Fascinating Facts About Kidney Stones

💎Kidney stones are hard masses of crystals that form in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra.

🔍High levels of calcium, sodium, potassium, oxalate, uric acid, and phosphate in urine can lead to the formation of kidney stones.

😫Kidney stones can cause excruciating pain when they start to move through the urinary tract.

🌊Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a non-invasive treatment that uses soundwaves to break up kidney stones.

💧Drinking plenty of water and avoiding certain high-oxalate foods can help prevent the formation of kidney stones.

What are kidney stones?

—Kidney stones are hard masses of crystals that can form in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra.

What causes kidney stones?

—Kidney stones are caused by high levels of calcium, sodium, potassium, oxalate, uric acid, and phosphate in urine.

Are kidney stones painful?

—Yes, kidney stones can cause excruciating pain when they start to move through the urinary tract.

How are kidney stones treated?

—Treatment for kidney stones may include drinking plenty of water, taking medications, or undergoing non-invasive procedures like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy.

Can kidney stones be prevented?

—Drinking plenty of water and avoiding certain high-oxalate foods can help prevent the formation of kidney stones.

00:08The largest kidney stone on record weighed more than a kilogram and was 17 centimeters in diameter.

00:28Kidney stones are hard masses of crystals that can form in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra.

01:08Calcium oxalate is the most common type of crystal that forms kidney stones.

02:21Smaller kidney stones can usually pass out of the body on their own with plenty of water and pain medication.

03:10Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a non-invasive treatment using soundwaves to crush kidney stones.

03:53More invasive treatments, like using a stent or surgery, may be necessary for larger kidney stones.

04:07Drinking plenty of water and avoiding high-oxalate foods can help prevent kidney stones.

04:46Kidney stones rates are rising, but the world record for the largest kidney stone is unlikely to be broken soon.