Kidney stones are hard concretions of the minerals and other elements, and normally found in urine. The stone typically forms in the kidney before it goes down to the tubes those are linking kidney to the bladder. Rarely, stones might originate in the bladder.
There are different types of kidney stones in children, but the most common one consist calcium along with other substances. The stone varies in size from the difference of an inch to several inches, with most around ¼ – ½ inch in size.
Causes of Kidney Stone in Children
In children and teens, kidney stones are caused because of diet or the amount of fluid the child takes. In some children, it could be due to:
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- Specific inherited problem– Some people are more prone to originating kidney stones, and heredity plays a vital role. The majority of kidney stones are made of calcium. The deposits of high levels of calcium in the urine may be passed on from generation to generation.
- Blockage of urine flow– Inadequate fluid intake may cause people to be relatively dehydrated, with their urine becoming more concentrated and making chemicals come closer to form the beginning of a stone.
- Kidney infection– Infection may give rise to the formation of stone and also makes the situation more critical.
- Diet: Diet may or may not be an issue. If a person is on a risk of forming stones, then foods high in animal proteins and salt may increase the risk; however, if a person isn’t susceptible to forming stones, diet probably will not change that risk.
Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stone
The most common sign of a kidney stone in older children and teens is the sudden onset of pain in the back or side. It is usually consistent and critical and usually, leads to nausea and vomiting. This pain may then lead towards the groin area as the stone passes down the urinary tract. Usually, this causes blood to appear in the urine. This is only identifiable by testing the urine, but sometimes it might be visible to the naked eye also.
Young children with kidney stones are not able to explain where the pain actually is and just complain that their stomach is aching. A number of young children don’t experience any pain and the stones are recognized during the examination of a urinary tract infection or as an unexpected finding on an x-ray or ultrasound study done for some other reason.
Kidney Stone Treatment
People consuming diuretics and those who take excess calcium-containing antacids can increase the amount of calcium in their urine and potentially increase their risk of forming stones. Taking excess amounts of vitamins A and D is also connected with higher levels of calcium in the urine. Some of the kidney stone medications include:
- Uva Ursi – It is a common remedy for kidney stones. It helps to fight off infection in the kidneys and also helps in reducing pain and cleanses the urinary tract. 500mg three times a day is recommended for kidney stone removal, but it should be taken only if your doctor prescribes it.
- Dandelion Root – Organic dandelion root works as a great kidney tonic and cleanser. Taking up to 500 mg twice a day may be beneficial.
- Kidney Beans – Its shape indicates its healing potential. Take out the beans from inside the pods, and then boil the pods in purified hot water for six hours. This liquid can be strained through cheesecloth, cooled and taken throughout the day for a day to smooth up the kidney stone pain.
- Horsetail – It is an effective treatment for kidney stones. Take up to 3-4 cups of horsetail tea daily or 2 grams of the herb in capsule form regularly.
- Pomegranate Juice – You all have heard that pomegranates have many health benefits. But, more specifically, the seeds and juice of pomegranate is another natural kidney stone care product. This may be related to their sourness and astringent properties. You should prefer to eat organic pomegranates and drinking freshly-squeezed pomegranate juice.
- Organic Celery – Celery in vegetable form and celery seeds are major urine-promoters and kidney tonics. Consistent consumption of celery seed, as a spice or tea, prevents kidney stone formation.
- Basil – Natural kidney stone medicine, basil tea can be taken throughout the day for overall kidney health. If you have kidney stones, you should try taking one teaspoon each of basil juice with raw honey daily for at least up to six months. Pure basil juice can actually help induce stone expulsion from the urinary tract.
- Change in Diet– Unhealthy food intake is the root cause of kidney stones. Reduce the amount of soda and energy drinks that you take. Avoid processed foods and alcoholic beverages. Add more fruits and veggies to your diet, especially those listed above.
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You may be able to prevent getting more kidney stones by drinking more fluids. Consult your doctor or a dietitian if you need help with your diet. If you possess risk factors for having more stones, like a family history of stones, your doctor may suggest medicines that help prevent stones from forming. Check with your doctor before considering above given remedies.
