Kidney stones are usually caused by the accumulation of certain minerals in the kidneys. The experience of passing a kidney stone can be both painful and frightening. Kidney stones are most likely to occur in white men over the age of 50. The complications of passing kidney stones do not usually pose any long-term health effects, but should be understood by individuals at risk for kidney stones.
Urinary Obstruction
In most occurrences of kidney stone, the stones are small enough to eventually pass through the urinary system. In more rare cases, large stones may get trapped in the kidneys or urinary tract and pose a number of complications. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that as stones remain in the urinary tract, they can block urinary flow and cause urinary blockage, resulting in severe pain and discomfort.
Urinary Tract Infections
In some cases, kidney stones can obstruct the urinary tract with few noticeable symptoms. The long-term obstruction of the urinary tract may lead to a urinary tract infection, a potentially serious condition. Individuals that experience symptoms of kidney stones such as abdominal pain in conjunction with symptoms of infection such as fever and chills should consult a medical professional.
Kidney Damage and Kidney Failure
Kidney stones can cause damage to the kidneys and urinary tract. In most instances this damage is not permanent and does not post any problems to the long-term health of the kidneys. As a kidney stone passes through the kidneys and urinary tract, it may scrape against the lining of the kidneys and cause minor cuts and scarring as described by MedlinePlus. Such scraping can cause blood to appear in the urine of individuals passing kidney stones. In very rare cases, kidney stones can cause permanent damage to the kidneys and result in kidney failure. Most cases of kidney stone-associated organ failure occur in individuals predisposed to kidney stones. Such individuals may have genetic conditions that lead to the formation of specific rare types of kidney stones such as cystine stones.
Risk of Stone Recurrence
A common complication of passing a kidney stone is the increased chance that kidney stones will come on again. "The New York Times" Health Guide explains that individuals that pass kidney stones have a 10 percent chance of passing stones again within the same year and about a 50 percent chance of passing another stone within 5 to 7 years.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Kidney stones - Complications
- "The New York Times" Health Guide: Kidney Stones Complications
- MedlinePlus: Kidney Stones
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Kidney Stones in Adults
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: What I need to know about Kidney Stones
