Kidney stones aren’t just adult problems. Children can get them, too. And when they do, it’s just as painful.
If your child is complaining of severe belly or back pain, trouble peeing or blood in their urine (pee), they might have kidney stones. Keep reading to learn what causes kidney stones in children, how to spot them and how to get your child the care they need.
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are small, hard, pebble-like pieces of material that form inside the kidneys. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a marble.
“Stones develop when certain minerals or salts in the urine, like calcium oxalate, uric acid or struvite, clump together and harden,” said Emmanuel Apostol, MD, a pediatric nephrologist with Banner – University Medicine.
The kidneys usually prevent this. But kidney stones can develop when the balance of these substances is disrupted. Stones can stay in the kidney or move down into the urinary tract. When they move, they can block the flow of urine, causing severe pain.
Why do kidney stones happen in children?
Kidney stones are not as common in children, but they are on the rise. Family history (genetics) and certain medical conditions like metabolic disorders or recurrent UTIs can cause stones to form. However, research indicates the steady increase in children is also due to:
- Changes in diet: Eating food high in salt or sugar or certain processed foods. Juices, soda and sports drinks are also high in sugar.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can make urine more concentrated, increasing the risk of stones forming.
- Increase in obesity: “Over the last 50 years, there has been a steady increase in childhood obesity in the U.S.,” Dr. Apostol said. “This increases the risk for major life-threatening diseases like diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure but also kidney stones.”
- Sedentary lifestyle: Children who don’t get much physical activity may have a higher risk of developing kidney stones. “Regular movement helps the body maintain healthy kidney function and prevent stone-forming chemicals from building up,” Dr. Apostol said.
How do I know if my child has a kidney stone?
Kidney stones can cause a range of symptoms, but they're not always easy to recognize in children.
Here are the most common signs:
- Severe pain: This is often in the lower back, belly or side. The pain can come and go.
- Blood in urine: You may notice pink, red or brown urine.
- Trouble peeing: Your child might feel pain when they pee or go more often than usual.
- Nausea or vomiting: These can happen along with the pain.
- Fever or chills: These might indicate an infection, which needs immediate care.
Some of these symptoms might overlap with other conditions, such as urinary tract infections, abdominal obstruction or appendicitis, so it’s important to consider all possibilities,” Dr. Apostol said.
If your child has mild symptoms, see their health care provider or urologist. Be sure to mention all symptoms your child is experiencing to help the specialist rule out other conditions.
Go to the emergency department if your child has severe pain that doesn’t improve, is unable to pee, has a high fever and chills and won’t stop throwing up.
How are kidney stones diagnosed?
Health care specialists use many tools to confirm if kidney stones are the problem. This may include:
- Urine test: This checks for blood or minerals that cause stones.
- Blood test: This can identify if another condition is the cause of the stones.
- Imaging tests: Ultrasounds, X-rays and CT scans can show a stone’s exact size and location.
Treating kidney stones in children
Treating your child’s kidney stones will depend on the size and type of stone.
For small stones
If the stone is small, your child may pass it naturally. The provider may recommend that your child drink lots of water, limit sodium/salt intake and avoid sugary drinks and caffeine. Your child can take over-the-counter (OTC) medicine (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to help ease the pain.
“Your provider may also prescribe medications to help the stone pass or antibiotics to treat certain infections like UTIs,” Dr. Apostol said.
For large stones
“Surgery might be indicated for larger stones that can’t be passed, infected or are cystine or struvite stones,” Dr. Apostol said.
Options include:
- Shock-wave lithotripsy: A noninvasive procedure that uses sound waves to break the stones into tiny pieces that are then more easily passed out in your child’s pee.
- Ureteroscopy: A tiny endoscope is inserted into the bladder and goes up the ureter to grab the stone and remove it. Your child will be put to sleep with anesthesia.
Can I prevent kidney stones?
There are steps you can take to lower your child’s risk of kidney stones. Here’s how you can help:
- Encourage hydration: Make sure your child drinks plenty of water every day. A good rule of thumb is for their urine to be pale yellow or clear.
- Focus on a balanced diet: Limit salt and sugary drinks and foods, especially fast food and processed foods. Eat more fruits and vegetables, especially citrus fruits and natural citrus juices. Read more for tips.
- Calcium matters: While calcium is important for growing kids, too much or too little can lead to problems. Talk to your child’s health care specialist about how much calcium your child needs.
- Watch for UTIs: Treat UTIs promptly to avoid complications that can lead to stones.
- Keep a healthy weight: Make sure your child gets daily exercise.
If your child has a medical condition that makes them more prone to getting stones, your provider may also prescribe medication to prevent them from forming.
Takeaway
Kidney stones in children can be painful and alarming for parents. Watch for symptoms, encourage healthy habits and don’t hesitate to contact your child’s health care provider or a Banner Health specialist with concerns. Taking these steps can help keep your child healthy and free from the pain of kidney stones.
