Kidney Stones in Children

Kidneys are the filters in the body. They filter blood, make urine and remove waste products out of the body. They also help to regulate the electrolyte levels in the body, which is one of the important body function. Kidney stones are formed due to formation of stones in the ureter. The stones are formed from solid concretions in the kidneys from the dissolved urinary minerals. Some kidney stones leave the body through the urine, however, some stones grow significantly in size and may cause obstruction of the ureter. This obstruction causes dilation or stretching of the upper ureter and renal pelvis, as well as result in muscle spasm of the ureter, in a bid to remove the stone. This leads to pain normally in the back, lower abdomen and groin. In some cases, there can be blood passed with the urine, which may, or may not, be visible to the naked eye. This is often caused due to damage to the lining of the urinary tract. Stones in children are less prevalent as compared to adults.

What Causes Kidney Stones in Children

It is logical, then, to wonder what causes kidney stones. It is not yet possible to come to a consensus about the causes of kidney stones in kids. Heredity has a role to play in the formation of stones. Often kidney stones are formed due to excess calcium in the body. Some people are predisposed to high levels of calcium in urine, which is hereditary. Along with heredity, there can also be geographic predisposition to form kidney stones. There are certain areas, in which people have an increased risk of stone formation. Hot climate and poor fluid intake may cause children to be dehydrated. This causes urine to be more concentrated and chemicals and minerals come in closer contact and form a stone. There are certain medications, which can increase the risk of forming stones. Taking excess amount of calcium, vitamin A, Vitamin D supplements can also lead to the formation of kidney stones. Certain antibiotics also increase the risk of formation of kidney stones. The causes of kidney stones in kids can also be underlying illness. Chronic illness like inflammatory bowel disease, cystic fibrosis, also can lead to the formation of kidney stones.

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

One of the most common symptoms of kidney stones is pain in the abdomen region. The pain often occurs in waves, as the body tries to get rid of obstruction. A number of children also experience pain in the side of the stomach, love handles to be precise. The pain can radiate to the groin from the mid back region. The pain can be intense and sudden. In some cases the pain may wax and wane, however, more often than not, there can be significant underlying ache in between acute spasms.

Symptoms like pain and passing of blood in urine are the most commonly observed in children affected with kidney stones. The blood is passed, because the stone irritates the ureter. At the same time, it is important to note, that blood in the urine, may not always be an indicator of kidney stone. There are other reasons, which can also give rise to this condition. Another symptom is frequent urination. Some people may also suffer from fever, nausea and/or vomiting.

Treatment of Kidney Stones

The treatment for kidney stones will depend on the size, location, number of stones and composition of the stones. Passing kidney stones quickly in children is much easier, as compared to adults. In a number of cases, children are able to pass stones, much larger in size as compared to adults, without any surgical intervention. You should consult the doctor, about how to dissolve kidney stones. The doctors may prescribe some medication, which will help the child to pass the stones. However, there are some cases, when the stones may have to be removed using surgery. In such cases, it is important to remove the stones, when they are smaller in size, than wait for the stones to grow bigger in size, and cause agony and trauma for the child.

If it is an emergency, then intravenous fluids may be given to the child to help in hydration. Painkillers may also be given to the patient to control the pain. If along with the stone, the child also suffers from infection, then the child may have to be hospitalized. There are also natural remedies for kidney stones, which may prove to be useful. You may want to use certain kidney stones home remedy to get rid of the stones.

Formation of stones in children should not be neglected, as it can lead to emergencies. However, the best way is to prevent kidney stones altogether. Now, the question arises how to prevent kidney stones? You will have to ensure, that your child is well hydrated. If you are giving any supplement to your child, it should be given in consultation with a pediatrician.