Kidney stones are solid masses of minerals and salts that form in the kidneys. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.

Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stone, accounting for about 70-80% of all cases.

Dehydration, high levels of calcium, oxalate, or uric acid in the urine, obesity, and family history of kidney stones are all risk factors for developing kidney stones.

The symptoms of kidney stones can include severe pain in the back, side, or abdomen, nausea and vomiting, frequent urination, and cloudy or bloody urine.

Kidney stones can be diagnosed with a blood test, urine test, X-ray, or ultrasound.

Kidney stones can be treated with medication to dissolve the stones, surgery to remove the stones, or shock wave lithotripsy to break up the stones.

The complications of kidney stones can include urinary tract infection, kidney damage, and high blood pressure.

Drinking plenty of fluids, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding excessive salt and protein intake can all help to prevent kidney stones.

Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stone in children, accounting for about 80% of all cases.

Calcium oxalate stones are the most common type of kidney stone in adults, accounting for about 70-80% of all cases.

Dehydration is the most common cause of kidney stones in children.

High levels of calcium, oxalate, or uric acid in the urine is the most common cause of kidney stones in adults.

Medication to dissolve the stones is the most common treatment for kidney stones in children.

Shock wave lithotripsy to break up the stones is the most common treatment for kidney stones in adults.

Urinary tract infection is the most common complication of kidney stones.