article_snippet: I only discovered I had one after I collapsed with an unrelated condition last November.
article_snippet: it had given me none of the usual symptoms, such as pain or blood in the urine.
article_snippet: Apparently it had developed because I had a kidney infection, which I didn’t even realise.
article_snippet: If they’re not completely blocking tubes in and around the kidneys, they should pass naturally within five weeks.
article_snippet: they can be extremely painful and lead to infections.
article_snippet: — there is a risk of bleeding because the kidney has such a rich blood supply.
article_snippet: In up to 5 per cent of cases, patients need a transfusion.