Kidney Stones
Kidney stones, also known as nephrolithiases, are solid, insoluble crystalline structures that form in the kidneys or urinary tract, potentially causing severe pain and discomfort. Most smaller stones pass on their own, but larger stones may require medical treatment.
Kidney Stones falls under theKidney & Urinary Healthcategory.
Last Updated:March 27, 2025
Kidney stones are primarily composed of calcium salts, particularly calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate, and can also form from other substances like medications and uric acid. They are more common in men and can cause significant pain when dislodged, and although most small stones pass on their own, larger stones may require medical intervention.
The main symptom of kidney stones is renal colic, which is characterized by sudden pain along the ureter due to irritation or obstruction. Additional symptoms may include a burning sensation during urination, nausea, vomiting, and changes in urine appearance, although some individuals may experience no symptoms at all.
Kidney stones are diagnosed by confirming the presence of an actual stone through imaging tests like ultrasound or CT scans or during surgery. A physician will also take a detailed medical history and perform a physical exam when kidney stones are suspected.
The main medical treatments for kidney stones include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy for noninvasive stone fragmentation, ureteroscopic procedures for stone removal, and percutaneous nephrolithotomy for larger stones that require surgical intervention. These methods have evolved from open surgery to less invasive techniques over the past 30 years.
Studies on supplements and kidney stones have primarily examined their effect on the risk of developing stones, and vitamin C is frequently studied due to its conversion to oxalate, which may increase stone formation risk. High vitamin C intake has been associated with an increased risk of kidney stones in men, and other supplements like caffeine, calcium, and vitamin D have also been investigated.
Diet can influence the risk of developing kidney stones; low-carbohydrate, high-protein diets potentially increase the risk, and the DASH and Mediterranean diets are associated with a reduced risk. Specific dietary recommendations may vary depending on the type of kidney stone.
Medication can be prescribed to help kidney stones pass, including alpha-adrenergic receptor blockers and calcium channel blockers, which facilitate urethral dilation. For prevention, thiazide diuretics, uric acid-reducing drugs, and citrate treatments have shown efficacy in managing kidney stone recurrence.
Kidney stones are caused by the supersaturation of compounds in aqueous solutions, which leads to the formation of insoluble crystals. The most common type of kidney stone, calcium oxalate, forms when its concentration exceeds the solubility threshold, which results in stone accumulation in the kidneys or urinary tract.
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