Final answer:
Kidney stones are formed from minerals in urine and can cause severe pain, hematuria, and urinary blockage. Symptoms vary based on the stone's size, and larger stones may require intervention such as ultrasound or surgery.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kidney stones, or renal calculi, are solid crystals formed from minerals in the urine within the kidneys. Symptoms can range from pain during urination, hematuria (blood in the urine), to severe pain in the flank, lower abdomen, or groin. When a kidney stone becomes large enough, it can cause blockage, leading to decreased kidney function and potentially severe complications.
Symptoms of kidney stones include severe 'colicky' pain that can radiate from the loins to the groin, often described as excruciating. Hematuria is also common when stones cause minor damage to the inner walls of the kidney, ureter, or urethra. In some cases, the passage of a stone can occur with minor or no pain, while larger stones may require medical intervention such as high-intensity ultrasound to break them into smaller pieces or surgical removal.
In summary, kidney stones are a common and painful condition that can lead to severe symptoms such as obstructed urinary flow, requiring medical attention for diagnosis and management.