Final answer:
Nephrolithiasis refers to kidney stones, which can cause severe pain and gross hematuria due to damage within the urinary tract. Diagnostic procedures like x-rays or CT scans are used for detection. Treatment may necessitate pain management and medical intervention depending on the stone's size and location.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nephrolithiasis, commonly known as kidney stones, refers to the formation of hard, mineral-based masses within the kidneys. Symptoms associated with kidney stones can include severe flank pain, commonly felt in the side and back, and extending to the lower abdomen and groin. This pain is often abrupt and severe, leading to a condition known as renal colic. Gross hematuria, which is visible blood in the urine, is a common symptom when passing kidney stones and results from minor damage to the inner walls of the kidney, ureter, or urethra.
Kidney stones can present with a variety of symptoms, including but not limited to, intense pain while urinating, sharp pains in the back or lower abdomen, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting due to the embryological link between the kidneys and intestinal tract. Some stones may pass without causing symptoms, while others, particularly those of a certain size (2-3 millimeters or greater), can become obstructive leading to complications and requiring medical intervention.
Diagnostic procedures for kidney stones typically include an x-ray or computed tomography (CT). CT scans are considered the gold-standard for detecting the presence of renal calculi. Upon confirmation of nephrolithiasis, medical treatment may include pain management, hydration, and in some cases, procedures to break up or remove the stone.