How serious are kidney stones?

Kidney stones can range from being a minor inconvenience to a serious medical condition, depending on their size, location, and whether they cause complications. Here’s how they can vary in severity:

1. Small Stones:

Often Passed Naturally: Small kidney stones, typically less than 5mm, often pass through the urinary tract on their own without causing significant problems.

Symptoms: They may cause mild discomfort, such as minor pain or irritation, as they pass.

2. Larger Stones:

Painful: Larger stones can cause intense pain, often described as sharp or cramping, that usually starts suddenly and may come in waves. This pain, known as renal colic, typically occurs in the back, side, or lower abdomen.

Potential for Blockage: Larger stones may block the urinary tract, leading to severe pain, blood in the urine (hematuria), and possible infection.

3. Complications:

Infection: If a kidney stone causes a blockage, it can lead to a urinary tract infection (UTI), which may spread to the kidneys (pyelonephritis). Symptoms of infection include fever, chills, and cloudy or foul-smelling urine.

Kidney Damage: In severe cases, untreated kidney stones can lead to chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure, especially if they cause repeated infections or persistent blockages.

Surgical Intervention: Some kidney stones may require surgical removal if they are too large to pass on their own or if they cause ongoing pain or complications.

4. Medical Attention:

Seek Immediate Care: Severe pain, signs of infection, or an inability to urinate should prompt immediate medical attention. These could indicate serious complications that need prompt treatment.

Overall, while many kidney stones are not life-threatening, they can cause significant discomfort and complications if not properly managed. It’s important to seek medical advice if you suspect you have a kidney stone treatment.