What do Kidney Stones Look Like

Kidney stones are solid materials that form in the kidneys when there are high levels of certain substances in the urine. This substance is usually found in urine and does not cause problems if not severe.

A stone may remain in the kidney or move along the urinary tract. Kidney stones vary in size. A small stone can come out on its own, causing little pain or no pain at all. A large stone can be trapped along the urinary tract. A trapped stone can block urine flow, causing severe pain or bleeding.

What causes kidney stones?

Kidney stones are caused by high levels of calcium, oxalate, and phosphorus in the urine. Some foods can cause kidney stones in certain people. You may be more likely to get kidney stones if you have:

• a condition that affects the level of substances in your urine which can cause stone formation
• have a family history of kidney stones
• relapse or recurrence, urinary tract infection
• blockage of your urinary tract
• digestive problems

You may also be more likely to get kidney stones if you don't drink enough fluids or if you use certain drugs.

What are the types of kidney stones?

Doctors have found four main types of kidney stones:

• The most common type of stone contains calcium. Calcium is a normal part of a healthy diet. Calcium that is not used by bones and muscles goes to the kidneys. In most people, the kidneys secrete extra calcium together with the rest of the urine. People who have calcium stones store calcium in their kidneys. Calcium that stays behind joins other waste products to form rocks. A person can have calcium oxalate and calcium phosphate stones, although calcium oxalate stones are more common.
• A uric acid stone can form when urine contains too much acid. People who eat a lot of meat, fish, and shellfish may get gout stones.
• A struvite stone can form after you have a kidney infection.
• Cystine stones are the result of genetic abnormalities, which means the problem is passed from parent to child. The disorder causes cystine to leak through the kidneys and into the urine.

What are kidney stones like?

Kidney stones vary in size and shape. The stone may be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a pearl. Some stones are even as big as golf balls. Stones may be smooth or jagged and usually yellow or brown.

What are the symptoms of kidney stones?

You may have kidney stones if you:

• have pain when urinating
• the presence of blood in your urine
• feel pain in the lower back or abdomen - the area between the chest and hip

Pain can last for a short or long time. You may experience nausea and vomiting accompanied by pain. If you have small stones that can pass easily, you may not have any symptoms at all.