Kidney stones are one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract.

High concentrations of natural chemicals in the urine can lead to crystal formation. Under special circumstances, these small crystals may “clump” together to form a kidney stone. The majority of kidney stones create no symptoms. Kidney stones vary in size, and a stone may stay in the kidney or travel down the urinary tract. A small stone may pass on its own, causing little or no pain. A larger stone may get stuck along the urinary tract and block the flow of urine – causing symptoms that include back pain, lower abdominal pain, urinary tract infection or blood in the urine.

It is estimated that 60-80% of people with a kidney stone will form another stone within 10 years of the first episode. Removal of an existing stone does not prevent further stone formation. Medication, changes in diet and lifestyle modification may prevent kidney stone formation. A Nephrologist can help you determine the treatment to prevent new stone formation, while a Urologist can remove existing stones if needed.

Links

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/stonesadults/
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/kidney-stones/DS00282
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15604-kidney-stones-