What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Kidney Stone Side Effects
According to the National Institutes of Health, nephrolitiasis, or kidney stone formation, is a very common disease, affecting nearly one in 10 people during their lifetimes. Between seven and 10 of every 1,000 hospital admissions are related to kidney stones. People who have a family history of kidney stones, those who live in areas with soft water and those who are frequently dehydrated are at higher risk of stone formation. Kidney stones have a number of unpleasant side effects.
Pain
Renal colic is an excruciating pain that develops when a kidney stone passes through the ureter. It is typically a sharp, cramp-like pain that develops on one side of the back and radiates around to the abdomen. It sometimes spreads into the groin area as well. This severe pain may be accompanied by a burning or urgency during urination, nausea and vomiting, or blood in the urine.
- Renal colic is an excruciating pain that develops when a kidney stone passes through the ureter.
- This severe pain may be accompanied by a burning or urgency during urination, nausea and vomiting, or blood in the urine.
Kidney Blockage
Causes of Low Back Pain and Kidney Infection
Learn More
As the stone passes through the ureter, it may block the passage of urine from the kidney to the bladder. This back up of urine is called obstruction, and it may occur without any pain. Usually, the kidney blockage is only temporary and is relieved as the kidney stone passes through. If the blockage persists, it may lead to infection or kidney failure.
- As the stone passes through the ureter, it may block the passage of urine from the kidney to the bladder.
- Usually, the kidney blockage is only temporary and is relieved as the kidney stone passes through.
Infection
Kidney stones can cause infection, particularly if the stone is blocking the flow of urine. Fever, often with flank pain, is a sign of potential kidney infection. Kidney infections can be very dangerous and must be treated right away. Intravenous antibiotics and placement of a tube to drain the blocked kidney will help the kidney infection to resolve safely. Some stones, called struvite stones, are actually caused by kidney infections and require a different treatment strategy.
- Kidney stones can cause infection, particularly if the stone is blocking the flow of urine.
Kidney Failure
Symptoms of a Struvite Kidney Stone
Learn More
Kidney stones occasionally cause kidney failure. Stones that are larger, stones that cause blockages or infection, and stones that recur frequently are all more likely to cause develop this very serious complication. For this reason, it is important to follow doctor's recommendations aimed at preventing future stone formation.
Recurrent Stones
A common complication of kidney stone formation is recurrence of stones over time. As stones continue to form, the likelihood of more side effects increases. A proper diagnosis of the cause of the stone formation will lead to a more effective prevention of recurrent stones.
Related Articles
References
- Mayo Clinic
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Symptoms & Causes of Kidney Stones. Updated May 2017.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Definition & Facts for Kidney Stones. Updated May 2017.
- Brikowski TH, Lotan Y, Pearle MS. Climate-related increase in the prevalence of urolithiasis in the United States. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008;105(28):9841–9846. doi:10.1073/pnas.0709652105
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Treatment for Kidney Stones. Updated May 2017.
- National Kidney Foundation. 6 Easy Ways to Prevent Kidney Stones.
Writer Bio
Amy Fogelstrom Chai is a physician, author and educator. She received her Doctor of Medicine degree from Indiana University, and her Master of Science in epidemiology from the University of Virginia. She has been a contributing author for HopeKeepers magazine, serving the chronically ill by answering reader-submitted questions.