Are kidney stones deadly?

Kidney stones…those pesky little devils that make you want to scream like a banshee, curse like a pirate, and cry like a baby all at once. But are they just an annoying inconvenience or are they secretly plotting your demise? Well, let’s take a journey through the winding road of the urinary system and find out.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Before we get into whether kidney stones are deadly or not (spoiler alert: they’re usually not), let’s first discuss what exactly they are. Kidney stones (also known as renal calculi) are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that can form in your kidneys when there is too much waste products in your urine and not enough liquid to dilute them.

These baddies can range in size from a grain of sand to golf ball-sized monstrosities that would make even the bravest warrior tremble in fear. And unfortunately for us humans, these demons can cause some major pain when trying to pass through our urinary tract.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Speaking of pain, this is one symptom almost every human with kidney stones experiences. It can range from feeling like you pulled a muscle in your back to thinking someone has shanked you with a rusty knife (or so I’ve heard). Other common symptoms include:

• Discolored urine
• Nausea/vomiting
• Frequent need to urinate
• Pain while urinating
• Fever/chills

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, please don’t ignore them (insert begging hands emoji) – seek medical attention ASAP.

Possible Complications

Now onto the meatier question – “Are kidney stones deadly?” The short answer: not really…BUT complications can arise if left untreated or unnoticed for extended periods which could then turn deadly…and nobody wants that. Here are a few possible complications to keep in mind:

1. Chronic Kidney Disease

“Chronic kidney whaa?” you may be thinking. Chronic Kidney Disease (also known as CKD) is a condition where your kidneys aren’t functioning properly and can lead to further health issues down the road if not managed correctly (think high blood pressure, anemia, or even nerve damage). If left untreated for too long, this could potentially become deadly.

But fret not dear reader! Treating kidney stones in their early stages is one way to prevent chronic kidney disease from developing.

2. Urinary Tract Infection

One other party crasher we need to mention when it comes to kidney stones are urinary tract infections (UTIs). When a stone gets stuck in your urinary tract it can cause bacteria build-up and ultimately lead drumroll please..a UTI!

While UTIs can usually be treated with antibiotics easily enough, leaving them unchecked for too long (hint hint: like most medical conditions) could lead them down a more dangerous path.

3. Whole Lot of Nothingness

Okay so maybe “nothingness” isn’t exactly the correct term – but sometimes there really are no significant consequences of having had developed kidney stones at all! Many people pass them quickly and without any major issue besides minor discomfort once passed…kinda anticlimactic right?

Prevention Techniques

Now that we’ve gone over the doom-and-gloom discussions involved with these little nuggets of joy let’s talk about how they can actually be prevented altogether because who doesn’t love preventative measures? Below are some tips on avoiding the becoming best friends with Jackie Nine-Toed:

• Stay hydrated
• Cut back on salt intake
• Limit animal protein consumption
• Get your calcium fix through food instead of supplements
  (You know what they say: you are what you eat…especially if what you’re eating is up in your kidneys)

When to Seek Medical Help

If after reading this article and trying all preventative measures under the sun (like guzzling water like it’s going out of style) you still experience symptoms such as blood in urine or severe pain, do not hesitate to visit a medical professional. They can help guide treatment for larger kidney stones that may need surgical procedures or other forms of expensive intervention which require expert care.

Conclusion

In summation, while kidney stones themselves typically aren’t deadly they can lead to possible complications if left unchecked (cue ominous thunder and lightning). However by taking simple precautions and being mindful of changes in bodily functions – mostly drinking lots of liquids ,say monthly check-ups . Do not overlook the eyesore posed by these demons lurking around appreciating health.

Dane Raynor

Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!