Tag Archives: Kidney Stones

Why Are More Kids Getting Kidney Stones?

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Kidney stones are deposits of different minerals that can accumulate in the urinary tract. They typically occur in adults but can affect children and babies as well.

There are many types of kidney stones, including:

  • Calcium stones are the most common type usually caused by a high intake of certain substances such as salt
  • Cysteine stones can form in people who have cystinuria, an inherited disorder, marked by increased formation of stones in the bladder, kidneys, and ureter
  • Struvite stones, most often occur in women who have urinary tract infections
  • Uric acid stones can occur with gout or after chemotherapy

Kidney stones don’t cause symptoms until they move around in the kidney or pass into the ureter. Small stones can pass out of the body with little or no pain. However, larger stones in the urinary system can get stuck and cause many symptoms, including:

  • Intense pain in the lower back and/or in the sides
  • Frequent, urgent, and painful urination
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Blood in the urine and/or cloudy urine
  • Urinary tract infections secondary to kidney stones accompanied by a fever

Kidney stones have several causes, but two of the most common causes in children are not drinking enough water and having a diet containing too much salt and ultra-processed foods. Most children with underlying conditions are more at risk for kidney stones. These conditions include:

  • Diabetes
  • Obesity
  • Problems with how the urinary tract is formed
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Gout
  • Other kidney conditions
  • Conditions that affect the thyroid or parathyroid gland
  • Some urinary tract infections

Other reasons that make a kidney stone more likely are:

  • Not having enough citric acid in the urine
  • Having too much calcium in the urine
  • Some medicines
  • Special diets, such as a ketogenic diet that is sometimes used to prevent seizures

Kidney stones are diagnosed when a healthcare provider asks about the symptoms and how long they have been going on, about the child’s diet, whether the child is dehydrated, and if there is a family history of kidney stones, or urinary or kidney problems.

The healthcare provider will also perform exams to diagnose kidney stones, including:

  • Blood tests
  • Urine tests
  • Kidney function tests
  • Imaging tests, which can show the exact size and location of the kidney stones, helping the doctor decide on the best treatment

Treatment for kidney stones depends on the type of kidney stone and its size. Some children will only need to drink a lot of water and take pain medications to pass the stone. Those with larger stones may need surgery or other treatments to help remove the stones.

It is not always possible to prevent some types of kidney stones. However, all children who have had kidney stones should drink a lot of liquids, water being the best, throughout the day while avoiding dark sodas, soft drinks, and sports drinks. They should also limit the amount of salt and protein in their diet.

If your child is experiencing kidney stone symptoms, you can talk with a doctor at the Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center. To make an appointment, please call 718-670-3007.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Kidney Stones Causes and Treatment

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kidney stones 524903454Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) are lumps of crystal made from substances found in urine. They typically build up along the inner surfaces of the kidney.  The size of a kidney stone can range from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball.  It is estimated, one in every twenty people will develop them at some point in their life.

Stones form when there is a decrease in the amount of urine produced, causing it to become highly concentrated and therefore allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together.  There are four major types of stones, they include:

  • Calcium stones
  • Uric acid stones
  • Struvite stones
  • Cystine stones

While dehydration is a major contributor to the formation of kidney stones, some people are more prone to developing them than others. People with certain medical conditions such as gout or digestive diseases, those with a family history of kidney stones, as well as people who are obese or consume a diet rich in protein, sodium and sugar are more susceptible.

Kidney stones often go undetected until they become loose and travel along the urinary tract.  When they move around the kidney or pass through the ureter, the following symptoms may occur:

  • Pain during urination
  • Pain along your side or back, below the ribs
  • Urine that is pink, red or brown in color
  • Pain in the lower abdomen or groin
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Frequent urination or urge to urinate
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Cloudy or abnormal smelling urine
  • Fever and chills

If these symptoms present themselves and persist it is advised that you see a doctor immediately.  Your doctor may perform a series of tests that may include blood or urine tests, analysis of passed stones or abdominal x-rays to assess your condition. Depending on severity, treatment may include increasing your intake of water, pain medication or surgery.

Flushing Hospital Medical Center is equipped with the latest technology to fully evaluate and treat patients suffering from kidney stones. Our Emergency Department physicians have extensive experience diagnosing kidney stones and can provide rapid relief of the symptoms often associated with this disease. To schedule an appointment, please call 718 670 5486.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.