Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are hard mineral and salt deposits that develop in the kidneys. Each year, about half a million people require healthcare attention because of kidney stone problems. The stones usually form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing the crystallization and buildup of minerals. Passing kidney stones can be painful, but the development usually causes no permanent damage if they’re recognized and treated early on.

Symptoms
Generally, kidney stones do not cause symptoms until they move around within the respective organ or into one of the ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys and bladder). If a kidney stone develops in the ureters, it can lead to blockage in the flow of urine and cause the kidney to swell. Consequently, the ureter may spasm, which could be severely painful. A few visible signs include:

• Pain in the lower abdomen and groin
• Severe, sharp pain below the rib (usually the side and back).
• Painful sensations that come in waves and fluctuate in intensity
• Pain or burning sensation while urinating

One may also experience other signs and symptoms such as pink, red, or brown urine, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and a persistent need to urinate, urinate more often than usual, or urinate in small amounts. Nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills are potential warning signs of kidney stones.

Causes
Kidney stones develop due to several causal factors. The presence of crystal-forming substances like calcium, uric acid, and oxalate in the urine can lead to the formation of kidney stones. One should also note that the urine may lack substances that prevent crystals from sticking together, creating an environment where kidney stones can thrive. Experts indicate that various factors may put one at greater risk of the condition.

• If someone in the family has had kidney stones, the individual might be at a higher risk of developing the same complication. Even having a kidney stone in the past could increase the chances of developing it once more at a later stage.
• Not drinking sufficient water can increase the risk of kidney stones. People living in warmer and dry climates and those who sweat excessively may also be at a greater risk.
• Daily meal plans high in sodium can increase the amount of calcium the kidneys need to filter, which is a major risk factor for kidney stones.
• Health conditions like chronic diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease can lead to changes in the digestive process that affect one’s absorption of water and calcium, which increase the amounts of stone-forming substances in the urine.

Treatment options
The treatment for kidney stones may vary depending on the stone and the cause. Most tiny kidney stones do not require invasive treatment, and one might be able to pass a small stone by:

• Hydrating oneself with two to three liters of water a day can help dilute urine and prevent stones from forming. One should do this under expert supervision.
• Take pain relievers to ease mild painful sensations that might be caused by kidney stones.
• Take expert-recommended prescriptions to help pass the kidney stone. Additionally, it helps relax the muscles in the ureter, allowing the kidney stone to pass more quickly and with less pain.

Kidney stones that are too big to pass on their own or cause bleeding, damage to the organ, or ongoing urinary tract infections may require more extensive treatment. A few procedures might include:

• ESWL procedure
  A procedure called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) uses sound waves to break the stones.
• Surgery
  In severe cases, surgery is recommended to remove large stones in the kidney. During the process, the expert uses small telescopes and tools and inserts through a small incision in the back.
• Ureteroscopy
  The professional uses a ureteroscope to remove smaller stones in the ureter or kidney. The thin, lighted tube equipped with a camera is passed through the urethra and bladder and the ureter.

Some calcium phosphate stones might develop due to overactive parathyroid glands. When these glands produce excessive parathyroid hormone, the calcium levels may become too high and trigger the formation of kidney stones. Therefore, the expert may recommend removing the growth from the gland to stop the formation of kidney stones.

Remedies
Apart from the treatment options, one could also follow certain home remedies to prevent the occurrence or reduce the risk of kidney stones.

• Drinking water throughout the day, with the oversight of a healthcare professional, could help reduce the risk of kidney stones.
• A healthcare expert may recommend restricting foods rich in oxalates if the individual tends to form calcium oxalate stones. A few foods include beets, spinach, tea, nuts, sweet potatoes, black pepper, and soy products.
• Cutting down on salt from meals and eating non-animal protein sources, such as legumes, is a good step towards lowering the risk of kidney stones.
• One should be mindful about eating calcium-rich foods and speak to the doctor about the recommended daily value. Alternatively, the individual should also speak to a healthcare professional about taking calcium supplements, as these may increase the risk of kidney stones.