Kidney Stones (Nephrolithiasis / Urolithiasis)

Nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis are the names for kidney stones, which are hard, crystal-like deposits that occur in the kidneys or urinary tract, they can produce very acute pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin. Other signs may be blood in the urine, hazy or foul-smelling urine, a strong or frequent desire to urinate, discomfort when urinating, nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills, especially if the stone is infected. Risk factors are dehydration, eating a lot of sodium or protein, having metabolic abnormalities, having a family history of the disease, and having specific medical conditions, including gout or inflammatory bowel disease.

Drinking more fluids and controlling pain can help little stones pass on their own. But bigger stones may need medical help, such as medication, shockwave therapy, or surgery. To lower the likelihood of recurrence, preventive measures focus on staying hydrated, changing your diet, and taking care of any underlying health problems.