Patient's question:
Do kidney stones have any hazards? I was diagnosed with kidney stones and don't know what to pay attention to next. What kind of harm will kidney stones bring to my life?Doctor's answer:
The dangers of kidney stones should not be underestimated. More than half of kidney stones are discovered incidentally during routine check-ups. Due to their small size and sometimes gritty texture, many stones cause no symptoms, making them easy to overlook. The main symptoms of kidney stones are pain and hematuria (blood in urine). The pain can range from dull to severe. Some stones, especially those without obstruction or mild obstruction and without infection, may remain asymptomatic, even if they have already caused kidney damage. They are often only detected during accidental ultrasounds, abdominal X-rays, or CT scans. If kidney stones are not addressed early and the best treatment window is missed, they can eventually lead to symptoms such as lower back and abdominal pain, hematuria, obstruction, urinary tract infections, kidney atrophy, kidney failure, and uremia.A. Hydronephrosis (kidney swelling) can compress and shrink the kidney tissue, leading to reduced function.
B. damage, such as prolonged kidney pelvis hydronephrosis caused by kidney stones, can obstruct urination. The excessive pressure in the upper urinary tract reduces blood flow to the kidneys, potentially causing tubular degeneration, necrosis, kidney shrinkage, and declining or complete loss of kidney function.
C. Long-term irritation from stones can potentially lead to secondary cancer of the kidney lining. Seek treatment at a professional hospital.