Kidney stones can occur in one or both kidneys and most often affect people between the ages of 30 and 60.
They are fairly common, affecting 1 in 10 people.
Kidney stones are usually found in the kidney or ureter, the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder.
They can be very painful and, if left untreated, can lead to kidney infections or the kidneys not working properly.
Symptoms of kidney stones
If you have a small kidney stone, you may not notice it. You will usually urinate them out without any discomfort.
Larger kidney stones can cause a number of symptoms, including:
- Pain on the side of your stomach (abdomen).
- Pain that comes and goes quickly
- Feeling sick or vomiting
- You have severe pain
- You have a high fever
- You develop shaking or trembling
- You have blood in your urine
What causes kidney stones?
Waste products in the blood occasionally form crystals that collect in the kidneys.
Over time, the crystals may build up and form hard lumps that look like stones.
This is more likely to happen if you
- Aren't drinking enough fluids
- Are taking certain types of medications
- Have a medical condition that raises the level of certain substances in your urine
When kidney stones form, your body tries to expel them when you urinate.
Treating and preventing kidney stones
Most kidney stones are small enough to pass in your urine and may be treated at home with medications to treat the symptoms.
Larger stones may need to be broken up or removed through surgery.
It is estimated that as many as half of the people who have had a kidney stone will develop it again within the next five years.
To avoid developing kidney stones, make sure you drink plenty of water every day so you don't become dehydrated.
It is very important to keep your urine light in color to prevent waste products from forming kidney stones.
The Kidneys
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that are about 10 centimeters (4 inches) long.
They are located at the back of the abdomen, on either side of the spine.
The kidneys remove waste products from the blood. Clean blood is then transported back into the body and the waste products are excreted when you urinate.