Can Kidney Stones Kill You? Myths vs Medical Facts

By Dr. Ajinkya Patil | Urologist, Navi Mumbai (Panvel | Vashi | Kharghar)

Introduction

Kidney stones are painful — no doubt about that. But can they be deadly? This is a common fear I hear from many of my patients in Navi Mumbai. While kidney stones are generally treatable, some myths can cause unnecessary anxiety. In this blog, I’ll separate the myths from medical facts to help you understand the real risks and the right time to consult a urologist.

What are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. These stones may remain in the kidney or travel down the urinary tract. While many are small enough to pass naturally, others may require treatment.

These stones can vary in size — from a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball — and may consist of different materials like:

• Calcium oxalate (most common)
• Uric acid
• Struvite
• Cystine

Kidney stone treatment in Navi Mumbai is now more effective than ever thanks to modern urology and laser technology available at my clinics in Panvel, Vashi, and Kharghar.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Recognizing symptoms early helps avoid complications:

• Sharp, intense pain in the lower back or side (called renal colic)
• Painful urination
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Fever and chills (if infection is present)

When kidney stone pain starts, it’s often described as one of the most painful experiences — worse than childbirth in some cases!

What Causes Kidney Stones?

While kidney stones can affect anyone, certain lifestyle and genetic factors increase the risk:

• Dehydration
• High-salt or high-oxalate diets
• Obesity
• Family history of stones
• Certain medications
• Recurring urinary tract infections

Is Kidney Stone Pain Dangerous or Harmless?

Let’s bust the myth: kidney stones are usually not fatal, but in rare cases, they can lead to life-threatening complications. Here’s how:

• Blocked urine flow: If a stone blocks both kidneys or the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder), it can cause hydronephrosis, kidney swelling, and eventually kidney failure if untreated.
• Infections: Stagnant urine can lead to severe infections like urosepsis — a dangerous, systemic infection.
• Repeated episodes can scar the kidneys and impact long-term function.

So, can kidney stones kill you? Yes — but only in rare, complicated cases if neglected.

When to See a Urologist Like Dr. Ajinkya Patil

Many patients ignore early symptoms thinking it’s gas or muscle pain. If you experience any of the following, consult a urologist in Navi Mumbai immediately:

• Persistent or severe lower back pain
• Blood in urine
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• High fever and chills
• Known history of kidney stones

I’ve treated hundreds of patients at Dr. Ajinkya Patil’s Curology Clinics in Panvel, Vashi, and Kharghar. With early diagnosis and proper care, we can manage and prevent kidney stones effectively.

Treatment Options for Kidney Stones in Navi Mumbai

1. Lifestyle & Diet Changes

• Increase water intake to 2.5–3 liters/day
• Avoid high-oxalate foods like spinach, nuts, and chocolate
• Limit salt and red meat

2. Medications

• Pain relievers
• Alpha-blockers (to relax ureter muscles and help stones pass)
• Potassium citrate (to prevent stone formation)

3. Non-Surgical & Surgical Options

• Shock Wave Lithotripsy (SWL): Sound waves break stones into smaller pieces
• Ureteroscopy (URS): Thin scope removes stones from ureter or kidney
• RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery): Minimally invasive procedure using laser
• PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy): For larger or complex stones via a small skin incision

All procedures at our clinics are performed using advanced laser technology with quick recovery and minimal discomfort.

Preventive Tips from Dr. Ajinkya Patil

• Drink plenty of fluids daily — especially in the hot climate of Navi Mumbai
• Reduce intake of sodium and animal proteins
• Get regular health check-ups if you have a family history of stones
• Maintain a healthy weight
• Follow up every 6 months if you’ve had a stone before

Real-Life Case Study from Curology Clinic

Patient: Ganesh Deshmukh, 38, Panvel
Ganesh came in with severe back pain and difficulty passing urine. Diagnosis: 8mm stone lodged in ureter. We opted for RIRS, and the stone was removed successfully in one go. Ganesh resumed work in just 2 days and now follows up regularly to stay stone-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts from Dr. Ajinkya Patil

Kidney stones are manageable and often preventable. But ignoring the symptoms or delaying treatment can turn a small problem into a big emergency. If you or someone you know is struggling with kidney stone symptoms, don’t wait. Book a consultation at my clinics in Panvel, Vashi, or Kharghar and let’s ensure your kidneys stay healthy.