Kidney stones are hard deposits that form in the kidneys. The stones have to travel through the urinary tract to exit the body. This is called passing a kidney stone and can be very painful.
Most cases of kidney stones are treatable with pain medications, fluid therapy, or other medical intervention. Also, there are steps people can take to reduce their chances of getting them.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are crystalized minerals and salts, and may be a result of dehydration.
Kidney stones occur when minerals and salts, most commonly calcium oxalate, crystallize in the kidneys and create hard deposits. Although they form in the kidneys, kidney stones can affect any part of the urinary tract.
Kidney stones are also called calculi or urolithiasis.
Dehydration is considered a major contributing factor in the development of kidney stones.
When the body is dehydrated, fluid moves more slowly through the kidneys, increasing the chances of mineral and salt compounds coming into close contact and sticking together.
Small stones may form and pass on their own without causing any symptoms. However, most medium or large stones are extremely painful to pass and require medical attention.
