<unk> , also known as nephrolithiasis or urolithiasis, is when a solid piece of material<unk><unk>  develops in the urinary tract.<unk><unk> s typically form in the<unk>  and leave the body in the urine stream. A small<unk>  may pass without causing symptoms. If a<unk>  grows to more than , it can cause blockage of the ureter, resulting in sharp and severe pain in the lower back or abdomen. A<unk>  may also result in blood in the urine, vomiting, or painful urination. About half of people who have had a<unk><unk>  will have another within ten years. Most<unk> s form by a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Risk factors include high urine calcium levels, obesity, certain foods, some medications, calcium supplements, hyperparathyroidism, gout and not drinking enough fluids.<unk> s form in the<unk>  when minerals in urine are at high concentration. The diagnosis is usually based on symptoms, urine testing, and medical imaging. Blood tests may also be useful.<unk> s are typically classified by their location: nephrolithiasis (in the<unk> , ureterolithiasis (in the ureter), cystolithiasis (in the bladder), or by what they are made of (calcium oxalate, uric acid, struvite, cystine). In those who have had<unk> s, prevention is by drinking fluids such that more than two liters of urine are produced per day. If this is not effective enough, thiazide diuretic, citrate, or allopurinol may be taken. It is recommended that soft drinks containing phosphoric acid (typically colas) be avoided. When a<unk>  causes no symptoms, no treatment is needed; otherwise, pain control is usually the first measure, using medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or opioids. Larger<unk> s may be helped to pass with the medication tamsulosin or may require procedures such as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, ureteroscopy, or percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Between 1% and 15% of people globally are affected by<unk><unk> s at some point in their lives. In 2015, 22.1 million cases occurred, resulting in about 16,100 deaths. They have become more common in the Western world since the 1970s. Generally, more men are affected than women.<unk><unk> s have affected humans throughout history with descriptions of surgery to remove them dating from as early as 600 BC.
Kidney stone disease
Urinary tract infection
Pyelonephritis
Glomerulonephritis
Piriformis syndrome
Pyonephrosis
Ovarian torsion
Nephritis