Can Children Get Kidney Stones?

When people hear “kidney stones,” they likely picture adults doubled over in pain. But children can get kidney stones too, and it’s more common than you’d think.

While it’s true that kidney stones more frequently affect adults, the number of pediatric cases has steadily risen in recent years. If your child complains of belly or back pain, or there’s blood in their urine, consider the possibility of kidney stones.

In this blog, our experts at Golden Gate Urology in Berkeley, California, explore what causes kidney stones, what symptoms to look for, and how we can help your child find relief.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form inside the kidneys. These stones vary in size, from tiny grains to larger, pebble-like formations, and may pass through the urinary tract naturally or require treatment if they get stuck.

In children, as in adults, kidney stones can be painful when they try to move from the kidney into the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney and bladder).

Yes, kids can get kidney stones

So, what causes these painful stones to form in children? There are a few common factors.

First and foremost: dehydration. Kids who don’t drink enough water, especially during sports or hot weather, are more likely to develop stones.

The next most common culprit is a poor diet. High salt intake, low fluid intake, and diets rich in processed foods can raise the risk.

Family history also plays a role. If a parent (or sibling) has had kidney stones, the child may be more likely to get them.

Some chronic health issues, like urinary tract infections (UTIs), metabolic disorders, or certain medications, can contribute to stone formation.

In rare cases, structural differences in the urinary tract may increase a child’s risk.

The good news? Most of these risk factors are manageable with care.

How to know if your child has a stone

Children may not always describe their symptoms clearly, so be alert to changes. Common signs include:

• Severe pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blood in the urine (it may look pink, red, or brown)
• Frequent urination
• Pain while urinating
• Fever and chills

Pain can come in waves and vary in intensity. If your child has any of these symptoms, especially blood in their urine, reach out to us and their pediatrician.

How are kidney stones diagnosed?

If we suspect your child has kidney stones, we usually start with a urinalysis to check for blood, crystals, or signs of infection. Simple blood tests can look at kidney function and mineral levels.

We may use imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or low-dose CT scan, to locate and measure the size and location of the stone.

What does treatment look like?

Treatment depends on the size, type, and location of the stone. In many cases, small stones pass on their own with proper hydration and pain management. However, when the stone is large, causes infection, or is painful, more extensive treatment may be necessary.

Options include:

• Increased fluids to help flush out the stone
• Pain medication to keep your child comfortable
• Medication to relax the urinary tract and help pass the stone
• Shock wave therapy (lithotripsy) to break the stone into smaller pieces

Surgical intervention is rare, but sometimes necessary if the stone is large or stuck. 

Can you prevent it from happening again?

Absolutely. Here’s how you can help reduce your child’s risk:

• Encourage them to drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Limit salty snacks and processed foods
• Add more fruits and vegetables to their meals
• Monitor their bathroom habits and address frequent UTIs quickly
• Follow up with your child’s provider if they’ve had a kidney stone before

Our urologists can work with you to create a long-term plan, especially if your child has recurring stones or an underlying medical issue.

If your child has had more than one kidney stone or their pain is intense and persistent, it’s time to see a urologist. Specialized care can help identify the cause, manage the symptoms, and reduce the chance of future stones.

Call our friendly staff at 510-255-0013 or schedule an evaluation online for your child today.