Are Kidney Stones Dangerous? Risks, Symptoms, and Treatment

Uncover the dangers of kidney stones, their causes, symptoms, and effective ways to manage or prevent severe complications.

By Sneha Tete, Integrated MA, Certified Relationship Coach

Created on Sep 25, 2025

Uncover the dangers of kidney stones, their causes, symptoms, and effective ways to manage or prevent severe complications.

Are Kidney Stones Dangerous? Understanding the Risks, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Kidney stones are a common medical condition affecting people of all ages. These hard mineral and salt deposits can form inside your kidneys and, depending on their size and movement, may cause a variety of symptoms and health risks. This article explores whether kidney stones are dangerous, describes their complications, symptoms, treatments, and offers guidance on when to seek medical care.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are solid masses formed from crystals of minerals and salts inside your kidneys or urinary tract. They vary in size, ranging from tiny grains like sand to as large as a golf ball. Stones may pass unnoticed if they’re small, but larger stones can block urine flow and lead to significant pain and complications.

Are Kidney Stones Dangerous?

Most kidney stones do not cause permanent damage and can pass out of the body without medical intervention. However, they can be dangerous under specific circumstances, especially when:

Causing persistent pain, blocking urine flow, or leading to infection
Resulting in severe or recurrent urinary tract infections
Causing injury to the kidneys or permanent kidney damage if left untreated
Leading to the spread of infection into the bloodstream (sepsis), a life-threatening emergency

Recognizing and managing kidney stones promptly can help prevent complications, but untreated stones have the potential to be dangerous.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Many individuals may have kidney stones without experiencing symptoms, often discovering them incidentally during imaging for other reasons. When symptoms do occur, they can be severe and may include:

Severe pain on one side of the lower back or abdomen (renal colic)
Pain radiating to the groin or lower abdomen
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Nausea and vomiting
Urgency or pain while urinating
Fever, chills, shivering, or sweating, indicating infection

The pain from kidney stones is often described as one of the most intense that a person can experience. The sensation may come in waves and fluctuate in intensity as the stone moves within the urinary tract.

Recognizing Emergency Symptoms

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Fever and chills alongside kidney stone symptoms (can indicate infection)
Severe ongoing pain that cannot be controlled by over-the-counter medications
Difficulty passing urine, or if urine output stops
Visible blood clots in the urine

Can Kidney Stones Cause Permanent Damage?

While most cases do not result in permanent injury, kidney stones can cause lasting kidney damage if untreated. Possible complications include:

Urinary tract blockage: Large stones can obstruct the flow of urine, causing swelling and pressure (hydronephrosis) that may injure the kidneys over time.
Recurring infections: Stones can irritate the urinary tract and increase the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), which themselves can cause kidney damage.
Sepsis: An obstructed and infected urinary tract can result in infection spreading to the bloodstream (sepsis), a potentially fatal condition.
Loss of kidney function: Chronic obstruction or repeated infections may lead to permanent loss of kidney tissue or kidney failure.

Timely diagnosis and treatment are essential to avoiding permanent or serious complications.

Other Potential Complications of Kidney Stones

Some additional complications that may arise from kidney stones include:

Bleeding: Stones can cause injury to tissue inside the urinary tract, resulting in bleeding or blood clots in urine.
Swelling: Persistent blockage can cause the affected kidney to swell, a condition called hydronephrosis.
Formation of additional stones: One episode of stones increases the risk of developing more in the future.
Chronic pain: Ongoing irritation by stones may lead to persistent discomfort.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones form when concentrations of certain minerals and salts—such as calcium, oxalate, phosphate, or uric acid—become too high in the urine and crystallize. Several factors can increase your risk, including:

Dehydration (not drinking enough fluids)
Certain diets high in salt, protein, or sugar
Obesity
Family or personal history of kidney stones
Digestive diseases or surgeries
Some medical conditions (e.g., gout, hyperparathyroidism, urinary tract infections)
Certain medications and supplements

Diagnosis of Kidney Stones

If kidney stones are suspected based on your symptoms, several tests may be recommended by your healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the issue. These can include:

Imaging tests:
- CT scan (most accurate – can detect small stones and reveal size/location)
- Abdominal X-rays (KUB study: kidney, ureter, bladder X-ray)
- Ultrasound (radiation-free; useful for pregnant individuals or children)
- Intravenous pyelogram (IVP): Dye is injected, and x-rays track kidney function and blockages
Urine analysis: Examines for blood, infection, or crystals that might indicate stone composition
Blood tests: Assess kidney function and look for abnormalities in calcium, phosphorous, uric acid levels
Stone analysis: If a stone is passed, it can be collected and analyzed to determine its makeup, guiding further treatment and prevention

Treatment Options for Kidney Stones

Treatment depends on the size, type, location of the stone, and the severity of symptoms. Not all kidney stones require intervention; many small stones pass on their own with supportive management.

