Kidney stones, small, hard mineral deposits formed in the kidneys, can be excruciating. The sensation often resembles a sharp, stabbing pain in the back or side, radiating to the lower abdomen and groin.
Some liken it to childbirth. Nausea, vomiting, and blood in urine may accompany this agony. Kidney stones removal may be recommended to help with the intense discomfort and potential complications.
If left untreated, these stones can block urine flow. With this blockage, you may suffer an infection, kidney damage, or even organ failure. In today’s guide, we explain how long you can wait to treat kidney stones, but first;
Do Kidney Stones need to be treated immediately?
Kidney stones don’t have to be treated immediately. However, there are isolated situations where you may urgently need to see a urologist for urgent kidney stones removal. Here are three instances when immediate kidney stone removal may be considered;
- Larger Kidney Stones: When kidney stones exceed 6 millimeters in size, they pose a significant challenge. These larger stones often refuse to exit the body naturally and can get lodged in the urinary tract. This situation triggers excruciating pain and the risk of blockages. As the stone size increases, so does the intensity of pain. It’s imperative to seek immediate treatment when dealing with these sizable stones to prevent further complications.
- Obstruction of Urinary Tract: Kidney stones have a knack for obstructing the smooth flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder. When this happens, it results in urinary obstruction, a painful and potentially dangerous condition. This blockage not only induces severe pain but can also push urine back into the kidneys, inviting kidney damage and infections. Warning signs include agonizing pain, urine tinged with blood, and an inability to urinate. Swift medical attention becomes paramount in such cases to alleviate the blockage and safeguard the kidneys from harm.
- Intense Pain and Discomfort: Kidney stones are infamous for inflicting excruciating pain, often ranking among the most agonizing experiences. Typically initiating in the back or side, the pain can radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. It surges in waves. It is also often accompanied by nausea and vomiting. If the pain reaches an unbearable level or doesn’t respond to over-the-counter pain relief, immediate medical assistance is non-negotiable. In some instances, this pain signals that the stone is on the move and could potentially induce a blockage, making prompt treatment an urgent necessity.
In any of these scenarios, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. A urologist can assess the size and location of the kidney stone through imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans. Depending on the stone’s characteristics and your overall health, treatment options may include;
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure uses shock waves to break up kidney stones into smaller pieces, making them easier to pass.
- Ureteroscopy: A thin tube with a camera is inserted through the urinary tract to locate and remove or break up the stone.
- Surgical Removal: In some cases, especially when other methods are ineffective, surgery may be necessary to remove the kidney stone.
How long can you wait to treat Kidney Stones?
Contrary to popular belief, the general approach is to hold off on treatment until you’re compelled to seek it. The rule of thumb is to give kidney stones time—about five years—before considering intervention.
Surprisingly, roughly half of the individuals with kidney stones will experience symptoms of them passing during this wait-and-see period. It’s important to note that only about a quarter of those who endure symptoms related to the passage of kidney stones ultimately require serious medical treatment. So, patience may be your ally.
That said, managing the pain associated with kidney stones is essential. If you’re grappling with this torment, consulting a specialist for kidney stones removal is wise. If the surgery can still wait, they can provide you with prescribed medications to alleviate the pain.
So, is it OK to Leave Kidney Stones Untreated?
To begin with, it’s true that some kidney stones may pass on their own without causing complications. But, it is important to remember that these scenarios are relatively rare.
Most healthcare professionals recommend monitoring. If necessary, they may recommend kidney stones removal in Singapore to prevent even worse situations.
So, the decision to wait or pursue treatment depends on several factors. Key among these include; the size and location of the stone, the level of pain and discomfort, and the presence of complications. Here are five reasons why it is NOT OK to leave kidney stones unchecked by a specialist and treated;
- Ureter Blockage: Kidney stones, if left unchecked, may block the ureters—the tubes connecting the kidneys to the bladder. This blockage impedes the natural flow of urine. This blockage may cause excruciating pain and discomfort. It can also obstruct the passage of urine from the kidney to the bladder. This may cause further worrisome complications.
- Increased Risk of Infection: When kidney stones obstruct urine flow, they create a stagnant environment. This stagnation do create a perfect environment for can thrive. The stagnant urine can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs) or kidney infections (pyelonephritis). Both of these conditions can be severe and require immediate medical attention.
- Urine Build-up and Kidney Strain: Untreated kidney stones can result in urine accumulation in the kidney. This condition is known as hydronephrosis. This accumulation can exert added pressure on the kidney tissue. The increased pressure on your kidney tissues cannot only damage the kidney. It may also impair its function. In severe cases, untreated stones may even lead to kidney failure. As you probably, already understand, this is a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Scarring and Kidney Damage: Repeated episodes of kidney stones can cause scarring and permanent damage to the kidneys. This is especially true if the kidneys remain untreated. Over time, this damage can impair kidney function. It can also increase the risk of kidney-related complications.
- Recurrent Stone Formation: If the underlying causes of kidney stone formation are not addressed, leaving the stones untreated can result in the recurrence of stones. This can lead to a cycle of pain, discomfort, and potential complications. All these can impact your quality of life.
In Closing
Waiting for up to five years can be a reasonable approach if you suspect you have kidney stones, as many people pass them without the need for serious treatment. However, don’t endure the pain needlessly.
If you’re in discomfort, consult with a specialist doctor like a urologist. They can help you manage your pain and explore potential treatment options. If you’re in Singapore, schedule an appointment with Aare Urocare for a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plan. Call or visit the specialists at the clinic at;
Aare Urocare – One-Stop Incontinence Centre | Dr Fiona Wu | Kidney Stones Removal | UTI Vaccine Singapore
6 Napier Road #10-06 Gleneagles Medical Centre,
Singapore 258499
+656252 4681
