Can kidney stones cause kidney failure? This is a serious concern for anyone who has experienced the sharp pain and discomfort of passing a stone. Kidney stones, also called renal calculi, are hard deposits that form in the kidneys when minerals and salts build up in the urine. These stones can block the flow of urine, damage kidney tissue, and lead to repeated urinary tract infections.

If left untreated, particularly with large or recurrent stones, there is an increased potential for long-term damage to the kidneys, which may contribute to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure.

This article explains how kidney stones affect kidney function, when they become dangerous, and what you can do to prevent serious complications.

Kidney stones are hard clumps of minerals that form inside the kidneys and can affect how the urinary system works. These stones can range in size and may be associated with severe pain or more serious kidney problems if not treated.

A kidney stone forms when waste materials in the urine, like calcium or uric acid, stick together and create crystals. Over time, these crystals grow into hard stones that can block the normal flow of urine. Most kidney stones form when there's too little liquid in the body or when there are high levels of stone-forming chemicals, such as calcium, oxalate, or uric acid.

These stones are also known as renal calculi, and while many are small enough to pass on their own, some become large and may require medical treatment. Risk factors for developing kidney stones include chronic dehydration, eating foods high in salt or animal protein, taking calcium supplements without enough fluids, or having certain medical conditions like inflammatory bowel disease or gastric bypass surgery.

There are several types of kidney stones, and knowing which type you have helps guide treatment:

• Calcium oxalate stones: The most common type. These form when there's too much calcium and oxalate in the urine.

• Uric acid stones: These form in people who lose too much fluid, eat high amounts of animal protein, or have high levels of uric acid in the body.

• Struvite stones: Sometimes called infection stones, these can develop after repeated urinary tract infections and may grow quickly into large kidney stones.

• Cystine stones: These rare stones form in people with a genetic disorder that causes the kidneys to release too much cystine into the urine.

Each type of kidney stone has different causes and may inform different treatment approaches that could support kidney health and potentially reduce the incidence of recurrent kidney stones.

Kidney stones have been observed to block the flow of urine, trigger infections, and contribute to kidney tissue damage. These issues are associated with short- or long-term problems with kidney function when not addressed promptly.

When a kidney stone gets stuck in the urinary tract, it can block the normal path of urine flow from the kidney to the bladder. This can cause renal colic, a type of severe pain that may radiate from the back to the groin or ribs. If the blockage isn't cleared, pressure builds up in the kidney, a condition that can lead to swelling or tissue damage.

A blocked urinary tract makes it easier for bacteria to grow, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections. When UTIs occur often, they are associated with lasting damage to kidney tissues. Repeated urinary tract infections caused by stones are especially risky for people with existing kidney diseases or weakened immune systems.

When urine backs up due to a blockage, it can cause a condition called hydronephrosis. This leads to swelling in the kidney, which may stretch and damage its delicate filtering tissues. If not treated, this pressure has been shown to potentially permanently affect kidney function and may increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

Yes, although it's rare, kidney stones have been observed to lead to kidney failure if they block urine flow, cause infections, or recur persistently. The risk appears higher if both kidneys are affected or if a person has only one working kidney.

A large kidney stone that blocks both kidneys, or a single functioning kidney, can lead to acute kidney injury. This is a sudden loss of kidney function that typically necessitates fast treatment. Removing the blockage or treating an infection is often associated with improved kidney recovery, but delays may contribute to serious damage.

Over time, recurrent kidney stones are associated with kidney scarring, which can contribute to chronic kidney disease. Ongoing damage from blocked urine flow, repeated infections, or inflammation increases the chance of permanent kidney problems. People with existing conditions like digestive and kidney diseases, chronic diarrhea, or inflammatory bowel disease have been identified as being at higher risk.

Kidney failure may occur when long-term damage builds up and the kidneys no longer produce urine or filter waste properly. This can be a consequence of untreated stones, especially infection stones, or renal calculi that repeatedly block urine. Blood tests, urine tests, and imaging tests are used to monitor kidney health and check for signs of failure in high-risk patients.

You can take steps to potentially lower the risk of kidney damage and kidney failure by pursuing early detection, making dietary modifications, and utilizing treatments that aim to prevent stone recurrence.

Recognizing the symptoms of kidney stones early, such as sharp pain, groin pain, blood in the urine, or vomiting and fever, is important for seeking timely treatment before complications may develop. Kidney stones treated in time have been observed to be less likely to result in infections or damage. Urine examination, blood tests, and imaging tests can confirm a diagnosis and help guide care.

