An alarming rise in pediatric kidney stones is prompting healthcare professionals to call for greater awareness and prevention efforts. Once considered a condition primarily affecting middle-aged adults, kidney stones are increasingly being diagnosed in children, with experts pointing to dietary habits, dehydration, and other environmental factors as potential culprits.
Annabelle Pleskoff, now 25, recalls waking up at age 15 with excruciating pain radiating from her side. Initially misdiagnosed with mild appendicitis, she later learned she had kidney stones, a condition she would struggle with repeatedly. "It disrupted my life completely," said Pleskoff, a Seattle native who has endured more than 30 kidney stones, as reported by The Washington Post.
Pleskoff's experience mirrors a growing trend that has caught the attention of pediatric urologists. "We see, every day, children presenting with kidney stones," said Dr. Zachary V. Zuniga, a pediatric urologist at Texas Children's Hospital. "The thought is that kids don't get stones. That's like, the last thing you may think about when a child has pain somewhere as a symptom. ."
A 2016 study in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found a 28% increase in kidney stone cases among girls aged 15 to 19 over a five-year period. Boys in the same age group experienced a 23% rise. Experts warn the trend is unlikely to reverse soon.
The causes of pediatric kidney stones are multifaceted. Diets high in processed foods and sodium, insufficient water intake, and increased use of antibiotics are primary contributors. "There is so much added salt to the American diet today," said Dr. John S. Wiener, a pediatric urologist at Duke Health. Sodium forces the kidneys to excrete calcium, increasing the likelihood of calcium-based stones.
Data from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans indicates that more than 90% of children aged 6 to 18 consume 3,300 milligrams of sodium daily-well above the recommended limit of 2,300 milligrams. Processed foods, fast food, and sugary drinks exacerbate the issue, disrupting the balance of minerals in the body and creating a fertile environment for kidney stone formation.
Hydration is another critical factor. Children often consume inadequate fluids, a problem compounded by school policies that restrict access to water. "I write a lot of letters saying that so-and-so must have free access to water and the restroom due to a risk of kidney stones," said Dr. David J. Sas, a pediatric nephrologist at the Mayo Clinic.
Urban heat islands, areas where dense infrastructure retains heat, have also been linked to the rise in kidney stones. As cities experience higher temperatures, dehydration becomes a greater risk. "Temperature, humidity plus diet equals stones," Sas noted, highlighting the role of climate change in intensifying the problem.
The effects of kidney stones on children's lives can be profound. Hunter Beck, 21, developed his first kidney stone at age 12 despite having no family history of the condition. The recurring stones forced him to quit school sports and significantly disrupted his routine. "Everyone knows about them, but nobody knows anything about the actual specifics in kids," Beck said.
Treatments for pediatric kidney stones range from managing pain with over-the-counter medications to surgical interventions for larger stones. Procedures like ureteroscopy and shock wave lithotripsy are commonly used, while antibiotics are prescribed if urinary tract infections develop. However, the medical community acknowledges that evidence for best practices in treating children is limited. "We know little about why kidney stones occur at a younger age when they didn't occur at that age 30 years ago," said Dr. Gregory E. Tasian, a pediatric urologist at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Preventive measures are crucial. Doctors recommend reducing sodium and processed foods, increasing water intake, and avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use. "If children participate in good dietary habits, like increased fluid intake, reducing sodium, and staying away from antibiotics when they're not warranted, we might see a decrease in kidney stones," said Dr. Kate Kraft, chief of pediatric urology at University of Michigan Health.
The economic impact of pediatric kidney stones is significant. In 2009, hospitals charged approximately $375 million for inpatient and emergency services related to the condition. With cases continuing to rise, the financial burden is expected to grow.
What Parents Can Do
Parents play a vital role in preventing kidney stones in their children by fostering healthier habits at home. Ensuring children stay hydrated is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk. Encouraging them to carry reusable water bottles and using water-tracking apps can make hydration more manageable and fun.
Dietary adjustments are equally important. Reducing sodium by cooking meals at home, avoiding processed and fast foods, and incorporating fresh fruits and vegetables can significantly lower risk factors. Adding calcium-rich foods like milk and yogurt can also help, as dietary calcium binds with oxalates in the gut, preventing absorption into the kidneys.
Parents should also be vigilant about antibiotic use. Overprescription of antibiotics has been linked to changes in gut microbiota, which can alter how minerals like calcium and oxalates are absorbed, increasing kidney stone risk. Consulting with healthcare providers to ensure antibiotics are prescribed only when necessary can mitigate this risk.
Monitoring symptoms is essential. If children experience severe side pain, blood in urine, or frequent and urgent urination, parents should seek medical attention immediately. "Some people say that passing a kidney stone is the worst pain that they have ever had," Kraft said. Early detection can prevent complications such as kidney damage or infections.
