How Much Do You Know About Kidney Stones?

Stones are classified by what they are made of and location. Nephrolithiasis refers to the kidneys.

When your urine contains more crystal-forming substances than the fluid in your urine can dilute kidney stones form.

It is not definite, but a common genetic variation called claudin-14 has been linked to roughly a 65% increased risk in developing kidney stone.

Kidney stones can develop at any age, from infants to older adults. The formation of kidney stones is influenced by various factors such as genetics, diet, dehydration, and certain medical conditions. While the risk of developing kidney stones generally increases with age, it is possible for individuals of any age to experience this condition. Therefore, the correct answer is "Any Age."

A stone will generally pass on its own or a doctor can help it along if it is a larger more painful stone.

Kidney stones don't usually cause problems until they pass out of the kidney. And remember everyone's experience is slightly different, if you think something is wrong go see a doctor.

Kidney stones are commonly made of calcium, uric acid, and oxalate. Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stones and are formed when there is an excess of calcium in the urine. Uric acid stones form when there is an excess of uric acid in the urine, which can occur due to certain medical conditions or a diet high in purines. Oxalate stones form when there is an excess of oxalate in the urine, which can be caused by consuming foods high in oxalate or having certain medical conditions.

Lifetime incidence is 13% in men and 7% in women, however these numbers goes up drastically once a person has had one stone.

Surprisingly exercise has not been shown to help pass a kidney stone, just water and time-- or an operation if it is serious.

Avoid foods high in oxolates, and avoid protein from animal products like beef or eggs. Drink lots of water, eat lots of calcium and avoid salt.