What are Kidney Stones?

Urine contains many dissolved minerals and salts. When the urine has high levels of these minerals, hard stones can form. These stones can be “silent” (no symptoms) or very painful.

What are the Different Types of Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones come in many types. 80% are calcium stones, which include:

• Calcium oxalate (most common)
• Calcium phosphate

What are the Symptoms?

• Severe pain on either side of your lower back
• Vague pain or stomach ache that doesn’t go away
• Blood in the urine
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Urine that smells bad or looks cloudy

How is it Diagnosed?

• Blood testing
• Urine analysis
• Imaging (e.g., CT scan)
• Laboratory analysis of passed stones

How is it Treated?

• Drinking enough water to produce clear urine
• Pain relievers
• Medications to relax the muscles in the ureter
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) to break up stones using sound waves
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (surgical removal via small telescopes through a back incision)
• Using a scope to remove stones
• Parathyroid gland surgery for overactive glands causing calcium phosphate stones