Complications of Untreated Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, a common health affliction in India, can be a source of great discomfort and pain. In essence, these are little crystalline deposits that form in the kidneys. When left untreated or unnoticed, kidney stones can lead to serious complications that may significantly affect your overall well-being. Additionally, untreated kidney stones can also lead to sepsis, hydronephrosis (swelling of the kidneys due to urine buildup), and chronic kidney pain.

Recognising these potential risks is a crucial step in maintaining good kidney health. If you suspect you have kidney stones, it is imperative to seek medical advice promptly from your family doctor or a specialist. Treatment options may vary based on the size and location of the stone and can range from medication and dietary changes to surgical procedures in the operation theatre.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like deposits that form in your kidneys when certain minerals in your urine are present at high levels. They can vary in size, sometimes as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. Typically, they appear yellow or brown.

This is a common health concern. About 11% of people globally have to face this issue at least once in their life. Interestingly enough, men have a higher tendency to develop kidney stones compared to women. When there’s an excess of certain minerals and salts such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid in your urine, they can crystallise and slowly accumulate into a hard lump this is how kidney stones come into being.

There are primarily four kinds of kidney stones:

• Calcium stones: The most commonly seen type, formed from calcium combined with oxalate or phosphate.
• Uric acid stones: These emerge due to high levels of uric acid typically present due to a high-protein diet.
• Struvite stones: These are caused by some specific urinary tract infections.
• Cystine stones: A rare kind caused by cystinuria a genetic disorder.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Recognising kidney stones early is important. The most prevalent symptom is a severe, fluctuating pain that emanates in waves from the lower back, belly or side. Besides this, there are other critical symptoms to watch out for:

1. Radiating pain that reaches the lower abdomen and groin
2. A painful or burning sensation during urination
3. Urine appears pink, red or brown
4. Cloudy urine with an unpleasant odour
5. Frequent urge to urinate, even if the output is less than usual
6. Persisting feelings of nausea and vomiting

Understanding these signs can help you identify kidney stones at an early stage.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Kidney Stones?

Dealing with kidney stones can be difficult. Recognising when to get medical help is crucial. You should not delay contacting your family physician if you:

1. Experience severe pain, vomiting, fever and/or chills
2. Notice visible blood in your urine
3. Have difficulty urinating

These could be the signs of a more serious issue requiring immediate treatment. If you suspect you might have a kidney stone, it is essential to get medical advice without delay.

Treatment varies by the size and location of the stone, from drinking plenty of water and taking pain relief medication to surgical interventions.

Complications of Untreated Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, if not addressed promptly, can lead to numerous complications impacting an individual’s well-being and health. These may include severe pain, infections, and even irreversible kidney damage. Let’s explore the implications of untreated kidney stones such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney damage, hydronephrosis, sepsis, and chronic pain.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

By obstructing the urinary tract, kidney stones can cause urine retention leading to an environment suitable for bacterial growth. If left unchecked, this harbouring of bacteria results in a urinary tract infection (UTI). Specifically, struvite stones are often formed in response to UTIs thereby spiralling a vicious cycle where stone formation increases the risk of infections.

Symptoms associated with UTIs caused by kidney stones can be identified as:

1. A frequent urge to urinate
2. Pain during urination (dysuria)
3. Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
4. Blood presence in the urine (haematuria)
5. Lower abdominal pain
6. Fever and chills which could suggest a more severe infection

If these symptoms intensify and are not treated properly, UTIs can fast-track into more serious complications like pyelonephritis or sepsis. Treatment generally involves antibiotics to eradicate the infection and sometimes pain management strategies. In some cases, removing or breaking up the stone might be necessary to restore normal urine flow.

Kidney Damage

The presence of a stone can increase pressure in the kidney resulting in hydronephrosis swelling of the kidney due to urine buildup. Over time, this pressure can damage the tissue of the kidney affecting its waste filtering ability.

1. Sudden acute kidney damage could be due to a blockage caused by a stone manifesting in severe pain, nausea, and vomiting.
2. Persisting obstruction can lead to chronic kidney damage characterised by a gradual decline in kidney function over time.
3. This could escalate into chronic kidney disease (CKD) where kidneys lose their capacity.
4. Long-term implications of untreated kidney damage include the development of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring dialysis or kidney transplantation.
5. Moreover, chronic kidney disease is linked with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and other systemic complications.

Hydronephrosis

This is a condition that denotes swelling of the kidney due to urine buildup. It occurs when there’s an obstruction in the urinary tract, frequently caused by kidney stones. A blocked ureter prevents urine from draining from the kidney to the bladder thereby causing pressure and swelling within the kidney.

1. Symptoms indicative of hydronephrosis include severe flank pain, nausea and vomiting, urinary urgency or frequency, and changes in urine output.
2. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies like ultrasound or CT scans to measure kidney swelling and identify any obstructions caused by stones.
3. If left unchecked hydronephrosis can lead to permanent kidney damage as increased pressure impairs the kidneys’ functioning.
4. Prompt intervention is crucial to prevent long-term complications.

Sepsis

Sepsis is a deadly condition that transpires when a body’s response to infection triggers widespread inflammation. An obstructing stone can lead to a UTI which if severe enough can spread to the bloodstream resulting in sepsis. Individuals with compromised immune systems or existing kidney issues are particularly at high risk for sepsis.

1. Symptoms of sepsis can include fever and chills, rapid heart rate, confusion or disorientation, severe pain or discomfort, and shortness of breath.
2. Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to locate infections and imaging studies to locate any obstructions or sources of infections.
3. Treatment often necessitates hospitalisation including intravenous antibiotics, fluids, and medications to stabilise blood pressure.
4. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required to remove the obstructive kidney stone.
5. The prognosis for sepsis heavily depends on the timeliness of treatment.
6. A quick response can lead to better outcomes while delayed treatment might result in severe complications or death.

