Which is more Dangerous, Kidney Stones or Gallstones

Kidney stones and gallstones are two health problems that are often a source of intense pain and discomfort for affected individuals. Both conditions involve the formation of stones that can obstruct the flow of fluids in certain organs and trigger unpleasant symptoms. While both have the potential to cause serious health problems, each has different characteristics and impacts. In this article, we will compare gallstones and kidney stones in terms of various factors, including causes, symptoms, and severity.

Gallstones :

Gallstones are solid stones that form in the gallbladder, a small organ that stores and excretes them when they are produced by the liver. Here are some important points regarding gallstones:

Reason :

Gallstones form when substances such as cholesterol or pigments settle and crystallize in the gallbladder. Risk factors for gallstones include the 4Fs, namely female, forty, fat, and fertile.

Symptom :

Symptoms of gallstones can include acute pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, which may radiate to the back or right shoulder. Other symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, and indigestion.

Treatment:

Treatment for gallstones may include diet changes, the use of medications to control symptoms, or surgical removal of the gallbladder in some cases.

Kidney stones :

Kidney stones, also known as nephrolithiasis, are solid stones that form in the kidneys, organs that play an important role in filtering the blood and eliminating body waste. Here are some important points about kidney stones:

Reason :

Kidney stones are usually caused by mineral crystals that accumulate in the kidneys. The causes can vary, including genetic factors, diet, dehydration, and metabolic disorders.

Symptom :

Symptoms of kidney stones often involve severe pain in the lower back area or lower abdomen, accompanied by pain when urinating, bloody urine, and nausea.

Treatment:

Treatment for kidney stones depends on the size and type of stone. Some stones may pass on their own, while others require medical procedures such as extracorporal lithotripsy (ESWL), ureteroscopy, or surgery.

So which is more dangerous?

Gallstones and kidney stones are quite serious conditions because they both have a significant impact on a person's quality of life. Both of these conditions can become dangerous if not treated. Gallstones can cause severe pain and serious discomfort, as well as complications such as acute inflammation of the gallbladder or infection. Kidney stones have the potential to cause very severe pain and can damage the kidneys. Kidney stones that are large or that block urine flow can be dangerous and require immediate medical attention.

It is important to remember that both conditions require medical treatment. If you experience suspicious symptoms or problems with kidney stones or gallstones, consult your doctor immediately for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.

 

Made by: Dr. Khaula Latifah Ramdhani Sahidah

Reviewed by: Dr. Nova Oktoria Putri Saragih, Sp.B., FINACS

Reference:

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Kidney Stones. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones

American College of Gastroenterology. (2021). Gallstones and Gallbladder Disease. https://gi.org/topics/gallstones-and-gallbladder-disease/

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2020). Gallstones. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/gallstones

Mayo Clinic. (2021). Gallstones. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214