Kidney Stones (Renal Calculi):Kidney stones are a prevalent source of abdominal, back, or groin pain, affecting 1 in 20 individuals at some point in their lives. These stones develop when urine volume decreases or when there is an increased excretion of substances that form stones, such as calcium, oxalate, cystine, and phosphate. They originate in the kidney’s urine-collecting region and can vary in size from very small to large staghorn stones that match the size of the renal pelvis. The pain caused by kidney stones often starts suddenly, is intensely severe and colicky, and does not improve with changes in position. It typically radiates from the back to the flank and down into the groin, often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Factors that may contribute to their formation include reduced fluid intake, increased physical activity leading to dehydration, medications that cause high levels of urine components, and a history of previous stones. Treatment focuses on pain management and hydration, and antibiotics are prescribed if a urinary infection is present. Most stones are expelled naturally within 48 hours, but some may not pass on their own. The likelihood of stone passage depends on factors such as the person's size, previous experiences with passing stones, pregnancy, and the stone's size. A stone measuring 4 mm has an 80% chance of passing, compared to a 20% chance for a 5 mm stone. If a stone does not pass naturally, medical intervention by a urologist may be required. The formation of these stones is known as nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis. "Nephrolithiasis" comes from the Greek words "nephros" (kidney) and "lithos" (stone), while "urolithiasis" is derived from the French term for urine, based on the Latin "urina" and the Greek "ouron," meaning urine stone.
