Kidney stones are made of small crystals that form inside the kidneys. They form when salts and minerals that are normally in the urine build up and harden.

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Kidney stones usually get carried out of the body when you urinate. But sometimes they can get stuck on the way out. If that happens, the stones can cause pain in your side or in the lower part of your belly, blood in the urine, nausea or vomiting, and changes in urination.

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If you suspect you have a kidney stone you can contact your doctor and he or she can order an imaging test that can show the stones.