Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can obstruct the urinary tract.

Types:

• Calcium stones: The most common, often linked to high calcium or oxalate intake.
• Uric acid stones: Form in acidic urine, often related to gout or high-purine diets.
• Struvite stones: Often associated with urinary tract infections.
• Cystine stones: Rare, caused by a genetic disorder.

Treatment:

• Hydration: Drinking plenty of fluids helps prevent stone formation.
• Medications: Pain relief (NSAIDs), alpha-blockers to relax the ureter, or medications to dissolve uric acid stones.
• Surgical treatments: Lithotripsy (shockwave therapy), ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy for larger stones.

Outcome: Stones often pass naturally with adequate hydration, but larger or more complex stones may require medical or surgical intervention.