kidney stone?

What is a kidney stone?

A kidney stone is a hard mass developed from crystals that separate from urine in the urinary tract. Normally, urine contains chemicals that prevent or inhibit the formation of crystals. These inhibitors do not seem to work for everyone, however, some people form stones. If the crystals remain small enough will travel through the urinary tract and leave the body in urine without being noticed.

Kidney stones may contain various combinations of chemicals. The most common type of calculation contains calcium in combination with either oxalate or phosphate. These chemicals are part of the normal diet of a person and are part of the body such as bones and muscles.

A less common type of stone is caused by a urinary tract infection. This type of stone is called struvite or infection stone. Another type of stone, uric acid stones are less common, and cystine stones are rare.