Are kidney stones serious?

Dr. Jeanne Morrison, PhD on behalf of Sigma Nursing

Family Practitioner

Kidney stones are not considered life-threatening, although they can cause problems such as urinary tract infections and kidney damage. If kidney stones are left untreated, bacteria can grow behind the blockage and cause an infection. Long-term kidney stones can also cause a build-up of pressure in the kidneys.

Continue Learning about Kidney Stones

Arthur R. Crowley, MD

Staghorn stones are stones that involve the renal pelvis and extend into at least 2 calyces of the k...

National Kidney Foundation

There are four main types of stones: 1. Calcium oxalate: The most common type of kidney stone whi...

Dr. Jeanne Morrison, PhD

A kidney stone is a hard substance, formed from material in your urine. They form in the kidneys. Ki...

Diana Meeks

Kidney stones can cause pain in the lower abdomen, especially the lower back, sides and groin area. ...

Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

Kidney Stones

Referred to as "silent stones," kidney stones often do not cause any symptoms. The first indication of a kidney stone is often a sudden feeling of extreme pain as the stone blocks the flow of urine. Kidney stones are one of the most painful urologic disorders and one of the most common disorders of the urinary tract. Most kidney stones - which are hardened masses that develop from crystals that separate from the urine in the urinary tract - are passed out of the body without surgical intervention by a doctor. A less common type of kidney stone, called a struvite or infection stone, is caused by infection in the urinary tract. Doctors are not always able to diagnose the cause of a kidney stone, which is why it's important to learn how to prevent them in the fist place. A person who has had a kidney stone in the past may likely form another one.

Learn More