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What is a kidney stone?

A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms from crystallization of excreted substancesin the urine. The stone may remain in the kidney or break loose and travel down the urinarytract. A small stone may pass all of the way out of the body, but a larger stone can get stuck in aureter, the bladder, or the urethra. This may block the flow of urine and cause great pain.

A kidney stone may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pearl, and some are as big asgolf balls. They may be smooth, irregular in shape, or jagged, and are usually yellow or brown incolor.

Who is affected by kidney stones?

Kidney stones are one of the most painful disorders, and one of the most common disorders ofthe urinary tract. The National Institute of Diabetes and Kidney Disease (NIDKD) estimates thatabout a million people in the United States are treated for kidney stones each year. Considerthese NIDKD statistics:

Caucasians are more prone to kidney stones than are African-Americans. Although stones occur more frequently in men, the number of women who develop

kidney stones has been increasing. Kidney stones strike mostly people between age 20 and 40. Once a person develops more than one stone, he/she is more likely to develop

additional stones.

What are some of the different types of kidney stones?

A kidney stone develops from crystals that separate from urine and build up on the innersurfaces of the kidney. Normally, urine contains chemicals that prevent or inhibit the crystalsfrom forming. However, in some people, stones still form. Crystals that remain small enoughwill travel through the urinary tract and pass out of the body in the urine without even beingnoticed.

Calcium stones. Calcium stones are the most common type of stones. Calcium is anormal part of a healthy diet and is used by bones and muscles. Calcium not used by the

body goes to the kidneys where it is normally flushed out with the rest of the urine. Insome people, however, the calcium that stays behind joins with other waste products toform a stone.

Struvite stones. Struvite stones are a type of stone that contains the mineralmagnesium and the waste product ammonia. It may form after an infection in theurinary system.

Uric acid stones. Uric acid stones may form when there is too much acid in the urine.

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Cystine stones. Cystine, one of the building blocks that make up muscles, nerves, andother parts of the body, can build up in the urine and form a stone. Cystine stones arerare. The disease that causes cystine stones (cystinosis) runs in families.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

The following are the most common symptoms of kidney stones. However, each individual mayexperience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

Extreme, sharp pain in the back or side that will not go away. Changing positions doesnot help. Pain can come and go.

Blood in the urine Nausea and vomiting Cloudy or odorous urine Frequent urination

A burning feeling when you urinate Fever and chills

Prompt medical attention for kidney stones is necessary.

The symptoms of kidney stones may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Alwaysconsult your physician for a diagnosis.

How are kidney stones diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures forkidney stones may include the following:

Intravenous pyelogram (IVP). A series of X-rays of the kidney, ureters, and bladder withthe injection of a contrast dye into the vein to detect tumors, abnormalities, kidneystones, or any obstructions, and to assess renal blood flow.

Computerized tomography (CT) scan. Combines special X-ray equipment withsophisticated computers to produce multiple images or pictures of the inside of thebody. These cross-sectional images of the area being studied can then be examined on acomputer monitor or printed.

Urinalysis. Laboratory examination of urine for various cells and chemicals, such as redblood cells, white blood cells, infection, or excessive protein.

Blood tests. Laboratory examination of the blood to detect substances that mightpromote stone formation.

Renal ultrasound. A non-invasive test in which a transducer is passed over the kidneyproducing sound waves which bounce off of the kidney, transmitting a picture of theorgan on a video screen. The test is used to determine the size and shape of the kidney,and to detect a mass, kidney stone, cyst, or other obstruction in the kidney.

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What is the treatment for kidney stones?

Specific treatment for kidney stones will be determined by your physician based on:

Your age, overall health, and medical history Extent of the disease Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies Expectations for the course of the disease Your opinion or preference

Some kidney stones pass out of the body without any intervention by a physician. In cases thatcause lasting symptoms or other complications, kidney stones may be treated with varioustechniques, including the following:

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Shock waves or extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). This treatment uses amachine to send shock waves directly to the kidney stone to break a large stone intosmaller stones that will pass through the urinary system. There are two types of shockwave machines: with one machine, the patient sits in a tub of water, with the other, thepatient lies on a table.

Ureteroscope. A long wire with a camera attached to it is inserted it into the patient'surethra and passed up through the bladder to the ureter where the stone is located. Acage is used to obtain the stone and remove it.

Tunnel surgery (also called percutaneous nephrolithotomy). A small cut is made in thepatient's back and a narrow tunnel is made through the skin to the stone inside the

kidney. The physician can remove the stone through this tunnel.

How can kidney stones be prevented?

According to the NIDKD, the best ways to prevent kidney stones are the following:

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Drink more water. Up to 12 full glasses of water a day can help to flush away thesubstances that form stones in the kidneys. Ginger ale, lemon-lime sodas, and fruit

juices are acceptable. Limit coffee, tea, and cola to one or two cups a day. The caffeine may cause a rapid loss

of fluid.

Consult your physician regarding dietary modifications. Medications may be prescribed to prevent calcium and uric acid stones from forming.

Please consult your physician with any questions or concerns you may have regarding thiscondition.