Silent Danger: Understanding the Causes, Symptoms and Treatment of Kidney Stones in Children

Kidney stones in children can have a variety of causes, including a high-salt diet, genetic factors, and lifestyle choices. These stones form when minerals accumulate in the kidneys and condense into hard crystals. While some diseases can cause kidney stones, most cases in children are due to metabolic abnormalities and structural issues with the kidneys or urinary tract.

Metabolic disorders can increase the levels of oxalate and cystine in the urine, leading to stone formation. Structural abnormalities in the kidneys and urinary tract can also contribute to the development of kidney stones. Dehydration can increase the risk of stones by concentrating minerals in the urine. Additionally, a diet high in protein or salt, as well as foods rich in oxalates, can increase the likelihood of kidney stone formation.

Family history of kidney stones and immobility due to surgery or other complications can also increase a child’s risk of developing kidney stones. Common types of kidney stones include calcium stones, cystine stones, struvite stones, and uric acid stones. Symptoms may include pain in the abdomen, side, back or groin; blood in the urine; frequent urination; nausea; and vomiting.

Treatment for kidney stones in children may involve antibiotics if there is a urinary tract infection, dietary changes such as reducing salt intake or limiting oxalate-rich foods like peanuts or spinach, medication to dissolve or prevent stone formation, or surgery for larger stones that are causing significant symptoms