Kidney Stones and kids: Doctors say more kids, teens suffering from the condition

Harrison is a very active 12-year-old about to start seventh grade. Five years ago, Harrison had a major scare.

“I just looked and there was blood in my urine. It’s not like I had pains or anything.” said Harrison.

“Yeah, freaked out.” Said his mother. “So, we made him an appointment with the physician that day.”

An ultrasound showed kidney stones. Not in need of surgery, Harrison increased his water intake and began taking a pill for citrate, which according to doctors significantly reduces the formation of all common types of kidney stones.

Dr. Christa Filak a pediatrician with Children’s Memorial Hermann said, “We’re starting to see adult problems kind of trickle down to the pediatric population. And so, kids just aren’t necessarily getting as much exercise as we want them to. They’re drinking as much water as we want them to. They’re not eating the right foods as far as, you know, more fast food, less fresh food.”

Dr. Filak said often times children who have kidney stones complain of a belly ache or see blood in their urine. Teens who have kidney stones will experience pain, the primary symptom adults experience.

Shante Daniels is a busy mom of three. “Kidney stones were far more painful than labor ever was.”

Shante has had three bouts of kidney stones. The first was when she was pregnant with her first child. Shante is active and overall healthy. She says she drinks plenty of water and eats water too, which comes from fruits and vegetables. She does not consume alcohol and follows a mostly plant-based diet.