Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
Kidney stones are common, but death from them is rare. Yet, severe problems can happen if not treated. At Liv Hospital, we focus on catching and preventing kidney stones early.
Complications like kidney infection, sepsis, and kidney failure can be deadly. We aim to offer top-notch care to avoid these risks. Our goal is to keep patients safe and prevent serious issues.
It’s important to know the basics of kidney stones to spot symptoms early and get help fast. Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys.
Kidney stones are solid masses of crystals that form in the urine when there are high concentrations of certain minerals. They can be small, like a grain of sand, or big, like a golf ball.
Dehydration, diet, and genetics play a role in forming kidney stones. Calcium oxalate stones are the most common, but there are others like uric acid stones, struvite stones, and cystine stones.
The symptoms of kidney stones vary based on the stone’s size and location. You might feel severe pain in your back or side, known as renal colic. You could also see blood in your urine, feel nauseous, or vomit.
To diagnose kidney stones, doctors use tests like CT scans or ultrasound. These tests show the stone’s size, location, and number. They also do urinalysis to check for blood, infection, or other issues.
Kidney stones are a big health problem in the U.S. About 1 in 11 people will get a kidney stone at some point.
| Year | Prevalence Rate | Number of Cases (approx.) |
| 2010 | 1 in 14 | 2 million |
| 2020 | 1 in 11 | 3 million |
The number of people getting kidney stones has gone up over the years. It’s key to know about kidney stones to manage and prevent them.
To understand the risk of death from kidney stones, we need to look at global stats. We also need to compare them to other health issues. Kidney stones are common, but the death rate is a big worry.
The death rate from kidney stones worldwide is low. Tens of thousands die each year. Studies show that only a small part of those with kidney stones die from it.
Key statistics to consider include:
Looking at mortality from kidney stones, we must consider kidney disease and other urological issues. Mortality rates are often higher in those with other health problems or no access to care.
A comparison of mortality rates across different regions shows healthcare disparities. Areas with more kidney stones may have higher death rates if care is not available.
Comparing the risk of dying from kidney stones to other conditions helps us understand it better. For example, the risk is lower than from heart disease, diabetes, or some cancers.
“The relative risk of mortality from kidney stones is often overshadowed by more prevalent health conditions, but it remains a significant concern for those affected.”
Knowing the comparative risk helps us see why managing kidney stone disease is so important. It also shows why seeking medical care is key.
It’s important to know the dangers of kidney stones. They can cause severe and deadly problems. Even though kidney stones themselves are not usually fatal, the complications can be deadly if not treated right.
Kidney stones can be fatal by blocking the urinary tract. This blockage stops urine flow, causing pressure and damage to the kidneys. This can lead to:
Infections from urinary tract blockages can turn into sepsis, a deadly condition. Sepsis happens when the body’s fight against infection gets out of control. Factors that lead to sepsis include:
Sepsis is a medical emergency that needs immediate care. Symptoms include fever, chills, fast heart rate, and confusion.
Kidney stones can also cause kidney failure, either suddenly or over time. Acute kidney injury happens quickly due to blockage or infection. Chronic kidney disease develops slowly due to ongoing damage. Risks for kidney failure from kidney stones include:
In summary, while kidney stones are painful, they can lead to serious and potentially deadly complications. It’s key to understand these risks and get medical help quickly to avoid fatal outcomes.
Kidney stones can lead to urinary tract infections, which may turn into sepsis. This is because stones can block urine flow. This blockage helps bacteria grow and cause infections.
Kidney stones can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs) by blocking urine flow. Stones can also cause microabrasions in the urinary tract lining, letting bacteria in. When bacteria get into the urinary tract, they can start an infection. This infection can then spread to other parts of the urinary system.
UTIs can turn into serious conditions like pyelonephritis (kidney infection) and sepsis if not treated. Sepsis happens when the infection gets into the blood. This can cause organs to fail if not treated quickly.
It’s important to know the signs of sepsis to get help fast. Symptoms include:
We need to get medical help right away if we see these signs. Early treatment is key to avoiding serious problems and improving health.
Kidney stones can block urine flow, causing kidney damage. This damage can lead to acute or chronic kidney injury. Such damage can greatly affect a person’s health and life quality.
Kidney injury from stones can be acute or chronic. Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a sudden loss of function that can happen in hours or days. It might be fixed with quick treatment.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a slow loss of function over time. It can cause permanent damage.
Knowing the difference between AKI and CKD is key to the right treatment and care.
A kidney stone can block urine flow, causing pressure buildup. This pressure can harm the kidney’s delicate parts. It can stop the kidney from filtering waste and fluids properly.
