Kids and Kidney Stones: A Growing Problem

Kidney stones once seemed like an adult-only concern, but as people consume more salt-laden foods and drink less water, increasing numbers of children are affected by the painful condition.

Kidney stones form when crystallized salts and minerals build up in the urinary tract. Kidney stones are commonly associated with severe back or abdominal pain, but patients also may experience nausea, vomiting and blood in the urine.

A computed tomography (CT) scan typically is used to diagnose kidney stones. If a stone won’t pass on its own, several surgical options are available to break up the stone.

“It’s important for a child with kidney stones to be seen by a pediatric urologist,” said Jeff Campbell, MD, Pediatric Urologist at Children's Hospital Colorado. “Children require a more aggressive evaluation and smaller, more specialized equipment than is typically used in the care of adult patients.”

Explaining the Increase

Kidney stones can form as a result of an underlying metabolic condition or from dehydration and a salty diet. Parents should make sure their children drink plenty of water — not cola or tea — and limit the amount of processed foods in their diets. Calcium-rich foods are fine to consume, but avoid giving them too much as excess calcium in the diet can lead to the formation of kidney stones.

“Boys and girls are equally susceptible to kidney stones, and if a child develops a stone, he or she is more likely to develop another one later,” Dr. Campbell said. “The best thing parents can do is closely monitor their kids’ diet and keep them hydrated.”

If you think your child may have a kidney stone, speak with your family physician or pediatrician about a referral to a pediatric urologist at Children's Hospital Colorado.