What are the effects of kidney stones?

Many.: Kidney stones can be silent, but when they obstruct the kidney they can cause debilitating pain. This can be an issue for many, especially pilots & transit workers. Long term blockage can affect kidney function, as the kidney may atrophy. Urinary tract infections are riskier in patients with stones as they complicate management.

Pain: Kidney stones may not cause any symptoms, however if they move they generally cause very severe pain in the flank (side) that can radiate to the groin. They also can cause blood in the urine. The pain may move as the stone moves along the urinary tract, and may come and go as the stone moves around and becomes dislodged and re-stuck as it moves along the urinary tract.