Kidney Stones in Adults

Hope Through Research

The Division of Kidney, Urologic, and Hematologic Diseases of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) funds research on the causes, treatments, and prevention of kidney stones. NIDDK is part of the Federal Government's National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland.

New drugs and the growing field of lithotripsy have greatly improved the treatment of kidney stones. Still, NIDDK researchers and grantees seek to answer questions such as

• Why do some people continue to have painful stones?
  
• How can doctors predict, or screen, those at risk for getting stones?
  
• What are the long-term effects of lithotripsy?
  
• Do genes play a role in stone formation?
  
• What is the natural substance(s) found in urine that blocks stone formation?

Researchers are also working on new drugs with fewer side effects.

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Prevention Points to Remember

• If you have a family history of stones or have had more than one stone, you are likely to develop more stones.
  
• A good first step to prevent the formation of any type of stone is to drink plenty of liquids—water is best.
  
• If you are at risk for developing stones, your doctor may perform certain blood and urine tests to determine which factors can best be altered to reduce that risk.
  
• Some people will need medicines to prevent stones from forming.
  
• People with chronic urinary tract infections and stones will often need the stone removed if the doctor determines that the infection results from the stone's presence. Patients must receive careful followup to be sure that the infection has cleared.

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3 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892–3580
Email: nkudic@info.niddk.nih.gov

The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) is a service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). The NIDDK is part of the National Institutes of Health under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Established in 1987, the Clearinghouse provides information about diseases of the kidneys and urologic system to people with kidney and urologic disorders and to their families, health care professionals, and the public. The NKUDIC answers inquiries, develops and distributes publications, and works closely with professional and patient organizations and Government agencies to coordinate resources about kidney and urologic diseases.

Publications produced by the clearinghouse are carefully reviewed by both NIDDK scientists and outside experts. This fact sheet was reviewed by Frederic L. Coe., M.D., University of Chicago.

This publication is not copyrighted. The Clearinghouse encourages users of this fact sheet to duplicate and distribute as many copies as desired.