Conservative (Non-Surgical) Management

Hydration: Drinking plenty of water (6–8 glasses per day) helps flush out small stones
Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, may be recommended
Medical expulsion therapy: Alpha-blockers like tamsulosin can relax the muscles of the urinary tract, helping pass stones more easily
Monitoring: Regular follow-up and imaging to ensure the stone is passing and not blocking urine flow

When Is Medical Intervention Needed?

Medical procedures may be required if the stone:

Is too large to pass on its own (typically larger than 5–7 mm)
Causes persistent severe pain
Blocks the flow of urine
Leads to infection or threatens kidney function

Procedures and Surgeries for Kidney Stones

Extracorporeal Shock-Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Uses high-energy shock waves to break stones into smaller pieces that can pass in urine. Best for stones under 2 cm.
Ureteroscopy: A thin scope is inserted into the urethra to locate and remove stones, or to fragment larger stones using laser energy.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: For large or complex stones (over 2 cm), a small incision is made in the back to remove the stone directly from the kidney.
Traditional Surgery: Rarely needed, but may be considered for complex cases.

How to Prevent Kidney Stones

Once you have had kidney stones, your risk of developing them again increases. Prevention strategies include:

Drink plenty of fluids – Aim for at least 2 liters (or half a gallon) daily, unless otherwise advised
Limit sodium (salt) intake – Reducing salt helps lower risk of certain stone types
Choose dietary calcium as recommended by your healthcare provider
Reduce intake of foods high in oxalate (such as spinach, rhubarb, nuts)
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Maintain a healthy weight
Discuss with your doctor about medications or supplements that may increase your risk
Treat medical conditions (like gout or chronic urinary tract infections) that can contribute to stone formation

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does a kidney stone feel like?

The most common sensation is sudden, severe pain in the back or side, often radiating to the groin or lower abdomen. The pain may come in waves and sometimes is accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine.

Are all kidney stones dangerous?

Most kidney stones are not dangerous if managed appropriately and do not cause infection, severe pain, or blockages. However, untreated stones can result in dangerous complications.

Can you pass a kidney stone without knowing it?

Yes, small kidney stones may pass with little or no symptoms and could be found incidentally during imaging for other reasons.

When should I see a doctor for kidney stones?

Seek medical care if you experience severe pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, or are unable to urinate. Also, if kidney stones are a recurring issue, your doctor can help with prevention strategies.

Can children get kidney stones?

Though less common, children can develop kidney stones. Causes may include metabolic disorders, genetic predisposition, or dehydration.

Summary Table: When Are Kidney Stones Dangerous?

Situation	Potential Danger	Recommended Action
Small stone, no pain or infection	Low risk	Hydration, monitoring
Stone causing severe pain but passing	Moderate (pain, possible blockage)	Pain control, hydration, consult provider
Stone blocking urine, with fever/infection	High (infection, sepsis, kidney damage)	Emergency care needed
Stone not passing, kidney swelling	High (hyonephrosis, kidney damage risk)	Evaluation for intervention
Recurrent stones	Chronic risk (kidney damage, pain)	Workup for prevention

Tips for Living with Kidney Stones

Maintain regular medical follow-ups if you’ve experienced kidney stones
Follow a dietary plan recommended by your healthcare provider
Stay well hydrated, particularly after exercise or during hot weather
Notify your doctor immediately if symptoms return or worsen

References

Information synthesized from expert medical sources including National Kidney Foundation, American Kidney Fund, Mayo Clinic, University of Michigan Health, and Better Health Channel.

References

Author

Sneha TeteBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

Sneha is a relationships and lifestyle writer with a strong foundation in applied linguistics and certified training in relationship coaching. She brings over five years of writing experience to thebridalbox, crafting thoughtful, research-driven content that empowers readers to build healthier relationships, boost emotional well-being, and embrace holistic living.

Read full bio of Sneha Tete