World Kidney Day 2023: Kidney Stones In Children; What Parents Should Know

Wednesday, March 8, 2023, 19:57

World Kidney Day (WKD) is observed every year on the second Thursday of March. The day aims to raise awareness of the importance of the kidneys and reduce the frequency and impact of kidney disease.

World Kidney Day 2023 falls on 9 March. World Kidney Day 2023 theme to be the year of "Kidney Health for All - Preparing for the unexpected, supporting the vulnerable!"

A kidney stone occurs when minerals form crystals within the kidneys, and it can also occur in children. In this article, we will examine kidney stones in children, their causes, treatment, and more.

Kidney Stones In Kids

Kidney stones are solid, pebble-like pieces of material that form in the kidney of a child when the minerals in the urine are too high. If they are treated appropriately, kidney stones rarely cause permanent damage [1].

Kidney Stone Symptoms In Children

Kidney stones in children can cause the following symptoms [2]:

Sharp pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin
The presence of pink, red, or brown blood in the urine is known as hematuria
Constant urges to urinate
Having difficulty urinating
Having difficulty urinating or being able to urinate only a little
Urine that is cloudy or odorous
Young children are prone to irritability

Children suffering from kidney stones may experience pain for a short period of time, long periods of time, or come and go in waves of pain. They may also experience nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.

Causes Of Kidney Stones In Children

In most cases, kidney stones are caused by high levels of calcium, oxalate, or phosphorus in the urine. These minerals are normally present in urine and do not cause problems when present at normal levels [3].

Children who are more likely to develop kidney stones may be at risk for kidney stones if they consume certain foods and beverages.

Whenever a child is unable to move for a long period of time, such as when he or she is in a cast after surgery, the chances of developing a kidney stone are increased. When children are not moving, their bones release calcium into the bloodstream.

Diagnosis Of Kidney Stones In Children

The diagnosis of kidney stones is based on the symptoms, the medical history of the child, the physical examination, and the results of tests. Tests may also show problems that contributed to the formation of the kidney stone [4].

Kidney Stone Treatment In Children

A kidney stone is usually treated according to its size, location, and type by healthcare professionals.

It is possible for small kidney stones to pass through the urinary tract without requiring treatment.

The child may need to urinate through a strainer for several days in order to capture the kidney stone in a special container.

In the case of larger kidney stones, or kidney stones that block a child's urinary tract or cause great pain, immediate treatment may be required. A child who is vomiting and dehydrated may require hospitalization and intravenous fluids [5].

Is It Possible To Prevent Kidney Stones In Children?

The best way to prevent future kidney stones is to identify what caused a child's previous kidney stones. With this information, a doctor can suggest changes in the child's eating and drinking habits in an effort to prevent future kidney stones.

Kidney stones can be prevented in children by following these habits:

Teenagers should consume six to eight 8-ounce glasses of liquid daily unless they are suffering from kidney failure. Younger children should follow the instructions of their healthcare provider regarding the amount of fluid to consume [6].
Make sure your child's diet is low in salt and protein.
Children may be prescribed medications to prevent kidney stones in the future after having one kidney stone.

On A Final Note...

Generally, kidney stones occur when a child has too much of the minerals that form the stone and not enough water in their urine. If the child experiences severe pain, he or she should consult a physician right away.