Kidney stones are more than just a painful inconvenience. They can become serious if left unchecked. This article breaks down what causes them, the hidden risks, and what you can do to stay ahead of the problem. What Are Kidney Stones and Why Do They Form? Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside …
Kidney stones are more than just a painful inconvenience. They can become serious if left unchecked. This article breaks down what causes them, the hidden risks, and what you can do to stay ahead of the problem.
What Are Kidney Stones and Why Do They Form?
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside your kidneys. They’re often made of calcium oxalate but can also be composed of uric acid, cystine, or struvite. These stones develop when certain minerals become concentrated in the urine and crystallize.
There are a few common causes:
Dehydration, which leads to concentrated urine
High protein or salt intake
Certain medical conditions like gout, hyperparathyroidism, or urinary tract infections
Low magnesium or vitamin B6 levels, which are essential for kidney function and metabolic balance
Can a Kidney Stone Actually Kill You?
While kidney stones are typically not fatal, they can lead to life-threatening complications in rare cases.
A 2018 review covering two decades of research across 34 studies and 2,550 reported deaths found that sepsis was the leading cause of death related to kidney stone disease. According to the study, 21 percent of deaths occurred due to complications from medical procedures, particularly when patients had multiple health conditions, high stone burden, or spinal cord injuries.
That means kidney stones aren’t inherently fatal, but delayed treatment, infection, or surgical complications can be.
Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Kidney stones don’t always come with symptoms, especially when small. But when they do, they often cause intense pain and other warning signs.
Here’s when you need urgent care:
Fever and chills (possible sign of infection)
Vomiting with pain
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Difficulty urinating or complete blockage
Blood in urine
Pain spreading to the groin or lower abdomen
Fever and pain together are a red flag. They could indicate a kidney infection, which can become sepsis if untreated. Sepsis is a medical emergency. Read more about when to go to urgent care for a kidney stone.
Why Sepsis is the Biggest Danger
Sepsis happens when your body overreacts to infection. A simple urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by a stone blocking the urinary tract can spiral quickly. This can lead to kidney failure, shock, and even death if not caught early.
Most cases of sepsis from kidney stones occur after surgery or when treatment is delayed. That’s why early diagnosis and pre-surgical preparation are key.
High-Risk Groups for Complications
Certain people are more likely to have severe outcomes from kidney stones:
Those with neurogenic bladder or spinal injuries
People with weakened immune systems
Patients with diabetes or cardiovascular disease
Individuals with frequent or large stones
For these groups, even a moderate stone can be dangerous if it causes infection or obstruction.
There’s also a link between mood disorders and kidney health. Some evidence points to the possibility that mood swings and emotional stress may worsen kidney function in vulnerable individuals, which can complicate recovery from stones. See more on kidney disease and mood changes.
How to Prevent Kidney Stones from Becoming Dangerous
If you’ve had kidney stones before or want to reduce your risk, here are key prevention steps:
Stay hydrated with at least 2.5 to 3 liters of water a day.
Lower salt and animal protein intake.
Get enough magnesium and vitamin B6 through food or supplements.
Consider a magnesium supplement like Beelith magnesium tablets, which combine magnesium with vitamin B6 to support kidney health and reduce stone formation.
Avoid excessive oxalate-rich foods like spinach and almonds if prone to calcium oxalate stones.
Manage underlying conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
See a doctor early if you experience symptoms of UTI or kidney pain.
If you’re managing other health challenges like stress, anxiety, or even hormonal imbalances, magnesium can help regulate many of these systems, too. There’s even growing research about how magnesium can impact body temperature regulation and hydration levels.
Key Takeaway
Kidney stones form from concentrated minerals in urine, most commonly calcium oxalate.
Dehydration, high salt/protein intake, low magnesium or B6, and certain medical conditions increase stone risk.
While not usually fatal, kidney stones can lead to life-threatening complications, especially sepsis.
Sepsis is the leading cause of death related to kidney stones, particularly after surgery or delayed treatment.
Warning signs that need urgent care include fever with pain, vomiting, foul-smelling urine, or trouble urinating.
High-risk groups for complications include people with spinal cord injuries, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or recurrent stones.
Mood disorders and stress may worsen kidney function, complicating stone recovery in vulnerable individuals.
Magnesium also supports hydration, temperature regulation, and stress response.
Medical procedures carry risk if infection isn’t controlled or patients are not properly prepared, especially for older or high-risk individuals.
FAQ
Can certain medications increase the risk of kidney stones?
Yes. Some medications, including diuretics, calcium-based antacids, and certain antivirals or seizure drugs, can raise stone risk. Always review medications with your doctor if you’re prone to stones.
Can children get kidney stones?
