Description of Condition
Kidney stones are formed when hardened mineral deposits collect in the kidney. This condition is termed renal stone disease. The primary function of the kidney is to filter impurities out of the blood, adding them to the urine to pass from the body naturally. If the waste materials in the urine do not dissolve correctly, the build-up forms kidney stones. Many stones may pass naturally, however often times, either due to size or location, the stone will lodge itself in the kidney or in the ureter.
Symptoms:
Kidney stones are usually undetected during formation. As the stones move into the urinary tract they are often accompanied by the following symptoms:
- Sudden and severe pain in back and side
- Frequent, burning or slow urination
- Blood in the urine
- Fever, nausea and/or vomitting
