This column is provided by ONU HealthWise Pharmacy.

Kidney stones may be small, but they can pack a lot of pain. Read on to find out how you can reduce your chance of developing kidney stones.

Kidney stones form in the kidneys and can cause discomfort and pain. They can be small, but large ones can become stuck in the urinary tract, blocking the flow of urine and causing intense pain.

In some cases, kidney stones will pass on their own. However, in other situations, medical treatment may be necessary. The following are signs of kidney stones that require a doctor's attention:

• Extreme pain in your back or side (Pain tends to remain and not go away.)
• Fever and chills
• Vomiting
• Cloudy urine
• Foul-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine
• Pain or burning during urination

There are several types of kidney stones. These include calcium stones, struvite stones, uric acid stones and cystine stones. Knowing the type you have will give you the information you need to try to lower your risk of developing more kidney stones. For example, diet is tied to the formation of calcium stones.

Some people are prone to developing kidney stones. You can try a few suggestions to lower your chance of developing kidney stones:

• Drink plenty of liquids — mainly water. (Be sure to speak with your health care provider about how much liquid is safe for you to drink on a daily basis.)
• Limit your salt intake.
• Cut back on certain foods, such as those that contain animal proteins.

Other risk factors include a family and personal history. If you already have had a kidney stone, you are at a higher risk of developing another one. And if a family member has had kidney stones, you may face a higher risk.

Ask your health care provider any questions you have about kidney stones.