical removal.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the easiest and best way to prevent kidney stones is to drink plenty of liquids, preferably water.

Dietary changes are helpful in some cases, as well as medication.