There is no one particular cause for kidney stones. It occurs when there are crystal-forming substances like calcium, and uric acid in the urine. Usually, the fluid content in the urine dissolves them. At times these crystals stick together to form a small mass which is called a kidney stone. Other causes are family history, dehydration, obesity, and digestive disorders.

To prevent kidney stones, one must drink plenty of water, restrict excessive salt intake, avoid aerated cola drinks, decrease consumption of animal protein (meat, chicken), and avoid food with high protein and calcium. One must keep a check on the intake of food that contains preservatives.

It depends on the size of the stone present, if the stone is less than 5 mm, one can wait for the stone to pass out on its own. However, if the stone is largerr, it should be treated immediately with hydrotherapy or surgery, to avoid complications.

Excessive acidic urine, diabetes, Crohn's disease, high levels of calcium and uric acid in the blood, renal tubular acidosis, hyperparathyroidism can lead to kidney stones. Kidney defects present at birth and sponge-like kidney also can lead to kidney stones.

It starts with a sharp pain at the side and back below the ribs, you feel pain during urination, frequent urination, pinkish-yellow or red urine. The urine smells foul. You might experience nausea and vomiting, at times fever with chills. The pain radiates to the back and the groin regions in many people.