Kidney Stone Symptoms in Children: How They Differ from Adults

(Author: ‌Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran, Consultant Pediatric Urologist)

According to an article published on Times of India, kidney stones in children can present with different symptoms compared to adults, making early diagnosis challenging. Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran, Consultant Pediatric Urologist, explains how children’s symptoms are often less severe and more vague, which can lead to delays in treatment.

In adults, kidney stones typically cause sharp pain in the lower back or abdomen, but in children, the symptoms can be less obvious.

Common Symptoms in Children:

• Abdominal pain: Children might experience mild to moderate stomach pain, which can be easily mistaken for other ailments.
• Nausea and vomiting: These are common symptoms in children with kidney stones, often appearing without the intense pain seen in adults.
• Urinary problems: Children may have difficulty urinating or experience pain during urination, and blood in the urine might also be a sign.