Bladder stones vs kidney stones can be ruled out majorly based on their location. These are solid masses of minerals and salts that are found in the urinary bladder and kidney respectively. When urine is concentrated, the minerals in the urine crystallise and form stones.
While both bladder stones and kidney stones comprise the same concentrated minerals, they are different. The difference between bladder stones and kidney stones is that they develop in different body parts and usually cause different symptoms. In both cases, the stone can lead to complications if it does not pass.
The following blog discusses the comparison between bladder stones vs kidney stones. But first, let’s understand the anatomy of the urinary tract and how the kidney and bladder are connected.
The four primary urinary tract organs include a pair of kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra.
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Bladder stones or bladder calculi are hard masses of minerals in the bladder that develop when these minerals in the urine crystallise and clump together. This usually happens when urine stays in the bladder after you pee.
While small stones in the bladder can pass without treatment, you may need medications or surgery to remove larger stones.
Kidney stones or renal calculi are hard deposits of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. Stones in the kidneys can affect any part of the urinary tract - from the kidneys to the bladder. They are more common than bladder stones.
Sometimes, kidney stones can turn into bladder stones if they move down the ureters. If recognised early, kidney stones usually cause no permanent damage.
While both bladder stones and kidney stones are formed due to the same concentrated minerals, the primary difference is their location. Bladder stones form in the urinary bladder. On the other hand, kidney stones form in the kidneys.
Apart from the location, the symptoms and causes are also slightly different for the two. The following table shows the comparison between bladder stone vs kidney stones based on their symptoms, causes, and risk factors.
Parameters | Bladder Stones | Kidney Stones |
Symptoms |
Small bladder stones usually do not cause any symptoms. However, if a stone is large and irritates the bladder wall or blocks the urine flow, symptoms may include the following:
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These symptoms can worsen if the stone shifts positions in the urinary tract or gets stuck in the ureters or urethra. |
Causes |
Bladder stones develop when the bladder does not empty completely. Some possible reasons for the same include:
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Kidney stones form when the urine contains more crystal-forming substances than the fluid in the urine can dilute. Common causes include:
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Risk Factors |
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The diagnosis and treatment of bladder stones vs kidney stones can also differ slightly. The following table shows the comparison between bladder stones vs kidney stones based on their diagnosis, treatment, and complications.
Parameters | Bladded Stones | Kidney Stones |
Diagnosis |
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Treatment |
Drinking lots of water can help you pass small bladder stones naturally. However, since bladder stones form due to difficulty emptying the bladder completely, you may need more than just water. The treatment options include:
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Small kidney stones usually do not require invasive treatment. You can pass small stones by:
If the kidney stone is too large or causes symptoms, you may need more extensive treatment, such as:
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Complications |
If left untreated, bladder stones can cause the following complications:
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If left untreated, kidney stones can cause the following complications:
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Despite the differences between bladder stones and kidney stones, you can take the following steps to reduce the risk of developing either type of these stones:
Most bladder stones and kidney stones are not life-threatening. However, urinary tract stones can cause complications like repeated UTIs and chronic urinary difficulties if left untreated. Seek medical attention if you experience the following:
Bladder stones and kidney stones are solid masses of crystallised minerals found in the urine. The primary difference between bladder stones and kidney stones is that while bladder stones develop in the bladder, kidney stones form in the kidneys.
Kidney stones can sometimes pass into the bladder and turn into bladder stones. If the stones are small, they can pass without invasive treatment. However, if they get bigger, they can block urine flow and cause complications like urinary tract infections.
Usually, these stones can be removed with medication or procedures to break up the stones. Simple lifestyle changes can also help prevent bladder and kidney stones.
If you have more doubts regarding bladder stones vs kidney stones or experience the symptoms mentioned above, get in touch with an expert at HexaHealth TODAY! Our team of experienced doctors can help you diagnose your condition and offer the best treatment options based on the size and location of the bladder or kidney stone.You can know if you have a urinary tract stone by assessing the symptoms of bladder stones vs kidney stones. If you have bladder stones, you may experience pain during urination, a frequent urge to urinate, lower abdominal pain, blood in the urine, interrupted urine flow, cloudy or dark-coloured urine, or urinary tract infections.
Meanwhile, in the condition of kidney stones, you may experience symptoms like a sharp pain in the back and side, pain during urination, blood in the urine, a frequent urge to urinate, urinating in small amounts, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, nausea and vomiting, or fever and chills.
As a kidney stone reaches between the ureter and bladder, you may experience severe pain while urinating. This can be mistaken for kidney infection as both these conditions have several same symptoms, such as pain when urinating, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, a frequent need to urinate, blood in the urine, fever, and nausea or vomiting.
It is possible to have both an infection and a kidney stone.
Last Updated on: 14 June 2024
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