A 13-year-old can develop kidney stones, although the condition was historically more common in adults. Kidney stones are hard masses that form in the urinary tract when high concentrations of certain minerals and salts crystallize in the urine. The incidence of stones in adolescents has been increasing significantly, meaning kidney stone disease is no longer a rare event in the pediatric population.
Specific Risk Factors for Teenage Kidney Stones
Environmental and lifestyle factors are a major contributor to stone formation in teenagers, often outweighing genetic causes. The most common stone type is calcium oxalate, and its formation is closely tied to what a young person consumes and how much fluid they drink. Insufficient hydration is a leading cause, especially in active adolescents who may not replenish fluids lost through sweat.
Dietary habits present another area of increased risk, particularly the high consumption of sodium and sugary drinks. Excess salt intake causes the body to excrete more calcium into the urine, which then combines with oxalate to form stones. Drinks containing high-fructose corn syrup and dark sodas can also increase the risk by changing the chemical environment in the urine. Teenagers consuming fast food, processed snacks, and canned goods are ingesting significant amounts of hidden sodium.
While less common, genetic predisposition also plays a role, with conditions like cystinuria. Underlying medical conditions can also increase vulnerability, including urinary tract anomalies, obesity, and certain bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease. The combination of modern dietary patterns and inadequate water intake creates an environment where minerals are more likely to crystallize within the kidneys.
Recognizing the Signs in Adolescents
Symptoms of kidney stones in teenagers are similar to those in adults, but the presentation may sometimes be less specific. The hallmark sign is the sudden onset of severe, cramping pain, known as renal colic, which typically begins in the flank or back. This pain often radiates down toward the abdomen and groin as the stone moves through the ureter.
A teenager may also experience significant nausea and vomiting. Blood in the urine, called hematuria, is another common indicator, though it may not always be visible without a microscope. They may also report a frequent or urgent need to urinate, or pain or burning during urination. These symptoms warrant immediate medical evaluation.
Treatment Options and Medical Management
The approach to managing kidney stones in a teenager is determined by the stone’s size, location, and composition. For small stones, the primary goal is conservative management, which involves helping the stone pass naturally. This is supported by aggressive hydration, sometimes requiring intravenous (IV) fluids if the teen is vomiting or severely dehydrated.
Pain management is a priority, as the pain associated with passing a stone can be intense and may require prescription-strength analgesics. Medications may also be prescribed to help relax the ureter muscles, which can ease the stone’s passage. The medical team will typically want to analyze the stone’s composition to guide future prevention strategies.
If a stone is too large (typically over 5-10 millimeters), is causing a blockage, or is not passing, an intervention may be necessary. One common, non-invasive procedure is Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), which uses focused sound waves to break the stone into smaller fragments that can be passed. Alternatively, a urologist may perform a ureteroscopy, which involves passing a small, flexible scope through the urinary tract to directly remove the stone or break it up using a laser.
Dietary Adjustments for Prevention
Long-term prevention relies heavily on sustained lifestyle and dietary changes to modify the chemical balance of the urine. Drinking sufficient fluids is the most effective adjustment, with the goal being pale yellow or nearly clear urine throughout the day. A general recommendation for teenagers is to aim for about eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, though this amount should be increased during hot weather or intense activity.
Reducing sodium intake is equally important, as high sodium increases calcium excretion, a major factor in stone formation. This involves limiting consumption of processed foods, fast food, and salty snacks like chips and pretzels. Parents and teens should check food labels, aiming for foods with less than 250 milligrams of sodium per serving.
It is also beneficial to reduce or eliminate sugary beverages, especially those with high-fructose corn syrup, and to limit excessive animal protein. Contrary to a common misconception, adequate dietary calcium intake is necessary because calcium binds with oxalate in the gut, which reduces the amount of oxalate absorbed into the bloodstream and excreted by the kidneys. Foods high in oxalate, such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate, should be consumed in moderation and ideally paired with a source of calcium to minimize the risk of recurrence.