Risk Factors for Developing Complications from Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are a common health concern in India that can lead to serious complications if not treated promptly. Preventing and managing these complications requires understanding the primary risk factors: underlying health conditions, delayed treatment, and lifestyle factors.

1. Underlying Health Conditions: Certain health issues significantly increase the risk of developing complications from kidney stones:
   • Diabetes: People suffering from diabetes have an increased risk for kidney stones due to insulin resistance and obesity. Diabetes also alters urine composition, making stone formation more likely.
   • Obesity: Excess body weight is associated with higher calcium, uric acid, and oxalate levels in the urine which contribute to stone formation.
   • Hyperparathyroidism: This condition leads to elevated calcium levels in the blood and urine. High urinary calcium is a significant contributor to kidney stones.
2. Delayed Treatment: Postponing kidney stone treatment can lead to grave complications such as:
   • Increased Risk of Infections: Kidney stones can obstruct the urinary tract leading to backed-up urine and hence increased risk of infections.
   • Kidney Damage: Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract can result in potential kidney damage.
   • Pain and Discomfort: The longer kidney stones remain untreated, the more severe the associated pain.
3. Lifestyle Factors: Certain lifestyle choices play a crucial role in the development of kidney stones and their complications:
   • Diet: A diet high in sodium, animal proteins, and sugars increases the likelihood of stone formation.
   • Hydration: Dehydration leads to concentrated urine, which boosts the chances of stone formation.
   • Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can lead to obesity and metabolic disorders increasing the likelihood of developing kidney stones.

A proactive approach towards health can ensure better kidney health and a lower likelihood of serious complications.

Preventative Measures and Treatment Options for Kidney Stones

Kidney stones, if ignored, can lead to serious health problems. However, you can manage this condition effectively with the right preventative steps and treatment options. Let’s understand how dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, medical procedures and regular monitoring can help.

1. Changes in Diet:
   • Drink plenty of fluids, particularly water, aiming for at least 2 litres daily which helps maintain good urine output.
   • Limit sodium, animal proteins and sugary foods as these could raise your risk of stone formation.
   • Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet. They’re fibre-rich and have good potassium levels that can help prevent stones.
   • If you’ve previously had kidney stones, consult your family doctor about whether you need to cut down on oxalate-rich foods like spinach, beets, and nuts.
2. Lifestyle Changes:
   • Stay physically active regularly to maintain a healthy body weight.
   • Avoid dehydration by regularly sipping water throughout the day, especially in hot weather or during physical exertion.
   • If kidney stones run in your family or you have other risk factors, consider frequent screening tests to catch stones early.
3. Medical Treatments and Procedures:
   • If dietary and lifestyle amendments aren’t enough to manage kidney stones or prevent further complications, your doctor may suggest:
   • Medications such as Thiazide diuretics, Citrate potassium or Alpha-blocker medications.
   • Non-invasive procedures like Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL).
   • Surgical procedures like Ureteroscopy or Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) for larger stones.
4. Regular Check-ups and Monitoring:
   • Check-ups are crucial to detect kidney stone complications early if you’ve previously suffered from them.
   • Regular urine tests and imaging studies help identify stones before they cause problems.
   • Post-treatment follow-ups ensure the successful removal of stones and monitor any recurrence.

Combining dietary changes with regular medical treatments and check-ups can reduce your risk of developing kidney stones and serious complications. Always work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a personalised prevention and management plan.

FAQs

1. What complications can arise from untreated kidney stones?

A: Untreated kidney stones can lead to several complications, including UTIs, kidney damage, hydronephrosis, sepsis, and chronic pain. These complications can significantly impact an individual’s health and quality of life.

2. How do kidney stones cause urinary tract infections?

A: Kidney stones can obstruct the urinary tract, leading to urine retention, which creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth. This can result in urinary tract infections (UTIs), characterized by symptoms such as frequent urination, burning sensation during urination, and fever.

3. Can kidney stones lead to permanent kidney damage?

A: Yes, if kidney stones are left untreated, they can cause prolonged obstruction and pressure in the kidneys. This could lead to permanent kidney damage and chronic kidney disease over time.

4. What is hydronephrosis, and how is it related to kidney stones?

A: Hydronephrosis is a condition characterised by the swelling of the kidney due to urine buildup caused by an obstruction, such as a kidney stone. If left untreated, hydronephrosis can lead to kidney damage and loss of function.

5. What are the signs of a severe kidney stone complication?

A: Warning signs that may indicate a severe complication include intense pain, blood in the urine, fever and chills, nausea, vomiting, and an inability to urinate. These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

6. How can kidney stones lead to sepsis?

A: In rare cases, kidney stones can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening systemic infection. This occurs when bacteria from a urinary tract infection spread to the bloodstream, requiring prompt medical treatment.

7. Are certain individuals more at risk for complications from kidney stones?

A: Yes, individuals with underlying health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or hyperparathyroidism are at a higher risk for developing complications. Additionally, those with a family history of kidney stones are also more susceptible. Lifestyle factors like dehydration and poor diet also contribute.

8. What is the connection between kidney stones and chronic pain?

A: Untreated kidney stones can cause ongoing pain and discomfort, particularly if they lead to recurrent infections or kidney damage. Chronic pain can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life and mental well-being.

9. How can complications from kidney stones be prevented?

A: Preventative measures include making dietary adjustments to reduce stone formation. Increasing hydration helps dilute urine. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise is also important. Scheduling regular medical check-ups allows for early detection and management.

10. What should I do if I suspect I have a kidney stone?

A: If you suspect you have a kidney stone, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent complications and improve outcomes, especially if you experience severe symptoms like intense pain