Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard masses of mineral deposits formed in the kidney(s). They can be as small as a tiny pebble or an inch or more across. They are more common in men.

Signs & Symptoms

Some kidney stones cause no symptoms. Small ones can be passed, without pain, when you urinate. When symptoms occur, they include:

• Crampy pain that comes and goes. The pain starts in the lower back, travels down the side of the abdomen, and into the groin area. The pain can be severe.

• Problems passing urine. You may need to pass urine often. You may pass only small amounts of urine. You may only be able to pass urine in certain positions.

• Bloody, cloudy, or dark-colored urine.

• Nausea and vomiting. Fever and chills.

Causes

• Too much calcium in the urine or in the blood.

• High levels of uric acid in the blood. (See Gout.)

• A diet high in oxalic acid. This is in spinach, leafy vegetables, rhubarb, and coffee.

• Repeated urinary tract infections.

• Mild dehydration that persists.

• Family history of kidney stones.

• Living is certain parts of the U.S. Areas of the southeast have the highest rates.

• In some cases, the cause is not known.

Treatment

Treatment includes drinking plenty of fluids and taking medicines to reduce stone-forming substances in the blood and urine. Lithotripsy may be done. With this, shock waves break the stone into fragments.

Do you have these problems?

• Severe pain in your back or side that does not go away.

Self-Care / Prevention

• Drink lots of fluids. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.

• Eat a well-balanced diet. Vary food choices.

• Save any stone you pass so your doctor can have it tested.

If you’ve had a kidney stone, you’re prone to getting more. Follow your doctor’s advice for diet and prescribed medicines.