Risk Factors For Kidney Stones

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The risk of kidney stones is 10-15 percent in the United States. They occur more commonly in women and as people get older. There are people at greater risk for kidney stones: those who are overweight, have problems with blood sugar, have gastrointestinal problems and when the temperatures are elevated.

If you have ever experience kidney stones you know the symptoms. In fact, they are next to impossible to forget, classic cramping and intermittent abdominal and flank pain as the stone moves down the urinary tract. Nausea, vomiting, fever and chills can be present.

In many cases the best treatment is drinking plenty of fluids but there are medications called antispasmodics which can help, as well as procedures designed to remove or shatter stones.

Of course prevention is the key.