Making smart diet and lifestyle changes may assist in preventing kidney stones from forming and could contribute to reducing the risk of long-term kidney damage. These steps support kidney function and help limit stone-forming substances in the urinary system:

• Drink enough fluids each day with the goal of keeping your urine light yellow or clear.

• Limit sodium by avoiding salty snacks, processed foods, and fast food as part of a strategy to manage stone risk.

• Cut back on oxalate-rich foods like spinach, beets, and nuts if advised by your healthcare provider, particularly if you are prone to calcium oxalate stones.

• Reduce animal protein intake from red meat, poultry, and eggs as advised by your doctor.

• Avoid eating foods high in added sugars, such as sodas and sweets, as a general health practice that may also impact stone formation.

• Talk to your doctor before taking calcium supplements,  especially if you’ve had kidney stones due to their potential influence on stone formation.

• Stay active and maintain a healthy weight, as these factors are associated with a reduced risk of developing kidney stones.

• Manage medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and digestive diseases that have been linked to an increased risk of stone formation.

• Avoid long periods without drinking water, especially in hot weather or during exercise, as this can contribute to dehydration and stone formation.

These changes are considered beneficial for supporting kidney health and may contribute to lowering the likelihood of forming more kidney stones.

Some medications, like potassium citrate or thiazide diuretics, have been prescribed to help lower the chances of forming stones, particularly in individuals with recurrent stone formation. In cases of large stones that can't pass on their own, doctors may use procedures like extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (which uses shock waves to break the stone) or ureteroscopy to remove or break up the stone safely.

Knowing what to watch for can help you catch problems early and protect your kidney function. Symptoms vary depending on how far the stone has moved or how much damage it has caused.

Recognizing the early symptoms of kidney stones is important for getting timely treatment and preventing complications like urinary tract infections or kidney damage. Common signs to watch for include:

• Sharp pain in the lower back, side, or under the ribs

• Groin pain that may come and go in waves

• Nausea or vomiting, especially with pain

• Frequent urge to urinate, even in small amounts

• Blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or brown

• Pain or burning during urination

• Signs of a urinary tract infection, such as cloudy or foul-smelling urine

These symptoms may vary depending on the size and location of the kidney stone. Prompt medical care is important and may contribute to reducing the risk of more kidney stones or serious complications.

Recognizing the early symptoms of kidney stones is important for getting timely treatment and preventing complications like urinary tract infections or kidney damage. Common signs to watch for include:

• Sharp pain in the lower back, side, or under the ribs

• Groin pain that may come and go in waves

• Nausea or vomiting, especially with pain

• Frequent urge to urinate, even in small amounts

• Blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or brown

• Pain or burning during urination

• Signs of a urinary tract infection, such as cloudy or foul-smelling urine

These symptoms may vary depending on the size and location of the kidney stone. Prompt medical care is important and may contribute to reducing the risk of more kidney stones or serious complications.

Quick care may often support the reversal of damage in the early stages, but advanced cases can necessitate ongoing treatment to manage or replace lost kidney function.

If acute kidney injury is caused by a stone blockage or infection, removing the blockage or using antibiotics is a treatment approach that can support the restoration of kidney function. Doctors may use imaging tests to find the problem, followed by surgery or stent placement to relieve pressure. Fluids and other support may be administered to aid kidney recovery.

In people with chronic kidney disease from repeated renal calculi, treatment may include medications to control blood pressure and lower calcium or uric acid levels. In advanced cases, dialysis or even a kidney transplant may be needed. Managing digestive diseases, adhering to strategies for avoiding stone-forming chemicals, and treating each kidney stone early are approaches that can contribute to supporting long-term health.

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Kidney stones can do more than cause pain. They have the potential to block urine flow, lead to infections, and in some cases, cause lasting kidney damage or even kidney failure.

The risk of serious complications is observed to increase when stones are large, go untreated, or recur persistently. Taking action early through lifestyle changes, proper treatment, and routine checkups may contribute to supporting kidney function and potentially lowering the risk of chronic kidney disease.

If you’ve had even one kidney stone, it’s important to consider strategies to help prevent more from forming. Taking care of your kidneys now is a proactive step that may help avoid long-term damage later.

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

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2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (n.d.). Treatment for kidney stones. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/treatment

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