Kidney Stones - Causes and Symptoms

What is Kidney Stones 

Kidney stone is a hard, crystalline mineral material formed within the kidney or urinary tract. Kidney stones are a common cause of blood in the urine (hematuria) and often severe pain in the abdomen, flank, or groin. Kidney stones are sometimes called renal calculi.

Kidney stones are common five to 10 in 100 people are affected by pain associated with kidney stones at some point in their life. Most people who get  kidney stones for the first time are aged between 20 and 50. You normally have two kidneys, which 'clean' your blood, and filter out water and wast products to make urine. Kidney stones can form when there is an imbalance of salts or minerals in your urine. These minerals form into crystals, which are often too small to notice, and pass harmlessly out of your body. However, over time, they can build up inside your kidney to form a kidney stone. Most kidney stones are made up of calcium salt ( calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate, or both). They can also be made up of other substances, including uric acid, cystine and struvite. They can range in size and may be smooth or jagged in texture.

Causes of Kidney Stones 

Usually men are more likely to get kidney stones than women. About half of people who have had a kidney stone go on to get more within 10 years. In most  people, there is no obvious reason for what causes kidney stones, although you may be more likely to get them if you: 

• Are aged between 30 and 50 
• Have a family history of kidney stones 
• Are taking certain medicines, for example, protease inhibitors ( such as indinavir )and certain diuretics ( such as triamterene
• Are taking too many vitamin C or calcium/vitamin Dsupplements, or antacids 
• Have a condition affecting the shape or structure of your kidney 
• Have a lot of protein or salt in you diet 
• Do not drink enough fluids 
• Have certain conditions like hyperparathyroidism, high blood pressure or Crohn's disease
• Have cystitis - the bacteria that cause this infection can break down the a substance found in urine called urea, which can lead to kidney stones.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones 

While some kidney stones may not produce symptoms ( known as "silent" stones ), people who have kidney stones often report the sudden onset of excruciating, cramping pain in their low back or side, groin, or abdomen.  Changes in body position don't relieve this pain. The abdominal, groin, or back pain typically waxes and wanes in severity, characteristic of colicky pain ( the pain is sometimes referred to as renal colic). It may be so severe that it is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. The pain has been described by many as the worst pain of their lives, even worse than the pain of childbirth or broken bones. Kidney stones also characteristically cause blood in  the urine. If infection is present in the urinary tract along with the stones, there can/may be fever and chills. Sometimes, symptoms like difficulty urinating, urinary urgency, penile pain, or testicular pain may occur due to kidney stones.