Kidney stones, also known as nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis, are small, hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys. They cause problems when they become large and travel through the urinary tract. Many people describe kidney stone pain as worse than childbirth or a heart attack.
Kidney stones affect about one in 10 American adults. This rate has more than doubled in the past 50 years for both adults and children. The United States spends over $10 billion annually on direct and indirect costs related to kidney stones. These stones may signal broader health issues and predict future metabolic and heart problems.
