symptom of kidney stones : 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.


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.


NIDDK Health Information