Kidney Stone

Also called renal calculi, is a common health problem which affects about 5% of the population at some time.  It is a mineral stone that form of the inner surface of the kidneys when certain substances in the urine are present at higher than normal concentrations.  Many patients have no symptoms, and stones are detected during diagnosis of other medical conditions.  Symptoms usually appear during migration of stones from the kidney into the ureter.  Intense pain called renal colic is the most common symptom, and may require hospitalization.  It usually occurs in paroxysms for up to an hour.  There may be lower back pain, abdominal pain, or groin pain, depending on the location of the stone.  Symptoms may include blood in the urine, nausea, vomiting, painful urination, and frequent urination.  If stones become stuck (impacted) in the ureter, it can cause fever and chills.  Treatment includes pain relief, shock wave lithotripsy, or removal using an endoscope or through the skin.