Yes, though less common, kidney stones can occur in children due to genetic factors, dehydration, poor diet, or medical conditions. Pediatric evaluation is essential.
Can kidney stones recur even after surgery or treatment?
Yes. About 50% of people who get one kidney stone will have another within 5–10 years unless lifestyle or dietary changes are made.
Are certain people genetically predisposed to kidney stones?
Yes. Genetics can play a role. If you have a family history of kidney stones, your risk is significantly higher due to inherited metabolic or structural factors.
Can diet alone prevent all kidney stones?
Not entirely. While diet is important, especially for hydration and reducing sodium, oxalate, and animal proteins, some people form stones due to metabolic or anatomical issues that aren’t controlled by diet alone.
Steve Jenkins is an accomplished leader in the pharmaceutical industry. He’s the Executive Chairman of Beach Pharmaceuticals, a role he’s been flourishing in since January 2017. Jenkins brings a solid scientific foundation to his work, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Florida. His strong background and many years of experience in the industry give him unique insights and a deep understanding of the field.
Can a Kidney Stone Be Fatal?
Kidney stones are more than just a painful inconvenience. They can become serious if left unchecked. This article breaks down what causes them, the hidden risks, and what you can do to stay ahead of the problem. What Are Kidney Stones and Why Do They Form? Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside …
Kidney stones are more than just a painful inconvenience. They can become serious if left unchecked. This article breaks down what causes them, the hidden risks, and what you can do to stay ahead of the problem.
What Are Kidney Stones and Why Do They Form?
Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside your kidneys. They’re often made of calcium oxalate but can also be composed of uric acid, cystine, or struvite. These stones develop when certain minerals become concentrated in the urine and crystallize.
There are a few common causes:
Can a Kidney Stone Actually Kill You?
While kidney stones are typically not fatal, they can lead to life-threatening complications in rare cases.
A 2018 review covering two decades of research across 34 studies and 2,550 reported deaths found that sepsis was the leading cause of death related to kidney stone disease. According to the study, 21 percent of deaths occurred due to complications from medical procedures, particularly when patients had multiple health conditions, high stone burden, or spinal cord injuries.
That means kidney stones aren’t inherently fatal, but delayed treatment, infection, or surgical complications can be.
Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Kidney stones don’t always come with symptoms, especially when small. But when they do, they often cause intense pain and other warning signs.
Here’s when you need urgent care:
Fever and pain together are a red flag. They could indicate a kidney infection, which can become sepsis if untreated. Sepsis is a medical emergency. Read more about when to go to urgent care for a kidney stone.
Why Sepsis is the Biggest Danger
Sepsis happens when your body overreacts to infection. A simple urinary tract infection (UTI) caused by a stone blocking the urinary tract can spiral quickly. This can lead to kidney failure, shock, and even death if not caught early.
Most cases of sepsis from kidney stones occur after surgery or when treatment is delayed. That’s why early diagnosis and pre-surgical preparation are key.
High-Risk Groups for Complications
Certain people are more likely to have severe outcomes from kidney stones:
For these groups, even a moderate stone can be dangerous if it causes infection or obstruction.
There’s also a link between mood disorders and kidney health. Some evidence points to the possibility that mood swings and emotional stress may worsen kidney function in vulnerable individuals, which can complicate recovery from stones. See more on kidney disease and mood changes.
How to Prevent Kidney Stones from Becoming Dangerous
If you’ve had kidney stones before or want to reduce your risk, here are key prevention steps:
If you’re managing other health challenges like stress, anxiety, or even hormonal imbalances, magnesium can help regulate many of these systems, too. There’s even growing research about how magnesium can impact body temperature regulation and hydration levels.
Key Takeaway
FAQ
Yes. Some medications, including diuretics, calcium-based antacids, and certain antivirals or seizure drugs, can raise stone risk. Always review medications with your doctor if you’re prone to stones.
Yes, though less common, kidney stones can occur in children due to genetic factors, dehydration, poor diet, or medical conditions. Pediatric evaluation is essential.
Yes. About 50% of people who get one kidney stone will have another within 5–10 years unless lifestyle or dietary changes are made.
Yes. Genetics can play a role. If you have a family history of kidney stones, your risk is significantly higher due to inherited metabolic or structural factors.
Not entirely. While diet is important, especially for hydration and reducing sodium, oxalate, and animal proteins, some people form stones due to metabolic or anatomical issues that aren’t controlled by diet alone.
Article by Steve JenkinsSteve Jenkins is an accomplished leader in the pharmaceutical industry. He’s the Executive Chairman of Beach Pharmaceuticals, a role he’s been flourishing in since January 2017. Jenkins brings a solid scientific foundation to his work, holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from the University of Florida. His strong background and many years of experience in the industry give him unique insights and a deep understanding of the field.