Kidney Stones In Children: An Overview For Parents

Kidney stones are usually associated with adults but can also occur in children, including babies. The reasons are varied and include genetic, pathological, and lifestyle factors. Let us understand why children get kidney stones.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are the salts or minerals typically found in urine, which are not removed from the body through urine.

Why do kidney stones form?

The kidneys' job is to eliminate wastes and extra fluid. Still, it can lead to stone formation when their function is impeded due to factors like lack of hydration, excessive salt, minerals, and proteins, or consuming junk foods and fizzy drinks. The urine becomes concentrated with too many waste substances.

If there is an inadequate water intake for the body, an excessive volume of salts and minerals remains behind and is not flushed out. These salts tend to stick together or crystallize, thus turning into stones. The stones can be tiny or large.

Kidney stones can also form in children due to medical conditions or abnormalities in the urinary tract and if family members tend to get kidney stones.

Indications and symptoms

When children develop stones in their kidneys, the following symptoms can occur:

• Pain in the side or below the ribs in the back.
• Abdominal pain.
• Red or pink-colored urine.
• Foul-smelling urine.
• Frequent or insufficient urination, sometimes accompanied by a burning sensation.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Fevers or urinary tract infections.

Diagnosis

There are several methods of testing for kidney stones, including the following:

• Urine analysis.
• Ultrasound of the urinary tract.
• Abdominal X-rays or CT scans of the urinary tract.

Our specialists at American Hospital Dubai will arrive at an accurate diagnosis of the exact cause of the kidney stones and begin treatment.

Treatment and Management

Kidney stone treatment aims to help the stone pass out in the urine. There are several ways to make this happen: Drinking large volumes of water daily can help flush out the stones with pain medications to manage pain in the interim. Oral medicines also help the stone be flushed out in the urine. However, if the symptoms are severe, we recommend your child be admitted and monitored to start the most appropriate treatment.

Sometimes, if the stones are too large to pass through the urinary tract, a procedure called lithotripsy breaks the stone into tiny pieces using sound waves, making it easier for the fragments to be flushed out. It is a safe, non-invasive, painless, and effective procedure.

Prevention

What can parents do to prevent their children from getting kidney stones?

• Encourage your child to drink plenty of water daily. It will help keep the kidneys flushed.
• Ensure they eat a balanced diet, avoiding processed foods and fizzy drinks.
• Discourage them from eating junk foods like chips, processed snacks, fast foods, etc., to not burden the kidneys with excessive salts and minerals.
• Take your child to the doctor for regular check-ups.

Be alert to the signs or symptoms of kidney stones in your child and seek prompt medical advice. To book an appointment with our experts, call 80024392. Our child specialists will ensure your child's smooth and safe recovery.