Kidney Stones

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are a collection of minerals in the urine that form in the kidney. They can range in size from less than 1mm to greater than 1cm, as well as different shapes and colors. There are four main types of stones, each made up of different minerals. Kidney stones can stay in the kidney or pass into the urinary tract. Kidney stones tend to cause pain with passage through the urinary tract and on some occasions require surgical intervention and treatment.

Types of Kidney Stones:
  • Calcium stones are the most common and consist of calcium combined with other minerals such as oxalate or phosphate
  • Uric acid stones are the second most common type and may occur in people with a history of gout
  • Struvite stones are caused by infection in teh urinary tract and are made of magnesium and phosphate
  • Cystine stones are caused by cystinuria (rare genetic disorder)and are quite rare

What are the symptoms?

  • Mild to severe midback, side (flank) or abdominal pain that can radiate to the groin
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Hematuria (blood in your urine)
  • Frequent urination
  • Burning sensation when urinating