Painful Pebbles

The review addresses kidney stone disease (KSD), which includes nephrolithiasis , urolithiasis, and associated systemic co-morbidities. KSD affects one in 11 American adults, with rising prevalence, particularly in women. It discusses risk factors (environmental, behavioral, genetic, dietary) and complications, including kidney disease , cardiovascular disease, and others. Diagnosis involves history, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and imaging. Management of acute renal colic focuses on pain relief and assessing spontaneous stone passage, with medical expulsive therapy for select cases. Prevention strategies include fluid intake, dietary modifications, and medications. The selection of surgical options, such as shockwave lithotripsy , ureteroscopy , and percutaneous nephrolithotomy , depends on stone size, density, and location. The complexity of KSD emphasizes the need for a multidisciplinary management approach.