The National Kidney Foundation estimates that approximately 1 million people in the United States each year are treated for kidney stones, with most of these patients being between the ages of 20 and 40 years old. Previously rare, the incidence of kidney stones in children is rising, likely due to lifestyle factors, according to an article in the Los Angeles Times. There are a variety of causes for kidney stones in children, but knowing the risk factors can help reduce the risk of subsequent stones.
Dehydration
Sometimes kidney stones in children develop due to lack of adequate hydration. If a child is not drinking enough fluids, the kidneys make less urine. The less urine there is, the higher the concentration will be of stone-forming chemicals like uric acid and calcium in the urine, according to uptodate.com. The more urine there is, the lower the concentration of chemicals, lowering the risk of developing stones and future recurrences.
Diet
According to the National Kidney Foundation, diets high in sodium can increase the risk of kidney stones. Being overweight is another risk. The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia adds that diets high in meat consumption, fats and sugar, and low in fiber and vegetables can also increase the risk of developing stones. Eating a low-sodium diet and limiting soda consumption can lower the chances of children developing stones. Very high doses of vitamin C can lead to the formation of a substance called oxalate, which increases the risk of kidney stones. Oxalate is also in foods like berries, nuts, chocolate and tea, so if a child is prone to kidney stones, limiting these may be beneficial, according to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.
Other Causes
Some children may be predisposed to developing kidney stones. According to doctors at Children's Hospital Boston, children who have had previous urologic surgery or have a urologic disorder can be at higher risk of having a blockage of urine or not enough drainage of urine, which can cause kidney stones. A child with a history of previous kidney stones also is at higher risk for developing subsequent stones. Doctors at Children's Hospital Boston also state that children with diseases that prevent them from absorbing nutrients, like cystic fibrosis or gastrointestinal disorders, may be at higher risk for kidney stones because there is a correlation between malabsorption problems and the development of the stones.
Genetic Factors
According to the National Kidney Foundation, the majority of individuals who get kidney stones do not have a family history of the condition; only about 25 percent of kidney stones occur in people who have a family history of kidney stones. The incidence of individuals, including children, with kidney stones is rising, but this is thought to be related to diet and lifestyle choices, not genetic factors.
References
- Uptodate.com: Patient Information: Kidney Stones in Children
- National Kidney Foundation: Kidney Stones
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia: Kidney Stone Prevention and Treatment
- Children's Hospital Boston: Pediatric Kidney Stones on the Rise
- Los Angeles Times: Kidney Stones in Children on the Rise
