Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) are small hard deposits of minerals that form inside your kidneys. These minerals are common in urine but will form into stones when they become more concentrated. Calcium stones are the most common, but other types include uric acid stones, struvite infection stones, and cystine stones. It is important to have the stone tested after it has passed to determine what type it was.

There are many reasons why some people are prone to develop kidney stones: Men are significantly more likely to develop kidney stones than women.

Kidney stones range in size, from a grain of salt to a golf ball. Small ones can pass without any discomfort. If a stone blocks the flow of urine, or moves slowly through your system, it can cause extreme pain and inflammation. Symptoms may include:

People experiencing any of the symptoms listed above are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Doctors may want to perform an X-ray, an ultrasound or a CT scan to determine the size and position of the stone. If a stone is large, it will be more difficult to pass. You may also be asked to provide a urine sample for testing.

Doctors often provide painkillers to help patients manage discomfort and pain. They may also prescribe tamsulosin. This medication helps to relax the ureters, the tubes between the kidneys and bladder, to help the body to pass the stone through. Always follow the instructions of the doctor when taking medications, including the appropriate dose and frequency.

Often patients will be instructed to wait for the stone to pass at home, assuming it is small enough to pass and no infection is present. Drinking lots of fluids, particularly water, will help to flush the stone out more quickly. It is recommended to drink enough water that urine appears as pale or clear in color. Stones can sometimes take as long as four to six weeks to pass through, as long as the discomfort is manageable.

In cases where a kidney stone is large, infection is present, or there is a urine blockage, doctors may recommend surgery. Many of the options available are minimally invasive with short recovery times. These include:

Kidney stones seem to develop out of nowhere and cause sudden intense pain. It can be frustrating to be told that the only treatment is to wait. However, by following the instructions of your doctor, and by monitoring your urine output, the stones will eventually pass. In many cases, pain is not present during the entire process. Stay in touch with your doctor if you continue to have unbearable symptoms or are concerned about the lack of progress.

Most patients would agree that one kidney stone was more than enough. Prevention of future stones is possible with some small lifestyle changes: