Body stones

Small stones can form in the body from time to time. Here’s a look at how they develop – and what you can do to prevent them

WHEN your body produces too much of a certain mineral or chemical, stones can form and sometimes they cause complications.

Here’s a guide to the most common body stones, and experts give tips on how you can reduce your risk of developing them.

KIDNEY STONES

These are small, hard deposits that form in the kidneys and are made from crystallised waste chemicals in urine. They can vary in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball.

Between 4% and 8% of people develop them as they age, some of whom are more prone to them due to family history.

The most common symptom is pain as kidney stones move along the urinary tract to the bladder, and this pain can be severe.

It’s usually felt in the side of the abdomen or as back pain below the ribs. However, they usually don’t cause permanent damage. Other symptoms are blood in your urine, nausea and fever.

About 90% of kidney stones pass unaided – all you need to do is drink plenty of water to help them along. If a stone becomes stuck, an ultrasound can be used to break it into smaller pieces so it can come out when you urinate.

Larger stones are usually removed through a small incision in the back, or by using an endoscope that’s passed into the bladder.

Kidney stones are more common in hotter climates if you don’t drink enough fluid and your urine becomes more concentrated.