Information in simple English

What is kidney stone disease?

When a solid piece of material (kidney stone) develops in the urinary tract, it is known as kidney stone disease, nephrolithiasis, or urolithiasis. Kidney stones originate in the kidney and pass through the body through the urine stream. A little stone can travel through the body, generating no symptoms. A stone that grows to a diameter of over 5 millimetres (0.2 in) might clog the ureter, causing intense and severe pain in the lower back or belly.

Symptoms 

• Severe pain in the lower back or abdomen 

• blood in the urine 

• vomiting nausea 

Causes 

• Genetic and environmental factors 

 

Treatment 

• pain medication 

• extracorporeal shock wave  

• lithotripsy

• ureteroscopy 

• percutaneous nephrolithotomy