Can Kids Get Kidney Stones?
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nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-planKidney stones. (2019).
medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/kidney-stonesKidney stones. (n.d.).
kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystonesKidney stones in children. (n.d.).
niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones-childrenKidney stones in children and teens. (2021).
healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/genitourinary-tract/Pages/Kidney-Stones-in-Children-and-Teens.aspxMathias RS. (2019). Kidney stones.
kidshealth.org/en/parents/kidney-stones.htmlOur experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Oct 20, 2022 By Catherine Crider Edited By Debbie Nurmi Medically Reviewed By Mia Armstrong, MD Copy Edited By Chris Doka Share this articleMedically reviewed by Mia Armstrong, MD — By Catherine Crider on October 20, 2022
Kids Can Get Kidney Stones and Here s What You Need to Know
Medically reviewed by Mia Armstrong, MD — By Catherine Crider on October 20, 2022More than half a million people go to the emergency room each year for kidney stones. While the majority of these individuals are adults, some children also require care for kidney stones. If your child has recently received a diagnosis of kidney stones — or you believe that your child could have them — you may have questions about what exactly kidney stones are, how doctors diagnose them, and what treatment options are available. Always speak with your child’s doctor if you have any questions about their health. We’ve gathered some information about kidney stones to help you feel more prepared for that conversation.What are kidney stones
Kidney stones are solid masses. They occur when minerals form crystals inside the kidneys. They can range from the size of a grain of sand to the size of a golf ball. Renal calculus, or nephrolith, is the scientific name for kidney stones. They may also be referred to as nephrolithiasis, urolithiasis, or urinary stones.Can kids get kidney stones
Although kidney stones are more common in adults, they can happen at any age. In children, they are more common in older teens but can occur in younger childer and even infants. Types of kidney stones that children can have include:calcium oxalate stones (these are the most common)uric acid stonesstruvite stonescystine stones Kidney stones are not common in children, but the number of children affected by them has increased in recent years. This may be due to health concerns for children, such as:diets that include more processed foods and sodiuma rise in childhood obesityless active lifestylesWhat are the symptoms of kidney stones in kids
Signs and symptoms of kidney stones in children can include:abdominal or side painnausea or vomitingblood in the urineincreased need to urinatepain during urinationreduced urine volumeback paincloudy urinebad odor to urine If a kidney stone is smaller and passes on its own, a child may not experience any symptoms.What causes kidney stones in kids
High levels of calcium, oxalate, or phosphorus in the urine can cause kidney stones. Kidney stones can also form if there are insufficient amounts of minerals. Certain health conditions, medications, and diets can lead to kidney stones as well. These include:specific inherited conditions like hyperoxaluria and cystinuriathe seizure drug topiramatethe blood pressure drug furosemideblocked urine flowkidney infections and urinary tract infections (UTIs)a ketogenic diet that is sometimes used to prevent seizuresHow are kidney stones in kids diagnosed
To diagnose kidney stones, your child’s doctor may:ask about their health historyperform a physical examrequest labs and imagesMedical history
When asking about your child’s health history, the doctor will ask about:their symptomstheir typical dietfamily history of kidney stonesLab tests
Healthcare professionals can use lab tests to determine if a child has high mineral levels or signs of infection. If a doctor diagnoses a UTI, they will prescribe antibiotics as a treatment. Lab tests may include:urinalysisurine culture24-hour urine collectionblood testsImaging tests
Imaging tests may reveal the presence of kidney stones, as well as birth defects or blockages that may have led to kidney stones. These tests include:ultrasoundabdominal X-rayCT scanWhat is the treatment for kidney stones in kids
Your child’s doctor may ask them to drink a lot of water to see if the kidney stone will pass on its own. They may also prescribe pain medication, medication to make the urine less acidic, or both. If a kidney stone is too large or blocks the flow of urine or if there are signs of infection, a healthcare professional may recommend surgery to remove the stone. Some procedures they may recommend include:Shock-wave lithotripsy: Shock-wave lithotripsy is done on the outside of the body using sound waves to break the kidney stones up.Cystoscopy: During cystoscopy, a healthcare professional uses a thin tube with a tiny lens to see inside the urethra and bladder. This allows doctors to find a stone and remove it or break it down into smaller pieces.Ureteroscopy: This is a similar procedure to a cystoscopy, but a longer and thinner tube is used to see the lining of the ureters and kidneys.Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A nephroscope, a thin viewing tool, is used to locate and remove kidney stones in this procedure. The tool is inserted directly into the kidney through a small cut made in the back.What are the risk factors for kidney stones in kids
Children who have had kidney stones previously or who have a family history of kidney stones are more likely to get them. When children are in a cast or unable to move for a long period of time due to surgery or illness, their chances of developing kidney stones are higher. This is because the body may release extra calcium into the blood when the bones aren’t moving. Additionally, conditions that may increase the risk of kidney stones include:heart diseasekidney diseasediabetesrepeated UTIsobesitylong-term use of some medicationsWhat s the outlook for kids who have kidney stones
When treated by a medical professional, most kidney stones do not cause permanent damage. Children who have experienced kidney stones in the past will be more likely to have kidney stones in the future. Determining and addressing the cause of previous kidney stones can help prevent them from occurring in the future.Frequently asked questions
What can I do to prevent my child from getting kidney stones
Drinking a lot of liquids, especially water, is one of the most important things your child can do to prevent kidney stones. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet can also help to prevent kidney stones. Always discuss any dietary changes with your child’s doctor first. If your child has a history of kidney stones, their doctor may suggest diet changes based on the cause of past kidney stones.What does a kidney stone look like
Kidney stones often have a pebble-like appearance. They may be jagged or smooth. They are frequently yellow or brown.How fast do kidney stones form
Kidney stones may form in weeks to months. Some larger kidney stones develop slowly over years.Bottom line
Kidney stones can occur in individuals of any age. While some are small enough to pass without any symptoms, larger ones may require surgery. Making sure that your child is getting plenty of water, staying active, and eating a balanced diet can help prevent the formation of kidney stones. If you believe that your child has kidney stones, talk with their doctor. They can make an accurate diagnosis and work with you to determine which treatments may be necessary. Last medically reviewed on October 20, 2022How we vetted this article
SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.DASH eating plan. (2021).nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-planKidney stones. (2019).
medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/kidney-stonesKidney stones. (n.d.).
kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystonesKidney stones in children. (n.d.).
niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones-childrenKidney stones in children and teens. (2021).
healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/genitourinary-tract/Pages/Kidney-Stones-in-Children-and-Teens.aspxMathias RS. (2019). Kidney stones.
kidshealth.org/en/parents/kidney-stones.htmlOur experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Oct 20, 2022 By Catherine Crider Edited By Debbie Nurmi Medically Reviewed By Mia Armstrong, MD Copy Edited By Chris Doka Share this articleMedically reviewed by Mia Armstrong, MD — By Catherine Crider on October 20, 2022