Kidney stones can be painful for adults. Ouch. Now imagine how uncomfortable they can be for a child and their delicate urinary tract.
Kidney stones are largely caused by improper diet and poor fluid intake. Common symptoms include severe pain in the back or side, nausea, vomiting, and even blood in the urine.
Small children may have difficulty articulating where the pain is, often simply complaining of a tummy ache. An x-ray or ultra-sound may be needed to confirm the presence of a kidney stone.
If your child has a kidney stone, your urologist will advise you on how to best help them “flush it out” of their system, usually by drinking large amounts of water or other clear fluids.
To prevent kidney stones in your kiddos, follow these simple tips:
- Drink lots of water. Remind them to drink often throughout the day and pack a refillable water bottle for school. Citrus beverages, like lemonade and orange juice, which contain citrate can also help block stone formation—just make sure there is minimal or no sugar added.
- Reduce sodium intake, as high-sodium diets can trigger kidney stones by upping the amount of calcium in urine. Have your kids experiment with other herbs and spices to flavor their food. And check the sodium content on fast-foods and processed food labels.
- Limit sodas and soft drinks to the occasional treat. Sugary carbonated beverages may quench thirst initially, but they can actually deplete the body of nutrients if consumed too often. Encourage kids to drink plain water, or try homemade flavored waters by adding slices of fun fruits.
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