Beware, Urinary Stone Can Occur in Children

Urine is a formation of stones in the kidney, bladder, ureter, and urethra (urinary tract). Stones can form due to the accumulation of salt and minerals (calcium, ammonia, gout, cysteine) in the urine. Urine stones are not only experienced by adults, but also children. Urinary stones are more common in adults than children. If urination is experienced by young children, it is mostly because they suffer from certain diseases or conditions that risk making stones form. But, there are also children who suffer from urinary stones for no apparent reason. The shape of stones in the urinary tract can vary, ranging from the size of gravel to large stones. These stones can settle in their formed position or move to other parts of the urinary tract. Urinary stones or the presence of stones in the urinary tract can block urine flow, cause pain in the waist or lower back, causing long-term problems if not treated immediately. Children with urinary stones may experience symptoms such as pain during urination, feel sharp pain in the back, waist, or lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or the presence of blood in urine. The pain can last for a short or long time. However, these symptoms may not occur if the stones that are formed are small and can be easily thrown out together with urine.

Management of urinary stones in children

Urine stones in children can be treated, depending on the size of the stone, stone-forming substances, whether the stone is blocking the urinary tract or not, or if the stone causes severe symptoms. Small stones are usually able to pass through the urinary system without treatment. However, children should still be encouraged to drink lots of fluids to help move stones. In addition, pain relievers can be given if the child feels pain. For large urinary stones and obstruction of the urinary tract, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to prevent further infection. Stone can also be crushed with a stone-breaking drug in the urinary tract. If stones in the urinary tract are large enough to block urine flow and cause intense pain, your baby may need to be treated in hospital for further treatment by a doctor. Some treatments that can be done to treat urinary stones in children are:
  • Lithotripsy shock wave (Shock wave lithotripsy or SWL)

  • This procedure uses a shock wave-producing lithotripter machine to crush kidney stones into smaller particles so they are easily disposed of through the urinary tract.
  • Lifting stones with ureteroscope

  • Namely by inserting a long hose-like device with a tip resembling a bag (ureteroscope) into the urinary tract, at the tip of this tool there is also a camera to see the conditions in the urinary tract. Stones in the urinary tract will be removed by the tip of the bag.
  • Lithotripsy with ureteroscope

  • This procedure uses a laser beam to crush the stone into smaller pieces. The goal is that the stone can get out of the body easily through urine.
  • Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

  • The tube is inserted directly into the kidney through an incision in the back, then the stone is removed with a nephroscope.
Most children suffering from urinary stones recover without long-term complications. But, it would be nice if urinating stones in children can be prevented. One easy way that can be done is to drink enough water every day. This habit will help thin the urine and prevent the deposition of waste substances that are removed by the kidneys.

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