A kidney stone is a hard mass that occurs when calcium oxalate or other chemicals in the urine form crystals that stick together. These crystals may grow into stones ranging in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball.
What are the types of kidney stones?
The most common types of kidney stones are made from calcium and oxalate. Other types of kidney stones are uric acid, cystine & triple phosphate (usually in those with urinary infection).
Who are at high risk for developing kidney stones?
Normally, natural chemicals in the urine prevent kidney stone formation. However, these do not work for everyone. Factors that can contribute to stone formation in susceptible people include: