Although most kidney stones affect adults, sometimes children can get them too, even babies. Teens are more likely to have kidney stones than younger children. Concentrated urine is but one of the culprits causing kidney stones in kids. Keep reading to discover what you should know.
Increasing Numbers
There seems to be more kids getting kidney stones than ever before. Too much salt in their diet from eating prepackaged foods, not drinking enough water, too much calcium in the urine, and not getting sufficient amounts of citric acid from fruits all contribute to kids getting kidney stones.
Children that are prone to sitting for long periods and not getting enough exercise can be more at risk for kidney stones. When children aren’t moving, such as the recovery period after an injury or surgery, extra calcium is released into the blood. Being obese can also make a child more at risk for kidney stones.
When it gets very hot in the summer, we can sweat less, not drink enough water and consequently not urinate as much. This concentrates the urine.
Children can also be at risk for kidney stones if they run in your family.
Size Means Nothing
Even a stone as small as a pinhead can cause lots of pain for your teen or younger child. When there is a high concentration of crystal forming substances like oxalate, calcium, and uric acid in the urine, stones develop.
Tip: be sure your teens are drinking lots of water, especially in the summer.
Even the tiniest stone can be severely painful and come on suddenly. When a stone is in the kidneys, there is no pain. When it begins to move into the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, it can cause a blockage leading to swelling of the kidney, and that is the reason it is so painful.
Symptoms of Kidney Stones in Kids
Sometimes a kidney stone may pass on its own, but it still may be painful.
Sudden onset pain may be the first symptom of a kidney stone.
Other symptoms include the following:
- Frequent and painful urination
- Pain in the lower back or on the sides
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cloudy urine or seeing blood in the urine
- Urinary tract infections and fever
The pain can come and go in waves. If possible, strain your child’s pee for a few days to see if you can catch the stone. Dr. Ori Hample can evaluate the type and provide advice for preventing another stone in the future.
Other Precautions
In addition to drinking lots of water, limit salt and protein in your child’s diet, and avoid dark sodas and sports drinks. You want to see almost clear urine to know your child is drinking enough water.
Contact Dr. Ori Hample at (713) 477-8600 if your child has any signs or symptoms of a kidney stone. We can provide prompt diagnosis and treatment at our office in Southeast Houston, TX .
Sources:
Symptoms & Causes of Kidney Stones in Children – NIDDK (nih.gov)