Kidney Stones in Children and what to do
Kidney stones develop when minerals and other materials collect and form in small stones. You can feel pain, or it can block the urine flow. When a person leaves the kidney stone untreated, it may result in a chronic kidney problem.
A recent survey reveals that kidney stones are less common in kids than adults. In many cases, kidney stones develop in children for unknown reasons.
Let’s find out how the stone is developed in the kidneys.
Your urinary tract consists of the ureters, a bladder, urethra, and two bean-shaped kidneys. When your urine substances are at high levels, it forms in kidney stones. These substances include cysteine, uric acid, oxalate, calcium, etc.
But studies say that kidney stones form in children without collection of substance in urine. Pediatric nephrologists say that it is crucial to understand what the kidney stone is made up of as it helps its treatment.
Researchers from pessi hospital say that kidney size in millimeters passes on their own. Small stones pass through the urine. When the stone is large, it can block the urinary tract and cause pain.
Signs If You Have Kidney Stones
If your child has developed kidney stones, you need to notice the following symptoms:
- Blood in the urine
- Pain in the belly
- Back pain
- Frequent urine or rush to the bathroom to urinate
It might be possible that your young child does not show any sign of kidney stones. A doctor can ask for imaging tests like X-ray and ultrasound. Some urinary tract infections also cause the same symptoms as kidney stones do.
What does History say About The Risk Factors Of Kidney Stones?
Certain factors can put your kids at risk. Parents should learn about such facts so they can prevent them from kidney stones.
- When Your Child Does Not Drink Enough Water or Liquid
Water is important for overall body health. You should take notice of how much your kid drinks water. It depends on the urine your body makes. When there is a small amount of urine, it increases the chance of the formation of the urine substances.
- Side Effect of Medicines
Some medicines can cause some side effects to your body and increase the risk of forming crystals in the urine. For example, your child takes high vitamin V, acetazolamide, and furosemide. You should consult with the doctor about what medicines your children should take.
How Doctors Diagnose Kidney Stones?
Parenting is not an easy task, but learning about potential symptoms can help you deal with such issues. Your doctor will do an exam and ask for a urine test. Imaging tests like x-rays and a scan can help to diagnose the size of the stone that can block the urine.
- Home Treatments for Kidney Stones
Kidney stones smaller in size (smaller than 5 millimeters) pass on their own and do not require any treatment. Such small stones also do not cause any pain.
Ibuprofen can help to deal with pain in your children. To pass the stone, children must drink more fluids so it can make the stone flush out.
- Medical Treatment
When you notice the reduction in urine flow in your children, you need to get medical help as soon as possible. The collection of substances form a stone that blocks the urinary tract.
When your child tells you about the uncontrollable pain or your kid starts vomiting.
I remember how my cousin suffered from severe pain, but he got treated by one of the best pediatric nephrologists in Islamabad. Your doctor may use shock wave lithotripsy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy, and ureteroscopy treatment but treatment depends on the condition and stone size of your child.
To prevent kidney stones, you should make your child drink more fluids.
Conclusion
When your child starts to eat solid food, you should feed them fresh fruits and veggies. Leafy greens and fluids help a lot to prevent kidney stones and provide natural nutrients to the body.