Kidney stones are solid, sand-like formations that can form in a child's kidney when minerals in the urine are too high. Minerals that can cause stone formation in urine; calcium, phosphorus, oxalate, uric acid and cystine. If these substances accumulate excessively, stones form in the kidney or urinary tract.
What causes kidney stones in babies?
Stone formation may occur due to many metabolic factors. Some of these are genetic, some are familial, and some are causes that occur later. In addition to increasing the water and fluid intake of babies and children diagnosed with stone disease and reducing excessive salt consumption, junk food such as chips, crackers, snacks, and foods and beverages such as chocolate, tea, and coffee, which should not be included in the child's diet, should also be eliminated from their meals. In infants and children with stone disease, if the stone is thought to be due to high calcium levels, vitamin D, which is routinely used in the first year of life, can be reduced or sometimes completely discontinued. In addition, it should not be forgotten that excessive vitamin C intake can increase the excretion of oxalate in the urine and cause kidney stones.
Do kidney stones cause pain?
The stone enters the urinary tract but does not pass. If it gets stuck, this can cause severe pain, which we call colic, and accompanied by nausea and vomiting. However, it should not be forgotten that most stones can grow silently and insidiously for a long time without giving any symptoms. Any child who has kidney stones is at risk of developing another stone in the future.
Symptoms of kidney stones in babies
Kidney stones can remain silent without any symptoms, and sometimes even silently. While they can be excreted with urine, they can sometimes cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, and high fever if they block the duct and cause infection.
Diagnosis
Taking a detailed history of the patient and the family is very important as stone disease may be familial. At the next stage, a detailed examination should be performed. Then, it should be investigated whether there are high levels of substances that may lead to the development of stones in the urine and duct, and a detailed ultrasound should be performed to examine the kidney and urinary tract. should be investigated in great detail.
Diet and nutrition in babies with kidney stones
Intake of plenty of water and fluids, consuming less salt (sodium) and animal protein constitute the basis of nutrition. Unless otherwise stated; There is no need to restrict calcium, that is, milk and dairy products. It is very important to stay away from excessive oxalate and junk food. Since constant constipation increases the risk of stone formation, it is also recommended to consume fibrous and fiber-rich foods to avoid constipation.
Kidney stones and herbal treatment
Some plants protect the kidneys. They are effective in passing the stone because they activate it. This application is valid for stones under 4 millimeters. However, patient relatives should avoid such practices without consulting their doctor, as not every herb is beneficial and may even cause harm. On the other hand, research has found that lemon juice prevents the formation of some stones. The citrate in lemonade is effective against kidney stones. For this reason, it may be recommended to take part of your fluid requirement in the form of lemonade.
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