A kidney stone is a hard, crystalline mineral material formed within the kidney or urinary tract. Nephrolithiasis is the medical term for kidney stones.One in every 20 people develop kidney stones at some point in their life.
- Kidney stones form when there is a decrease in urine volume and/or an excess of stone-forming substances in the urine.
- Dehydration is a major risk factor for kidney stone formation.
- Symptoms of a kidney stone include flankpain (the pain can be quite severe) and blood in the urine (hematuria).
- People with certain medical conditions, such as gout, and those who take certain medications or supplements are at risk for kidney stones.
- Diet and hereditary factors are also related to stone formation.