Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Kidney stone complications: blockage, infection, kidney damage, recurrence and warning signs for urgent care.
Most small kidney stones pass without lasting harm, but larger or untreated stones can cause serious problems.
Blocked urine flow
A stone stuck in the ureter can swell the kidney (hydronephrosis). Long blockage can cause permanent kidney damage.
Infection
Kidney damage
Recurrence
About half of people have another stone within 5 to 10 years without prevention.
Pain and daily life
Severe colic can cause time off work and repeated hospital visits.
Procedure-related risks
In pregnancy
Stones can cause pain, infection and preterm labour risk. They need a doctor's care.
Fever with pain, very little or no urine, uncontrolled vomiting, severe unrelenting pain, confusion or fainting. Call 112.
Reducing risk
Drink plenty of water, follow the prevention advice, attend follow-up scans and treat infections early.
Key point
Prompt treatment of blockage and infection protects the kidney, and prevention reduces repeat stones.
Before your appointment
Note when the pain began, where it is, and whether you have noticed blood, fever, nausea or burning in your urine. Record how much you drink and pass urine in a day. List medicines and supplements, especially vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium and herbal products. Mention previous stones, gout, bowel surgery, urinary infections and family history. Bring earlier scans and reports. If you pass a stone, save it for analysis. Ask about tests, the stone type and a prevention plan. Call 112 for fever with pain or if you pass no urine.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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