Once considered rare, kidney stones in children, or pediatric nephrolithiasis, are rising rapidly due to lifestyle, dietary, and metabolic changes. These stones are hard mineral deposits formed in the kidneys, causing severe pain, urinary infections, and blockage of urine flow.
Without timely intervention, they can lead to hydronephrosis, recurrent pediatric UTI, and even chronic kidney damage. That’s why expert care from a trusted pediatric urologist in Nagpur is vital for effective diagnosis and safe removal.
What Are Kidney Stones in Children?
- Solid crystals formed from minerals like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid in the urine
- Can be present in the kidney, ureter, or bladder
- Vary in size – from small gravel-like pieces to large obstructive stones
- May pass spontaneously or require surgical removal
Why Do Kidney Stones Occur in Children?
- Low fluid intake – concentrated urine encourages stone formation
- High salt or protein intake – especially processed/junk food
- Genetic predisposition – family history of stones
- Recurrent pediatric UTIs – changes urine pH, leading to crystals
- Metabolic disorders – excess calcium, oxalate, or uric acid
- Anatomical abnormalities – such as ureteral strictures or PUJ obstruction
- Urinary stasis – due to neurogenic bladder or dysfunctional voiding
Signs & Symptoms of Kidney Stones in Children
- Sharp flank or abdominal pain (may come and go)
- Blood in urine (hematuria)
- Foul-smelling urine or cloudy appearance
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night
- Child fever, vomiting, or chills (suggesting infection)
- Child urinary incontinence or urine retention
- Nausea and restlessness during attacks
- In infants: excessive crying, irritability, or vomiting
How Are Pediatric Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
Evaluation at a pediatric urology clinic includes:
- Urinalysis – detects blood, crystals, or signs of infection
- Urine culture – rules out or confirms pediatric UTI
- Ultrasound (KUB) – first-line imaging to detect stone presence and hydronephrosis
- X-ray or CT scan – for precise stone size, location, and density
- Metabolic evaluation – 24-hour urine test and blood work for calcium, oxalate, uric acid
- Voiding studies – if bladder dysfunction or incontinence is suspected
Treatment Options for Child Nephrolithiasis
Conservative Management
- For small, non-obstructive stones
- Hydration therapy – increases urine flow to pass the stone
- Pain relief with safe NSAIDs
- Dietary modifications – low salt, adequate calcium, avoid soft drinks
Medical Expulsion Therapy (MET)
- Alpha-blockers (e.g., Tamsulosin) may help relax ureters for stone passage
- Close follow-up needed to monitor stone movement and any obstruction
Surgical Treatments
Indicated for:
- Large or stuck stones
- Recurrent UTIs, hydronephrosis, or incontinence
- Failure of conservative treatment
Procedures include:
- ESWL (Shock Wave Lithotripsy) – non-invasive stone fragmentation
- URS (Ureteroscopy) – endoscopic removal of stones from ureter
- PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) – for large kidney stones
- Robotic/Laparoscopic surgery – in complex or anatomical abnormalities
Prevention of Future Kidney Stones
- Increase daily water intake – 1.5 to 2 liters recommended
- Limit processed, salty, and high-oxalate foods
- Ensure timely treatment of UTIs and bladder dysfunction
- Regular follow-up with pediatric nephrology or urology
- Treat constipation, which can affect bladder function
When to Consult a Pediatric Urologist in Nagpur
Seek immediate attention from a pediatric urologist like Dr. Sadashiv Bhole if your child has:
- Recurrent abdominal or side pain
- Foul-smelling urine, painful urination, or visible blood in urine
- Daytime wetting or bedwetting beyond age 6
- History of UTIs with child fever or poor urine stream
- Known anatomical abnormalities, hypospadias, or posterior urethral valves
- Family history of stones, urinary incontinence, or metabolic conditions
Kidney stones in children can be painful, recurrent, and dangerous if neglected. With expert intervention, they are treatable—and preventable. If your child shows signs of painful urination, foul-smelling urine, recurrent infections, or incontinence, don’t wait.
Connect with Dr. Sadashiv Bhole, Nagpur’s pediatric stone expert, for precision diagnosis, gentle care, and advanced treatment options tailored just for children.
