Christmas in Australia is a great time to spend enjoying the outdoors, with plenty of good food and drink.

But such a combination contributes to this time of year being the peak season for kidney stones.

But what exactly are kidney stones? Why is this painful kidney condition more common at this time of year? And how can you reduce your risk?

Kidney stones are hard crystals made from minerals – such as calcium and oxalate – in the urine. They form when the urine becomes too concentrated. This allows these minerals to stick together forming stones.

Stones usually start the size of tiny grains of sand, and cause no symptoms. When stones become large enough, however, they can migrate down the ureter (the narrow tube between the kidney and bladder). During this migration, they can block the flow of urine, causing severe pain.

Pain is from the middle of the back to the pelvis, and comes and goes as the stone makes its way down the ureter. There’s usually nausea, vomiting and blood in the urine at the same time.

In severe cases, kidney stones can block the flow of urine and trap bacteria, causing severe infection. This can cause permanent kidney damage.

About one in ten Australians will get a kidney stone at some point in their lives. This condition affects adults of all ages with those aged 40–60 most at risk.

Now let’s see why........

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