Music, the biggest kidney stone on record, weighed more than a kilogram and had a diameter of 17 centimeters. - The patient did not actually swallow a stone the size of a coconut, as kidney stones form inside the body. - However, kidney stones are extremely painful to pass. - A kidney stone is a hard mass of crystals that can form in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. - Urine contains various compounds such as calcium, sodium, potassium, oxalate, uric acid, and phosphate. - If the levels of these particles become too high or if the urine becomes too acidic or basic, they can clump together and crystallize. - If not addressed, the crystals will gradually grow over time, forming a detectable stone. - The most common type of crystal to form is calcium oxalate, which accounts for about 80% of kidney stones. - Less common types include calcium phosphate or uric acid stones. - Bacterial infection can cause a different type of stone called magnesium ammonium phosphate or struvite stone. - Some rare stones can result from genetic disorders or certain medications. - A kidney stone may go undetected until it starts to move. - As it travels through the kidney and into the ureter, it can cause excruciating pain and scratch the walls of the urinary tract. - This can result in blood in the urine and symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and a burning sensation while urinating. - Large kidney stones can potentially block urine flow, leading to infection or kidney damage. - However, most kidney stones are small enough to pass out of the body naturally. - Drinking large amounts of water and taking painkillers are common recommendations for small stones. - Medications like alpha blockers and potassium citrate can also aid in passing the stone or dissolving it. - Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is a non-invasive treatment option using high-intensity pulses of ultrasonic...