Risk & Complications of Untreated Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are the primary contributors to the rising number of Chronic Kidney Diseases in India. This is especially common among individuals with busy lifestyles and irregular dietary habits. As per a report shared by The Lancet, renal failures in India are on the rise. Eerily named The Million Death Study, it shows that almost all chronic kidney diseases have gone up by 50% in the last two decades. And the numbers are still rising. 

While kidney stones may start small and seem harmless, untreated kidney stones can lead to serious complications, threatening your overall health. Let’s explore the risks, symptoms, and treatments for kidney stones, to understand why timely intervention is crucial. If you have any of the symptoms or have been previously diagnosed with kidney stones, do not delay treatment. Instead of ignoring kidney stones, reach out to us and consult the best urologist in Kolkata, at CMRI Hospital.

What Are Kidney Stones?

• Hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. 
• Develops in concentrated urine where minerals crystallise and clump together. 
• Small stones often pass unnoticed, larger ones can block the urinary tract.
• Severe unbearable pain is the most noticeable symptom w.r.t. Kidney stones.

What Happens If Kidney Stones Are Not Removed?

Poor lifestyle is one of the most significant causes of recurring kidney stones. Without making any changes and ignoring kidney stones can lead to severe and irreversible complications, like:

• Urinary Tract Obstructions: Stones can block urine flow and swell up the kidneys causing hydronephrosis and severe pain.
• Recurring Infections: Persistent blockages in the urinary tract increases the risk of UTIs, which can spread to other organs if left untreated.
• Kidney Damage: Chronic obstruction in the kidneys or infection on the tract can lead to scarring and reduced kidney function. Unchecked, it may lead to permanent kidney damage over time.
• Sepsis: This is basically the insides of your body rotting due to infection or obstruction by a kidney stone. This is a severe body response that leads to multiple organ failure if kidney infection is left untreated.
• Kidney Failure: Prolonged neglect can escalate to end-stage renal disease, requiring dialysis or kidney transplant.

If you have had a near miss experience with kidney stones then it is important that you consider the above risks. These further highlight the importance of an early diagnosis and management of kidney stones.

Risk Factors of Complications from Untreated Kidney Stones

If the above concerns have been duly understood then the next step is identifying the triggers or factors that can increase the likelihood of complications. Pay attention to these aspects in your daily life to help eliminate the risk of severe kidney damage: 

1. Poor Hydration: Inadequate water intake is one of the leading causes of concentrated urine. Some people don’t drink water because they may need to urinate. In both cases you are concentrating your urine, which fosters stone formation. Change this habit.
2. Dietary Habits: High sodium, sugar, or protein consumption can contribute to kidney stone development. Because these are the ingredients for a proper kidney stone.
3. Family History: A genetic predisposition increases your risk. This makes it even more important for you to be extra careful, since your risk levels are higher than others.
4. Obesity: Excess weight among other things also alters the body’s chemical balance, promoting stone formation.
5. Chronic Illnesses: Conditions like diabetes, gout, and inflammatory bowel diseases can heighten the risk as these are all linked to excretion. 

Preventative Measures and Kidney Stone Treatment Options

Preventing kidney stones and addressing them early can save you from a world of discomfort and health issues. Here’s how:

1. Lifestyle Changes

• Hydration: Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily to dilute urine and reduce stone formation.
• Balanced Diet: Avoid high-oxalate foods (like spinach and rhubarb), cut down on sodium, and limit animal protein intake.
• Physical Activity: Regular exercise supports overall kidney health.

2. Medical Treatments

• Medication: Doctors may prescribe drugs to relax the urinary tract or dissolve specific types of stones.
• Minimally Invasive Procedures: Techniques like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) break down stones for easier passage.
• Surgical Options: For larger stones, procedures like ureteroscopy or percutaneous nephrolithotomy are effective.

3. Regular Check-ups

Routine screenings can identify stones early, even before symptoms appear, allowing for timely intervention.

Monitor for the symptoms of Kidney Stones

• Severe Pain: Intense pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen that may radiate to the groin.
• Frequent Urination: A constant and recurring urge to urinate even when little urine is passed.
• Blood in Urine: Pink, red, or brown discoloration of urine caused by irritation from the stone.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Often triggered by the body’s reaction to pain or blockage.
• Cloudy or Foul-Smelling Urine: Indicative of a possible infection accompanying the stones.
• Fever and Chills: Typically for urinary tract infections (UTI) linked to kidney stones.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional immediately.

What Happens If Kidney Stones Are Left Untreated?

When kidney stones are left untreated, they can grow larger and more problematic. Persistent blockages can lead to swelling, infections, and significant damage to kidney tissue. Over time, untreated stones may escalate to chronic kidney disease, severely impairing kidney function and overall health.

Why Should You Not Ignore Kidney Stones?

Ignoring kidney stones may seem tempting, especially if symptoms are mild. However, the risks far outweigh the convenience of avoidance. By adopting healthier lifestyle choices, seeking timely treatment, and staying vigilant, you can protect yourself from the long-term complications of untreated kidney stones.

Let this be a reminder to prioritise your health today. Prevention is better than cure—and when it comes to kidney stones, timely action can make all the difference. If you have any of the symptoms or have been previously diagnosed with kidney stones, do not delay treatment. Instead of ignoring kidney stones, reach out to us and consult the best urologist in your city. 

FAQs

 

How Are Kidney Stones Formed?

Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in the urine crystallize and stick together. This often occurs due to dehydration, dietary factors, or certain medical conditions.

How Do I Know If I Have Kidney Stones?

Common signs include severe pain in the back or abdomen, frequent urination, and blood in the urine. Diagnostic tests like ultrasound or CT scans can confirm their presence.

Do Kidney Stones Cause Back Pain?

Yes, one of the hallmark symptoms of kidney stones is sharp, stabbing pain in the back or side, which may radiate to the lower abdomen or groin.

Can Untreated Kidney Stones Cause Permanent Kidney Damage?

Yes, untreated kidney stones can obstruct urine flow and cause infections, leading to long-term kidney damage or even kidney failure in severe cases.