What Causes Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones form when minerals and salts crystallize in the kidneys. Common types include calcium oxalate, uric acid, and struvite stones. Risk factors include chronic dehydration, high-sodium diet, and family history.
Symptoms
Severe flank pain (renal colic), blood in urine (hematuria), nausea, vomiting, and frequent or painful urination are the hallmark symptoms. Pain may radiate to the groin.
Treatment
Small stones often pass on their own with adequate hydration and pain management. Larger stones require ESWL (shock wave lithotripsy), ureteroscopy (URS), or percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for very large stones.
Prevention
Drink plenty of water, reduce sodium and animal protein, avoid excessive oxalate-rich foods, and follow up with your urologist for metabolic evaluation after a stone episode.