What Complications Can Arise from Kidney Stones?
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Kidney stones are a common and often extremely painful condition that affects millions of people each year. These hard deposits of minerals and salts can form in the kidneys when urine becomes concentrated, allowing crystals to bind together. While some kidney stones may pass on their own, larger stones and/or those that become lodged in the urinary tract can lead to serious complications — including infections and even life-threatening sepsis — if left untreated.
At Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL, board-certified urologists Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian and Dr. Ali Kasraeian offer advanced treatment options to help patients manage kidney stones and avoid dangerous complications. Keep reading to learn more about the health risks of kidney stones, how kidney stones form, and what can happen if you don't get treatment for a kidney stone.
What causes kidney stones?
Kidney stones can develop when certain substances — such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid — become concentrated in the urine and form crystals. Over time, these crystals can merge into larger stones, which may range in size from a grain of sand to a golf ball. Several factors can increase the risk of developing kidney stones, including:
- Dehydration
- High-sodium diets
- High-protein diets
- Obesity
- Family history of kidney stones
If you have a history of kidney stones or are at risk for kidney stones, it's important to stay hydrated and manage your diet to reduce the likelihood of stone formation. Dr. Kasraeian can work with you to establish personalized recommendations for kidney stone prevention based on your individual risk factors.
What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
Kidney stones often cause severe pain as they move through the urinary tract, though not always. Additionally, kidney stone symptoms may mimic the symptoms of other conditions, making it important to seek medical evaluation to obtain a clear diagnosis. Still, there are some telltale signs that you may be dealing with a kidney stone vs. a UTI or another urologic issue. Some of the most common symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Sharp, cramping pain in the back or side
- Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen or groin
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Frequent urination or urgency
- Nausea and vomiting
What happens if kidney stone is left untreated?
While some smaller kidney stones may pass naturally, larger stones can lead to complications if left untreated. Here are some potential risks of not treating a kidney stone:
- Urinary obstruction
- Infection
- Kidney damage
- Sepsis (infection spreading to the bloodstream)
Because of these risks, including the possibility of a life-threatening infection (sepsis), it's important to address kidney stones as early as possible.
How are kidney stones treated?
At Kasraeian Urology, we are committed to offering the most advanced and effective kidney stone treatment options available today to help patients get fast relief from kidney stone symptoms. These include:
- Ureteroscopy
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Dr. Kasraeian will work with you to determine which kidney stone treatment is appropriate based on the size and location of the stone, as well as other personal factors. From there, we will provide personalized recommendations for kidney stone prevention to help you stay stone-free as long as possible.
Get rapid, lasting relief from the pain of kidney stones with advanced kidney stone treatment in Jacksonville, FL
If you're experiencing symptoms of kidney stones or are concerned about kidney stone risks, seeking prompt medical attention is essential. At Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL, board-certified urologists Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian and Dr. Ali Kasraeian are here to help you find relief from kidney stone pain, avoid serious complications, and reduce your risk of recurrent stones. Contact us today to schedule your private consultation to learn more about your kidney stone treatment options.