Kidney stones are caused by an accumulation of mineral salts, with calcium being the most common. People with kidney stones may first have dysfunction or damage to some of the collecting tubes in the kidney. Maintaining a high fluid intake is the most important step an individual can take to avoid this problem. People with a history of kidney stones should drink enough fluid to produce at least 2 liters, or about 2 quarts, of urine each day. Diagnosis of kidney stones begins with a medical history and physical exam.
Serious complications are unusual.
Most urinary stones require treatment simply because of the intense pain that the stones cause. Kidney stones are not contagious and pose no risk to others. There are medical and surgical components to the treatment of kidney stones. Medical care is first directed toward managing pain or infection. Afterward, treatment is directed at preventing more stones from forming.