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A
kidney stone, also known as a renal calculus or renal lithiasis, is a solid
crystal aggregation formed within the kidney or urinary tract.
The stones take weeks or months to form.
Urolithiasis
is the term used to indicate the presence of stones in the urinary tract.
Nephrolithiasis refers to kidney
stones. Ureterolithiasis refers to
stones located in the ureter.
The primary symptom is an intense pain that comes on suddenly, and may be felt
in the belly area or side of the back. Sometimes the pain is extensive to the
groin area and genitals.
Depending of the substances contained in the stones, they can be:
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Calcium stones. They are most common.
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Cystine stones.
Usually, it affects people who have cystinuria.
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Struvite stones. These stones can grow very large and are
frequently found in women who have a urinary tract infection.
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Uric acid stones.
Certain medications like acyclovir or triamterene can cause stones. However, the
biggest risk factor for kidney stones is the lack of intake fluids.
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