The longer the blockage lasts, the higher the risk of permanent kidney damage. Quick medical help is vital to avoid lasting harm.
Untreated kidney stones can cause permanent damage. If the blockage is not fixed, the kidney might not work again. In bad cases, this could mean needing dialysis or a kidney transplant.
| Stage of Kidney Damage | Description | Potential Outcome |
| Acute Kidney Injury | Sudden loss of kidney function | Reversible with prompt treatment |
| Chronic Kidney Disease | Gradual loss of kidney function | Potential for permanent damage |
| Irreversible Damage | Permanent loss of kidney function | May require dialysis or transplant |
People with kidney stones should get medical help fast to avoid serious problems.
Some people are more likely to face serious and life-threatening issues from kidney stones. It’s important to know who these high-risk groups are. This helps in preventing and managing severe outcomes.
Elderly people face a higher risk of kidney stone complications. This is due to weaker kidneys, possible blockages, and other health issues. As age increases, so does the chance of getting kidney stones and facing severe problems.
Those with weakened immune systems are more at risk. This includes people with illnesses or those on certain treatments. Their bodies can’t fight off infections well, making quick medical help essential.
Those with only one kidney or existing kidney problems are at greater risk. Losing kidney function can lead to serious health issues. This might include needing dialysis or a kidney transplant.
Certain health conditions can also raise the risk of fatal kidney stone complications. This includes issues with the urinary tract and diseases like diabetes.
| High-Risk Population | Increased Risk Factors | Potential Complications |
| Elderly Patients | Decreased kidney function, comorbid conditions | Urinary tract obstruction, infection, sepsis |
| Immunocompromised Individuals | Weakened immune response | Infection, sepsis, organ failure |
| People with Single Kidney or Pre-existing Renal Disease | Reduced kidney function | Kidney failure, need for dialysis or transplant |
| Other Medical Conditions | Urinary tract obstructions, systemic diseases | Severe infections, organ damage |
Knowing who is at high risk helps healthcare providers give better care. This can save lives. By understanding the risks for different groups, we can prevent and manage fatal kidney stone complications better.
It’s vital to know the serious symptoms that mean you need to see a doctor fast. Kidney stones can cause warning signs that mean you need urgent care. We’ll show you what to look for to know when to get help.
Severe pain is a common symptom of kidney stones. It’s often described as one of the worst pains. If this pain doesn’t get better with medicine, it’s a sign something is wrong. Severe pain that doesn’t subside with medication requires immediate medical attention.
Fever and chills can mean you have an infection from kidney stones. If a stone blocks your urinary tract, it can cause an infection. The presence of fever and chills alongside other symptoms like pain or changes in urination patterns is a critical warning sign.
Changes in urination, like trouble starting or painful urination, can mean a blockage. These signs show the stone is causing a blockage that needs quick medical help.
Other signs that mean you need to see a doctor fast include nausea and vomiting. These can lead to dehydration. Also, blood in the urine or a sudden need to urinate are serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s vital to seek medical help promptly.
| Symptom | Description | Action Required |
| Severe Pain | Pain unresponsive to medication | Immediate Medical Attention |
| Fever and Chills | Indicative of infection | Urgent Care |
| Changes in Urination | Difficulty or pain while urinating | Seek Medical Help |
“Prompt recognition of the warning signs associated with kidney stones can significantly reduce the risk of severe complications.”
— Medical Expert
Kidney stone emergencies need quick and effective medical help to avoid deaths. Timely treatment is key to reduce risks and save lives.
When kidney stones block the urinary tract, fast medical action is needed. This action helps clear the blockage and restore urine flow. Treatments include:
Kidney stones can cause infection or sepsis, which is dangerous. Aggressive treatment is needed to prevent serious problems. Treatment includes:
When kidney stones cause kidney injury or failure, dialysis may be needed. It helps keep the patient healthy until the problem is fixed. Other care includes:
| Supportive Measure | Description |
| Dialysis | A procedure to filter waste from the blood when kidneys fail. |
| Monitoring | Watching kidney function, electrolyte levels, and patient condition closely. |
| Medication Management | Adjusting medications for pain, infection, and other issues. |
These emergency steps show how fast medical care is vital for severe kidney stone cases. Knowing these treatments helps patients and doctors prevent serious outcomes.
To avoid serious problems from kidney stones, it’s key to take preventive steps. This means making lifestyle changes, getting regular check-ups, and managing stones that keep coming back.
