Why Do People Get Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are tiny mineral and salt clusters that resemble pebbles that develop inside the kidneys. Kidney stones in children are becoming a major global concern, despite being more frequently linked to adults. Although the illness is uncomfortable, it is curable, and further consequences can be avoided with early care.
Why Are Children Developing Kidney Stones?
According to experts, sedentary lifestyles, poor food choices, and insufficient water consumption are contributing to the rise in kidney stone cases among children. Kidney stones in children are frequently caused by metabolic disorders, according to Dr. Amit Saple, a consultant urologist at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology. Furthermore, this alarming trend has been exacerbated by variables such as obesity, excessive consumption of processed foods, and a lack of physical activity.
Typical Risk Factors for Children’s Kidney Stones
A number of lifestyle choices can raise the risk of kidney stones, even though metabolic and hereditary variables are important. The most prevalent risk factors are as follows:
- UTIs, or recurrent urinary tract infections
- Being overweight
- Bowel Inflammatory Disease
- Metabolic disorders, include hyperuricosuria (high uric acid), hyperoxaluria (excess oxalate), and hypercalciuria (extra calcium in urine)
- Some drugs, including topiramate, zonisamide (used to treat migraines and seizures), and calcium-based antacids
- Bad eating practices, such as consuming processed meals, sugar-sweetened beverages, and excessive amounts of salt
Major Causes of Unhealthy Eating and Drinking Habits
Children’s KSD is largely caused by bad lifestyle choices and an unhealthy diet, according to Dr. Raghavendra Kulkarni, a consultant urologist at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology. He notes that eating high-sodium junk food, drinking sugary soft drinks, and drinking insufficient water all raise the risk of kidney stones. Additionally, the problem may be exacerbated by inadequate dietary calcium consumption.
Effects of Antibiotic Use: Kidney stones have also been connected to frequent antibiotic use. These drugs cause the gut’s oxalate-metabolizing bacteria to be depleted, which increases mineral absorption and raises the risk of KSD.
The Startling Increase in Children’s Kidney Stones
Over the past 20 years, kidney stones have become 40% more common in youngsters, especially in teenagers. Obesity, a rise in energy drinks with fructose, junk food’s high sodium content, and a lack of water intake are some of the causes of this concerning trend. Urinary tract infections, recurrent pain episodes, and in certain situations, kidney damage have resulted from this.
Prevention Techniques: How to Keep Your Kids Safe
Parents can take a number of preventive steps to assist lower their child’s risk of kidney stones, even though some risk factors are uncontrollable:
- Encourage Hydration: To avoid dehydration and high mineral levels in the urine, make sure your child consumes eight to ten glasses of water each day.
- Reduce salt Intake: Cooking at home and consuming fewer processed and fast foods will help you avoid consuming too much salt.
- Encourage a Balanced Diet: Steer clear of highly processed snacks and concentrate on whole meals, such as fruits and vegetables.
- Control Animal Protein: Although protein is necessary, consuming too many animal-based proteins can increase the risk of kidney stones. Promote a moderate intake.
- Increase Citrus Intake: By preventing the production of crystals, citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are known to help avoid kidney stones.
- Encourage Dairy: Drinking a glass of milk each day may lower the incidence of kidney stones and assist maintain bone health.
Keeping Your Child Free of Kidney Stones
Although kidney stone illness in children is becoming more common, you can greatly lower your child’s risk by making the appropriate lifestyle adjustments. To shield your child against the discomfort and long-term health problems linked to kidney stones, encourage them to drink plenty of water, eat a balanced diet, and stay away from processed foods and sugary drinks.
