A kidney stone can remain asymptomatic for a long time if it does not cause a blockage, but if it moves out of its original position and blocks the way for urine to be produced in the kidney, it can cause severe pain.

The most common symptoms of kidney stones are sudden onset of lower back pain, nausea, vomiting, chills, fever, bloody urine, frequent urge to urinate.

Smaller stones (less than 5 mm) wash out spontaneously, while larger ones can be removed with help.

Treatment can be with extracorporeal shock waves, i.e. the area around the kidney is pummelled to break the kidney stones into smaller pieces, helping them to pass out with the urine. If this does not work, surgery is necessary.
 

Its development is facilitated by very low fluid intake, excessive calcium in the urine, developmental abnormalities affecting the kidneys and renal tubules, inflammatory diseases, stress and genetic predisposition.
 

It is important to drink enough fluid to prevent the urine excreted by the kidneys from becoming concentrated, because the microscopic crystals in it clump together and form small and then larger crystalline stones. So drink 10 glasses of water a day, which may sound like a lot, but if you drink one glass of water an hour, you realise that it may not be enough. It's just a matter of getting used to it.

A mixed diet rich in vitamins, vegetables and fruit is important.
 

You need to watch your calcium intake, because low calcium intake can lead to osteoporosis and increased intake can lead to stone formation.
 

Avoid spinach, sorrel, rhubarb, strawberries, red wine, chocolate, etc.
 

Being overweight predisposes you to kidney stones. Regular physical activity, in addition to preventing excess weight, reduces the likelihood of stone formation.
 

It is worth increasing your magnesium intake because it is an anti-stone-forming substance.