Drinking enough water is a big help. It makes your urine less concentrated, which lowers the chance of minerals forming stones. Try to drink 8-10 glasses of water a day. Adjust this based on how active you are and where you live.
Changing what you eat is also important. Eating less of foods high in oxalate like spinach and beets can help. Also, cutting down on sodium can lower calcium in your urine, which helps prevent stones.
Regular doctor visits are a must if you’ve had kidney stones before. These visits help your doctor catch any signs of stones early. Make sure to get an annual check-up, or more often if your doctor suggests it.
If you keep getting kidney stones, managing this is vital. This might mean taking medicines to control conditions like hyperparathyroidism. Finding and fixing the main cause of your stones can greatly lower your risk of serious problems.
By following these steps, you can greatly lower your risk of serious kidney stone complications. It’s all about being proactive to keep your kidneys healthy and your overall health in check.
The way we treat kidney stones has changed a lot. New medical methods have improved how we manage these stones. This has led to better patient results and fewer deaths.
Now, we have many ways to remove stones. The choice depends on the stone’s size, where it is, and what it’s made of. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) is one method. It uses shock waves to break stones into smaller pieces that can pass in urine.
Ureteroscopy is another option. A small scope is used to remove the stone through the urethra and bladder. This is good for stones that are too big or hard to pass.
| Treatment Method | Description | Advantages |
| ESWL | Uses shock waves to break stones | Non-invasive, quick recovery |
| Ureteroscopy | Direct removal through a small scope | High success rate, minimal complications |
For harder cases, minimally invasive surgical options are used. These methods help patients recover faster and have less scarring. Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is one, used for big stones. It involves a small incision in the back to reach the kidney.
These new surgical methods have greatly improved treating kidney stones. They lower the risk of serious problems and death.
New medical technology and techniques have also helped with tough cases. We can now better handle stones with infections or in people with certain body shapes. We have better tools and treatments for these complex cases.
For example, using antibiotics and other support has helped with infections and stones. Also, new imaging technologies help us diagnose and watch stone disease more accurately.
By using these modern treatments, we can lower the risk of death from kidney stones. We also improve patients’ lives a lot.
It’s important to know the risks of kidney stones to avoid serious problems. We’ve seen how kidney stones can cause big issues like blockages, infections, and even kidney failure. While death from kidney stones is rare, it’s key to watch for warning signs and take steps to prevent them.
By staying informed and using preventive methods, you can lower your risk of serious kidney stone problems. We stress the need for drinking plenty of water, eating right, and getting regular check-ups to help prevent kidney stones.
Knowing the signs of kidney stones and getting medical help quickly can save lives. We urge people, but those at higher risk, to keep an eye on their kidney health. If you notice any concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to see a doctor.
To lower the risk of kidney stone-related deaths, we need to be proactive about our health. By understanding the risks and taking steps to prevent them, we can avoid severe complications and stay healthy.
Yes, though rare, death can happen from kidney stones. This is due to severe issues like blockage, infection, and kidney failure.
Death from kidney stones is rare. But, the risk is higher for the elderly and those with health issues.
Main risks include blockage, infection, and kidney failure. Both acute and chronic.
Yes, kidney stones can lead to UTIs. This is because they block urine flow, creating a perfect spot for bacteria to grow.
Untreated UTIs can spread to the blood, causing sepsis. This is a serious and life-threatening condition.
Signs include high fever, chills, and a fast heart rate. Also, confusion and trouble breathing are warning signs. Seek medical help right away if you notice these.
Yes, kidney stones can lead to both acute and chronic kidney failure. They can block urine flow and damage kidney tissue over time.
The elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and people with one kidney or kidney disease are at higher risk.
Severe pain that doesn’t go away, fever, chills, and changes in urination are critical. Seek medical help immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Quick medical treatments for blockages, managing sepsis and infections, and dialysis can be lifesaving.
To reduce risk, stay hydrated, make dietary changes, get regular check-ups, and manage recurring stones.
Treatments include medical stone removal and minimally invasive surgeries. These options help lower the risk of severe complications and death.
Yes, untreated kidney stones can cause severe complications that can be life-threatening.
Yes, it’s possible to die from a kidney stone. This is more likely if it causes a severe blockage or infection.
Yes, though rare, death can occur from severe kidney stone complications.
Yes, some people die from kidney stone complications. This shows how important it is to get quick medical care.
Naber, K. G. (2000). Treatment options for acute uncomplicated cystitis in adults. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, 46(Suppl. S1), 23–27. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12274297_Treatment_options_for_acute_uncomplicated_cystitis_in_adults