What are kidney stones

Kidney stones, medically known as nephrolithiasis, are hard, pebble-like deposits of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. These kidney stones can cause intense pelvic or flank pain and bloody urine as they travel through the urinary tract, often requiring medical intervention to pass or be removed.

What exactly happens in the body when kidney stones form?

Kidney stones primarily affect the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. When urine becomes concentrated, minerals like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid crystallize and stick together. If these kidney stones remain small, they may pass unnoticed; however, larger stones can become lodged in the ureter, blocking urine flow and causing significant discomfort and potential infection.

What are the main types of kidney stones?

Clinicians classify kidney stones based on their chemical composition, which helps determine the underlying cause and the best preventative strategy:

• Calcium stones: The most common type, usually in the form of calcium oxalate.


• Struvite stones: Often form in response to a urinary tract infection.


• Uric acid stones: Form in people who do not drink enough fluids or have high-protein diets.


• Cystine stones: Rare, caused by a hereditary disorder that leads to excessive amino acid excretion.

Who is most at risk for developing kidney stones?

Kidney stones are a common condition, with an estimated 1 in 10 people experiencing at least one stone during their lifetime. While they can occur at any age, they are most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50. Men are statistically more likely to develop kidney stones than women, and geographic factors such as living in "stone belts" (hot, dry climates) can increase risk due to higher rates of dehydration.

How does this differ from other urinary conditions?

Unlike simple urinary tract infections (UTIs) which are primarily bacterial, kidney stones are structural or metabolic in nature. While both cause pain and blood in the urine, the pain from a stone is typically "colicky"—it comes in waves of extreme intensity—whereas infection-related pain is often constant and accompanied by fever or chills.

Next steps

• Consult a urologist if you experience severe flank pain, nausea, or blood in your urine.


• Increase daily water intake to ensure urine remains dilute.


• Join the 13 members of our DiseaseMaps.org community to share experiences with others managing this condition.


• Request a 24-hour urine collection test to identify the specific mineral composition of your stones.

Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment; always seek the advice of your physician regarding any medical condition.

References

• NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)


• Mayo Clinic: Kidney Stones Overview


• Urology Care Foundation: Kidney Stones Information


• PubMed Central: Epidemiology and Pathophysiology of Nephrolithiasis