Kidney Stones in Children

Kidney stones are an uncomfortable fact of life for many children, but some children can experience more severe medical problems with them. The most common symptom of kidney stones is a persistent pain in the lower back or abdomen that doesn't go away.

Kidney stones may also cause nausea and vomiting, blood in the urine, fever, and chills, pain in the back and sides of the legs, and stomach cramps. Severe complications from kidney stones include ureter damage which may result in abnormal kidney function or infections that require hospitalization.

With so much at stake for children, it's important to know what signs to watch for when your child has a kidney stone so you can take their symptoms seriously and call for medical attention right away if needed.

Kidney stones in children are also called nephroliths. They form in the kidneys when crystals (stones) form within the kidney itself. In some cases, these stones can get big enough to block the urinary tract, causing a common type of kidney infection known as pyelonephritis. Kidney stones may also cause any of the following signs and symptoms:

In most cases of kidney stones in children, doctors recommend that you have your child go to a doctor for a physical exam and blood tests every six months or so. The medical professional will listen to your child's lungs with a stethoscope, examining the heart and looking for swelling in the abdomen.

If your child has blood in their urine or has another symptom, then further tests may be ordered. A common test that is given to children is x-ray imaging. This test is usually painless and causes no harm. Afterward, your doctor will know if your child needs further treatment.

The prevention of kidney stones in children is not clear with many doctors saying it's best to treat with diet changes whenever possible instead of medical intervention unless the stone impacts the functioning of the kidneys themselves.

While sometimes a diet change is ineffective, some things may be done to avoid the occurrence of these stones. Avoiding excess animal protein and sodium can help reduce your child's risk of having kidney stones. In extreme cases, the doctor may recommend a cleanse or other natural types of remedies to prevent excess buildup.

Urinary tract infections (UTI) can result from kidney stones or even just cause kidney stones. When a UTI occurs, the body's immune system usually attacks and tries to destroy the bacteria causing the infection, thereby also damaging cells lining in and around the urinary tract. The result is scar tissue formation which blocks the outflow of urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

The majority of stones move through the urinary system on their own and are eventually excreted. To control the discomfort, pain medications, typically powerful ones, are required. Increased fluid intake will aid in the passage of the stone.

If the stone creates a urinary tract infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Stones that do not pass must be surgically removed. To avoid recurrence, dietary modifications and enough water are advised.

Frequently Asked Questions on Kidney Stones In Children

How Important Of A Problem Are Kidney Stones In Children?

Kidney stones in children are different from other amorphous solids that form within the body. These types of stones, which get their name from their characteristic crystalline pattern, tend to get stuck somewhere in the urinary tract and not break down.

Kidney stones form when there is too much waste within the ureter, which is a sort of tube that connects from an artery to a bladder. The crystals cause pain and swelling at some point, which can spread to other parts of your child's body.