Side Effects of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones might be small, but the trouble they cause can be huge. These are hard mineral deposits that form in your kidneys and sometimes travel through your urinary tract. Kidney stones affect about 12% of the Indian population. Many people don’t even realise they have a stone until symptoms of kidney stones show up, and by then, the pain can be intense. You may feel a sharp pain in your lower back, have trouble urinating, or notice blood in your urine. Some people even experience nausea, vomiting, or fever. While some stones pass on their own, others may need medical help. 

If left untreated, they can cause serious infections or permanent kidney damage. So, read on to learn the most common side effects of kidney stones, how they affect your body, and why early attention can save you from bigger health problems later.

How Do Kidney Stones Form?

Hard lumps composed of minerals and salts that develop inside your kidneys are called kidney stones. They typically appear when there is more waste in your urine than the fluid can dilute, such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid. As a result, the excess minerals stick together into crystals, which eventually turn into stones. 

These stones range in size from pebble-sized to as tiny as a grain of sand. Some can become stuck and obstruct the urine flow, resulting in pain or infection, while others move through the urinary tract naturally. Kidney stones can be caused by a number of factors, including a diet high in protein or salt, a lack of water, being overweight, certain medical conditions, or a family history of kidney stones.

What Are the Main Symptoms of Kidney Stones?

Larger kidney stones frequently cause symptoms that can serve as early warning signs and adverse effects, while smaller kidney stones may pass without causing any noticeable symptoms. Your body's response to a stone attempting to pass through the urinary system is what appears as symptoms, which are as follows: 

Sharp Back or Side Pain

The first and most obvious symptom is frequently sudden, severe pain in the side or lower back. This occurs when a stone obstructs a portion of the ureter, which raises the kidney's pressure. As the stone moves, the pain may be intermittent and move towards the groin or abdomen.

Also Read: Understanding Kidney Stones

Burning Sensation When Urinating

Urinating may become painful as the stone gets closer to the bladder. It could feel like a burning or sharp pain. This typically occurs during passage when the stone irritates the lining of the bladder or ureter.

Urine with Blood 

Bleeding may result from a stone rubbing against sensitive urinary tract tissue. Urine containing blood may appear pink, red, or even brown. Microscopic haematuria is a condition that can occasionally be invisible but be identified through laboratory testing.

Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can also be brought on by severe kidney pain. This is because the digestive system and kidneys are connected by nerve pathways. Particularly when there is a blockage, the pain signals may interfere with your stomach's regular function.

Urge to Urinate Often or Constantly

Urination may become urgent or frequent if the stone moves lower, particularly close to the bladder. This can happen even if only a tiny amount of urine is expelled each time, and it can cause sleep disturbances at night.

Which Kidney Stone Side Effects You Should Not Ignore?

Your body goes into full response mode when a kidney stone starts to move or creates a blockage, not just when you feel pain. As the body attempts to manage internal stress, inflammation, or infection, these side effects appear. Some are temporary, while others, if ignored, may cause long-term harm. The most common kidney stone pain side effects are: 

Experiencing Pain in the Groin

As the stone moves from the kidney to the bladder, the pain frequently changes locations. It might descend into the inner thigh or groin. One important indicator that the stone is moving through the urinary tract is this type of radiating pain.

Tightness or Spasms In The Muscles

Muscles, particularly those in your back and abdomen, may tense or spasm as your body responds to pain and obstruction. Your body's pain response includes these involuntary contractions, which can make moving stones more uncomfortable.

Weakness and Physical Fatigue

Exhaustion can be brought on quickly by severe or chronic pain, sleep issues, and decreased appetite. People with untreated stones frequently experience fatigue, which can make daily tasks more difficult. Your general energy levels, mood, and ability to concentrate may all be impacted over time.

Infection-Related Fever and Chills

Bacteria can be trapped in a blocked ureter, raising the risk of kidney or urinary tract infections. In addition to pain and nausea, fever, chills, and shivering are powerful markers of infection and, if untreated, may even be a sign of sepsis.

Retention of Urine or Decreased Flow

If a stone gets lodged in the ureter or blocks the bladder outlet, it can reduce urine flow or stop it entirely. This can cause bladder pressure, discomfort, and risk of infection. Complete urinary retention is a medical emergency. 

Risk of Kidney Damage or Impairment

Pressure buildup and kidney swelling (hydronephrosis) can result from kidney stones that are not removed or passed. Over time, kidney function may be diminished if this persists. So, can kidney stones cause permanent damage? Yes, in severe or recurrent cases, kidney failure or permanent damage may occur.

A Higher Probability of Stone Recurrence

You have a higher chance of getting another kidney stone after you have had one. According to studies, if preventive measures are not followed, roughly 50% of people who have had one kidney stone episode will have another one within five to ten years.

The aforementioned adverse effects can be minor or severe. Some kidney stones go away on their own, but others need prompt medical attention. If you have kidney stone symptoms, chronic pain, or infection symptoms like fever, vomiting, or trouble urinating, you should always see a trained healthcare provider. Do not delay care or self-diagnose.

Get Rid of Kidney Stones with Exceptional Care and Support!

Kidney stones might start small, but the effects they have on your body can be anything but minor. From unbearable pain and changes in urination to fatigue, infection, and even kidney damage, the side effects are wide-ranging. So, what happens if kidney stones are not treated? You risk infection, permanent kidney damage, and long-term health problems. If you have experienced even a few of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s time to get checked, especially if you have had stones before. Schedule an appointment at Apollo Spectra to get expert advice from our skilled urologists. They will suggest a personalised treatment plan and the best ways to prevent side effects associated with having stones.