What are the Signs of Kidney Stones in Children?

Some of the most common symptoms of kidney stones in children include a pain in the stomach or lower back, visible blood in the urine, frequent nausea and/or vomiting, and a frequent need to use the bathroom. However, it is important to remember that in very young children, symptoms may be absent completely. In these causes, an x-ray imaging test is one of the only ways to diagnose kidney stones. If you believe that your child is suffering from kidney stones, you can try to treat the condition at home. However, be sure to consult with your doctor if your child's symptoms do not alleviate within a few days.

Kidney stones develop in children due to the same physiological functions as they develop in adults. They are formed when minerals which are typically absent from urine, such as calcium, potassium, and other similar products, are found at high levels. These minerals condense, form crystals, and slowly get larger and larger. Like adults, children can usually pass the kidney stone through urine, though this can be a painful process. Sometimes, if the stone is too large, medical procedures may need to be done.

It is important to remember that children who chronically develop kidney stones may have certain pre-existing conditions that increase the frequency of kidney stones, and therefore should receive a thorough physical in order to determine exactly why they are experiencing ongoing kidney stones. Some of the most common causes of chronic kidney stones in children include chronic dehydration, cystic fibrosis, certain urinary tract abnormalities, and other inherited disorders. Fortunately, children who are diagnosed with one of these conditions will likely eliminate the frequency of kidney stones once the underlying condition has been cured.

While your doctor may want to perform certain medical treatments on your child in an attempt to eliminate the kidney stone, it is important to be aware of certain treatments that can be done at home for treatment of the condition. These treatment methods tend to work best on kidney stones that are relatively small and under-developed. Some of the best ways to treat kidney stones in children at home include encouraging the consumption of high amounts of water, and medicating the child with ibuprofin and other similar types of medication. Parents and caregivers should to consult with a doctor if they have followed this treatment for several days and the child is not experiencing any relief from the symptoms.