Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts inside the kidneys. They can range from tiny grains to large stones. Kidney stones usually come out of the body during urination. Passing kidney stones can be extremely painful, but they rarely cause significant problems.

Symptoms:

• Severe pain in the side, back, lower abdomen, or groin
• Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
• Pink, red, or brown urine
• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent urination
• Urinating small amounts

Diagnostic Approaches:

• Urinalysis to check for blood and crystals
• Blood tests to assess kidney function and look for high levels of calcium or uric acid
• Imaging studies such as CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray to visualize stones

Treatment Options:

• Pain management with prescription medications
• Increased fluid intake to help pass small stones
• Medical expulsive therapy using alpha-blockers
• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) to break up larger stones
• Ureteroscopy to remove or break up stones
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for larger  stones

Follow-up Care:

• Follow-up imaging to ensure all stones have passed
• 24-hour urine collection to identify risk factors for stone formation
• Dietary modifications based on stone composition
• Increased fluid intake to prevent recurrence
• Medications to prevent stone formation in high-risk individuals