What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones or renal calculi refer to the formation of a hard, crystalline mineral material within the kidney or urinary tract. Depending upon the location of the stones, the condition is further termed as:
Nephrolithiasis: stones are present in the kidney.
Urolithiasis: stones are present in thebladder or urinary tract.
Ureterolithiasis: stones are located in the ureters.
What causes kidney stones?
Kidney stones are formed when stone forming substances (salts) are excreted in the urine. Change in composition of urine or reduction in the urine volume promotes formation of kidney stones. Some of the common factors causing such a situation include:
- Dehydration caused due to less fluid intake or rigorous exercise
- Any kind of obstruction in the outflow of urine
- Decreased ability to exercise
- Infection in the urinary tract
- Change in urine composition due to abnormalities of metabolism