Important facts about kidney stones (1 of 8)

Kidney stone facts

• A kidney stone is a hard, crystalline mineral material formed within the kidney or urinary tract.
• Nephrolithiasis is the medical term for kidney stones.
• One in every 20 people develop kidney stones at some point in their life.
• Kidney stones form when there is a decrease in urine volume and/or an excess of stone-forming substances in the urine.
• Dehydration is a major risk factor for kidney stone formation.
• Symptoms of a kidney stone include flank pain (the pain can be quite severe) andblood in the urine (hematuria).
• People with certain medical conditions, such as gout, and those who take certain medications or supplements are at risk for kidney stones.
• Diet and hereditary factors are also related to stone formation.
• Diagnosis of kidney stones is best accomplished using an ultrasound, IVP, or aCT scan.
• Most kidney stones will pass through the ureter to the bladder on their own with time.
• Treatment includes pain-control medications and, in some cases, medications to facilitate the passage of urine.
• If needed, lithotripsy or surgical techniques may be used for stones which do not pass through the ureter to the bladder on their own.