Kidney stones prevention living in teenagers

Overview

Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form in your kidneys. They are made of minerals and salts that build up in your urine when the urine becomes too concentrated. They can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pea, and they can cause sharp pain as they move through your urinary system.

Kidney stones are not extremely common in teenagers, but they do occur. About 1 in 10 people will have a kidney stone at some point in their life, and teenagers make up a small part of that number.

Teenagers of any gender can get kidney stones, but they are slightly more common in boys. Factors like family history, not drinking enough water, eating a diet high in salt or sugar, and certain medical conditions can increase the risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Severe pain in the side or back, just below the ribs
• Pain that comes in waves and changes in intensity
• Nausea or vomiting
• Pain or burning when urinating
• Pink, red, or brown urine (blood in urine)

Symptoms in children

• Irritability or crying in younger children
• Frequent need to urinate
• Unexplained abdominal pain

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain that may be less intense or felt in the lower back
• Confusion or lethargy (in very elderly)
• Difficulty urinating

Causes

Main causes

• Not drinking enough water: this makes urine more concentrated, allowing minerals to clump together.
• Diet high in salt: extra salt in your body can increase calcium in your urine, which can form stones.
• Eating too many foods high in oxalate (e.g., nuts, chocolate, spinach) without enough calcium to balance them.
• Certain medical conditions, such as urinary tract infections or metabolic disorders.

Risk factors

• Family history of kidney stones
• Being overweight or obese
• Eating a diet rich in processed foods and sugary drinks (like soda or energy drinks)
• Taking certain medications (but never stop or change a prescription without talking to your doctor)
• Having only one kidney or other kidney problems

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have sudden, severe pain that does not go away
• You have pain with fever or chills
• You are unable to urinate

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have had a kidney stone before and want to prevent another one
• You have mild pain that comes and goes over a few days
• You notice blood in your urine even without pain

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and may do a physical exam. They will likely order tests to confirm kidney stones and find out their size and location.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test (urinalysis): checks for blood, infection, or high levels of stone-forming minerals
• Blood test: checks kidney function and levels of calcium, uric acid, and other substances
• Imaging test: CT scan (computed tomography) or ultrasound to see the stone(s)

What to expect at your appointment

You may need to collect a urine sample and have blood drawn from your arm. The imaging tests are painless, though a CT scan involves X-rays. The results usually come back within a day or two. Your doctor will explain what the stones are made of, which helps decide the best prevention plan.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the size, location, and type of stone, as well as your pain level. Small stones often pass on their own with plenty of water and pain relief. Larger stones or those causing problems may need medical procedures.

Self-care at home

• Drink lots of water – aim for 8 to 12 cups (about 2–3 litres) per day, unless your doctor says otherwise.
• Take over-the-counter pain relief as directed by your pharmacist or doctor (like paracetamol or ibuprofen).
• Use a hot pack or warm bath to ease discomfort.
• Stay active but rest when pain is severe.

Medical treatments

If the stone is too large to pass, doctors may recommend a procedure called lithotripsy, which uses shock waves to break the stone into smaller pieces. Another option is ureteroscopy, where a thin tube with a camera is inserted through the urinary tract to remove the stone. These are done under anaesthesia so you won't feel pain. Your doctor will discuss the best choice for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for teenagers, but it may be necessary if the stone is very large, blocking urine flow, or causing infection. A small cut in the back (called percutaneous nephrolithotomy) can remove the stone directly from the kidney.

Living with this condition

If you've had a kidney stone, you can still live a normal, active life. The key is to stay hydrated and follow your doctor's advice on diet. You may be asked to strain your urine to catch any passing stone for analysis.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink water throughout the day, not just when you're thirsty.
• Limit salty snacks, processed meats, and fast food.
• Avoid sugary drinks like soda, sweetened teas, and energy drinks.
• Eat calcium-rich foods like milk, yoghurt, and cheese – do not cut out calcium unless your doctor says so.
• If you have a personal or family history, ask your doctor if you need to limit high-oxalate foods like spinach, nuts, or chocolate.

Diet and exercise

Regular exercise is healthy and does not cause kidney stones. In fact, staying active can help you maintain a healthy weight, which lowers your risk. Just be sure to drink extra water when you sweat. For diet, focus on a balanced plate with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Avoid crash diets or very high-protein diets, as they can increase stone risk.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Dealing with a kidney stone can be painful and stressful. You might feel anxious about the pain returning or frustrated by dietary changes. It's normal to have these feelings. Talk to a trusted adult – a parent, school nurse, or counsellor – if you're struggling. Mental well-being is just as important as physical health.

Prevention

Yes, you can reduce your chance of getting another kidney stone by making changes to your diet and lifestyle. The most important step is to drink enough water every day. Aim for clear or light yellow urine. Limit salt and sugary drinks, and eat a balanced diet with enough calcium from food (not supplements unless prescribed).

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening for kidney stones in teenagers. However, if you have had a stone, your doctor may recommend periodic urine or blood tests to check for risk factors. If you have a family history or certain medical conditions, your doctor might suggest earlier monitoring.

Complications

If left untreated

• A stone can block the flow of urine, causing severe pain and pressure in the kidney.
• Blocked urine can lead to a kidney infection, which may cause fever, chills, and serious illness.
• Long-term blockage can damage the kidney and reduce its function.

Long-term outlook

Most teenagers with kidney stones have a very good outlook. With proper prevention – especially drinking enough water – many will never have another stone. Even if stones return, treatment is effective and usually safe. Staying on top of your diet and hydration can help you avoid future problems.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.