Kidney Stones In Children – Symptoms Of Kidney Stones In Baby

Kidney Stone Symptoms

Kidney stones are characterized by severe abdominal pain and discomfort. They tend to develop when minerals and other materials collect to form a ‘stone’. Such stones block the flow of urine and thus lead to severe pain. Kidney stones should be treated immediately as they can lead to long-term kidney problems if they are not diagnosed and treated early. Children can develop kidney stones although the condition is more common among adults. Children who suffer from kidney stones tend to have an underlying disorder that leads to an increased risk of developing stones. Kidney stones are composed of materials that are normally present in urine, like uric acid, calcium, cystine and oxalate. These materials can collect in the kidney and form crystals that vary in size. Some of these stones/crystals are small and can be passed in the urine. Other stones, which are bigger, tend to block the urinary tract and give rise to pain and infections. Some of the most common symptoms of kidney stones in children include the presence of blood in urine, back pain, belly pain, vomiting and nausea, an inability to control the bladder, and a frequent urge to urinate.

Kidney Stone Treatment For Children

If you have observed the above symptoms in your child, you should consult his/her doctor immediately for a definite diagnosis and the possible courses of treatment. Your child’s doctor will perform tests to determine the nature and composition of your child’s kidney stone to help decide on a course of treatment. Treatment is dependent upon moderating those substances in the diet that increase the concentration of stone-producing materials in the kidney. In addition, you can help to treat kidney stones at home with the help of a few simple health precautions and dietary control. Firstly, children who suffer from kidney stones should drink plenty of water and other fluids. This is because a lack of water consumption can increase the concentration of those substances in urine that lead to the formation of stones. Drinking very little quantities of water will result in a very small amount of urine produced by the kidneys, thus increasing the risk of kidney stones as well as urinary tract infection. In addition, ensure that your child eats a balanced diet to ensure that he/she does not suffer from kidney stones. For instance, if your child’s urine has been tested and found to have a high amount of calcium, then you should decrease the child’s consumption of calcium-rich foods. Do not make any dietary changes without the approval of your doctor.