NEPHROLITHIASIS is a condition in which one or more stones are present in the pelvis or calyces of the KIDNEY or in the ureter. A KIDNEY stone is a hard, pebble-like mass composed of a calcium compound. Stones can lodge in the, ureter or bladder. KIDNEY STONES are common. About 5% of women and 10% of men will have at least one episode by age 70. KIDNEY STONES affect about 2 out of every 1,000 people. Recurrence is common, and the risk of recurrence is greater if two or more episodes of KIDNEY STONES occur. KIDNEY STONES are common in premature infants.

• Flank pain or back pain
• Abdominal pain
• Groin pain
• Testicle pain
• Fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting

It is suggested that if there is a history of stones in the family, large amounts of fluids should be taken so as to produce adequate amounts of dilute urine (usually 6 to 8 glasses of water per day). Drinking coffee or other caffeine-containing beverages increase urinary calcium thus increasing the risk for stones. Salt increases urinary calcium excretion in stone formers. This increases the risk for stone formation.

It has also been suggested that people who form KIDNEY STONES should avoid vitamin C supplements, because vitamin C can convert into oxalate; thereby urinary oxalate.

NEPHROLITHIASIS may be the result of concentration of substances as blood calcium and urine calcium in urine. These may be associated with other conditions such as bowel disease and urine infection.
Uric acid stones make up about 8% of all stones. It is more common in men because they are most often associated with gout or chemotherapy. Stones found in women are usually the result of urinary tract infection. Some other types of stones are however hereditary, and tend to run in families.

Diagnostic tests include: 

Urine analysis (microscopic or gross hematuria, crystals in urine, pyuria with coexisting infection)
24-hour urine: for measurement of calcium, sodium, creatinine, uric acid, pH and total volume
Blood chemistries:

• KUB (kidney, ureter, and bladder) x-ray - more than 90% of stones are radio dense
• Intravenous urography (only if diagnosis is uncertain)
• Retrograde pyelogram (only if diagnosis is uncertain)
• Ultrasound

KIDNEY infections are usually serious; so it is very important to take liquids, especially water.

Apply white flower oil and stop smoking. Apply moist heat packs and compresses on the affected area.

Taking rest may help in fighting against the disease. Also concentrate on spiritual aspect of healing when confronted with this disease.