Urinary stones are the formation of stones in , namely the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra (urinary tract). Stones can form due to a buildup of salts and minerals (calcium, ammonia, uric acid, cysteine) in the urine. Urinary stones are not only experienced by adults, but also children.
Urinary stones are more common in adults than children. If you have urinary stones in young children, it is mostly because they suffer from certain diseases or conditions that put stones at risk. But, there are also children who suffer from urinary stones for no apparent reason.
The shape of stones in the urinary tract can vary, ranging from the size of pebbles to large stones. The stones can stay where they form or move to another part of the urinary tract.
Urinary stones or the presence of stones in the urinary tract can block the flow of urine, cause pain in the waist or lower back, and cause long-term problems if not treated promptly.
Children with urinary stones may experience symptoms such as pain when urinating, a sharp pain in the back, waist, or lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or blood in the urine. The pain can last for a short time or for a long time. However, these symptoms may not occur if the stones formed are small and can be easily expelled with urine.
Handling Urinary Stones in Children
Urinary stones in children can be treated, depending on the size of the stone, the substance that forms the stone, whether the stone is blocking the urinary tract or not, or whether the stone is causing severe symptoms. Small stones are usually able to pass through the urinary system without treatment.
However, children should still be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids to help the stone move. In addition, pain relievers can be given if the child feels pain. For urinary stones that are large and block the urinary tract, the doctor may give antibiotics to prevent the infection from continuing. Stones can also be crushed with stone crushing drugs in the urinary tract.
If the stone in the urinary tract is large enough to block the flow of urine and cause severe pain, your baby may need to be hospitalized for further treatment by a doctor. Some of the treatments that can be done to treat urinary stones in children are:
- lithotripsy shock wave (Shock wave lithotripsy or SWL)
This procedure uses a machine lithotripterproduce shock waves to break down kidney stones into smaller particles for easy removal through the urinary tract.
- Removal of stones with ureteroscopeThat is by inserting a tool similar to a long hose with a pocket-like tip (ureteroscope) into the urinary tract, at the end of this tool there is also a camera to see conditions in the urinary tract. Stones in the urinary tract will be removed by the end of the bag.
- Lithotripsy with ureteroscopeThis procedure uses a laser beam to crush the stone into smaller pieces. The goal is that the stone can be out of the body easily through urine.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomyThe tube will be inserted directly into the kidney through an incision in the back, then the stone is removed with a tool nephroscope.
Most children with urinary stones recover without long-term complications. But, it would be nice if urinary stones in children can be prevented. One easy way that can be done is to drink enough water every day. This habit will help dilute the urine and prevent the deposition of waste substances that are excreted by the kidneys.
