Cases of Kidney Stones on the Rise

Nephrolithiasis, also known as kidney stones, affects approximately 1 in 11 Americans; however that number is on the rise in recent years. Researchers have found the number of cases has nearly doubled since the early 1990s, which leads many people to ask the question, “Why are we getting more kidney stones?” Certain areas of the country appear to be affected by cases of kidney stones more than others. Is it our diets? It is something in the water? Could it be due to our growing waist lines?

Several theories or wives tales have circulated throughout the years as to what causes kidney stones and how to avoid getting one. To better understand how we can help prevent forming kidney stones and potentially damaging our kidneys, Utica Park Clinic urologist Dr. King Morris answers some commonly held questions about kidney stones and dispels a few of those wives tales.