A kidney stone is a small solid piece of crystallized mineral deposited in the kidneys or urinary tract. Kidney stones can form as a result of the condensation of harmful substances that are excreted from the kidneys in the urine and can sometimes cause obstruction in the urinary tract.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones:
– Severe back or groin pain: A kidney stone can cause sharp and severe pain when it moves in the urinary tract.
– Bloody urine (hematuria): When a kidney stone moves or irritates the urinary tract, it can cause bloody urine.
– Frequent need to urinate: When a kidney stone blocks the flow of urine or causes irritation of the urinary tract, you may feel the need to urinate frequently.
– Nausea and vomiting: Nausea and vomiting may accompany severe pain.
– Burning sensation or pain when urinating: When a kidney stone irritates the urinary tract or causes infection, burning sensation or pain when urinating.

How is it diagnosed?
Kidney stones are usually diagnosed based on symptoms. However, the following tests can be used to confirm the diagnosis and determine the location, size and composition of the stone:
– Urine analysis: This is done to determine if there is blood in the urine or signs of infection.
– Imaging tests: Imaging tests such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) or intravenous pyelogram (IVP) can be used to detect kidney stones.

Treatment Options:
Kidney stone treatment depends on the size and location of the stone and the severity of symptoms.