Kidney Stones: A Growing Concern in Children and Teens

Kidney stones, historically considered a disease primarily affecting white, middle-aged men, are increasingly affecting children and adolescents. According to doctors and experts cited by The Washington Post, this shift in prevalence has occurred dramatically over the past 30 years.

Rising Incidence in Young People

A 2016 study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology sheds light on this trend. Researchers analyzed kidney stone incidence among 15- to 19-year-olds in South Carolina between 1997 and 2012. The results were alarming: a 28% increase in kidney stones among girls and a 23% increase among boys over a five-year period.

Significant Economic Impact

The economic burden of pediatric kidney stones is substantial. In 2009, US hospitals charged approximately $375 million for inpatient and emergency department services related to kidney stones in children, according to the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample, a database tracking emergency room visits.

Treatment and Management

Treating kidney stones in children often involves a combination of medical management and, in some cases, surgical intervention. Physicians typically begin by addressing pain with over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs that help dilate the ureter muscles, allowing the stone to pass from the ureter to the bladder.

The Emotional Toll

“Painful chronic conditions such as kidney stones can profoundly disrupt the lives of teenagers and children, forcing them to confront challenges unfamiliar to many of their peers,” the report notes.

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Concerned about Kidney Stones?

If you suspect you or your child may have kidney stones, consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.