Facts about Kidney stones:
- 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 flank pain (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 the kidney.