The Painful Reality Of Kidney Stones

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHIILADELPHIA (CBS) - People who suffer from kidney stones will tell you the pain can be severe.

Kidney stones are more common in women, and as people get older. There are people at greater risk for kidney stones: those who are overweight, have problems with blood sugar, have gastrointestinal problems and problems when the temperatures are elevated.

If you have ever experience kidney stones you know the symptoms...in fact they are next to impossible to forget...classic cramping and intermittent abdominal and flank pain as the stone moves down the urinary tract. Nausea, vomiting, fever and chills can be present.

In many cases the best treatment is drinking plenty of fluids but there are medications called antispasmodics which can help as well as procedures designed to remove or shatter stones.

Of course prevention is key.