Kidney Stone Symptoms in Children

Due to certain reasons, deposits of mineral and acid salts occur in the kidneys, taking on the shape of small stone-like structures. These are known as kidney stones and the condition is known as renal lithiasis. There have been no reported cases regarding any kind of permanent damage caused due to kidney stones. And in most cases, all the patient is required to do is drink plenty of water and take pain medications, for the treatment. However, it is important for people who stay in a risk of developing the condition again in their life, to undergo treatment.

Commonly Occurring Symptoms of Kidney Stones

The ureter is a tube that serves as a connection between the kidney and bladder. In most cases, until any kidney stone has moved its way into this tube, no noticeable symptoms occur. But when the stones do reach the ureter, the symptoms which arise include the origination of severe pain in the side and back and the area which lies below the ribs. Patients might feel the pain getting radiated to the lower abdomen and groin area. Another noticeable symptom is pain during urination, and persistent urge to urinate. Urine may become pink, red or brown. In rare cases, presence of fever and chills may indicate kidney infection. So, as I have mentioned, symptoms of kidney stones in children are no different from what occurs in adults. However, kids may not be able to pin point the discomfort they are facing. It is understandable that kids may not recognize the symptoms that are troubling them. And they might become more irritable than before and have more episodes of crying due to the pain. This is the reason why parents must keep a close watch on any kind of behavior that is not typical of their kids.

How are Kidneys Stones Treated?

Depending upon the size of the stone and the causal factor, the treatment is recommended. For small-sized stones which cause minimal symptoms, all is needed is to drink as mush as 1.9 - 2.8 liters a day and taking pain medications. However, for larger stones which cause severe signs and symptoms, patients might be required to undergo invasive treatment methods. This is due to the fact that large stones may be difficult to pass on their own or they might cause other complications. This kind of treatment of kidney stones in children and adults includes a method which uses strong sound waves to destroy the stones. This is known as extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. Now if this process fails or the stones are very large, then surgery may be the next option. Doctors may also make use of ureteroscope to detect the location of the stones. Once located, the stones could be broken into pieces which would pass into the urine. A condition of overactive parathyroid glands, could also cause the development of the stones. So, some people go for parathyroid gland surgery.

On a closing note, kidney stones may be prevented by drinking plenty of water, limiting oxalate-rich foods, following a diet low on salt and animal protein, and minding the intake of calcium supplements.