Kidney Stones Pediatric treatment in Hyderabad

Kidney Stones is Not Just An Adult Problem

When considering the typical individuals affected by kidney stones, the image of an older man often comes to mind. However, the reality is that while kidney stones are more common in adults, there has been a significant rise in kidney stone cases among children in the past 15 years.

Surprisingly, many parents may be unaware that Cincinnati Children's Hospital now treats over 400 children with kidney stones yearly, twice the number from five years ago and triple the cases observed 15 years ago. This upward trend is not unique to Cincinnati; it is representative of a national and global issue.

The question arises: Why are children experiencing an increasing number of kidney stones? While a definitive answer is yet to be determined, several theories have been proposed. It is believed that the following risk factors play a role:

1. Inadequate water consumption.
2. High-sodium diets.
3. Lack of physical activity.

These risk factors reflect an unhealthy lifestyle that is unfortunately prevalent in the United States. Consuming improper fluids, excessive salt intake, and a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to the formation of substances such as calcium, magnesium, oxalate, and phosphorous in the kidney and urine.

The symptoms of kidney stones can vary depending on the size of the stone and the age of the child. Some very young children, including premature babies, may have small kidney stones without knowing their presence. Younger kids may experience abdominal pain without being able to articulate it clearly. Adolescents and teenagers may complain of intense back pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Occasionally, blood in the urine may be present, although it may not be visible to the naked eye.

It's important to note that some children who visit the Stone Center initially arrive at the emergency department due to intense pain experienced by the child. Understandably, parents want immediate medical attention for their children. In such cases, we recommend that kidney stone screening be conducted using ultrasound instead of a CT scan to minimize radiation exposure. Since kidney stones often recur, with many patients experiencing multiple rocks several times a year, it is crucial to limit radiation exposure.

To prevent kidney stones, parents can employ three strategies: ensuring their children drink an adequate amount of water, limiting sodium intake to 2,000 mg per day, and maintaining an active lifestyle. Water intake recommendations vary based on the child's age:

For younger kids, including toddlers:

   - The child should drink half their body weight in ounces daily (e.g., an 80 lb. child should drink at least 40 oz. of water per day).

Kidney stones are not a recent problem and have afflicted humans for a long time, as evidenced even in Egyptian mummies. However, what is relatively new is the growing epidemic of kidney stones among children and teenagers nationwide. Due to the likelihood of recurring stones after the initial occurrence, it is crucial for your child to be evaluated by a nephrologist. At our Kidney Stone Center, your child would also receive care from a urologist and other specialists to develop a personalized treatment plan.

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