October 11, 2024
Print

Kidney Stone Symptoms in Children: How They Differ from Adults

Kidney Stones in Children A Challenge for Early Diagnosis

Author: Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran, Consultant Pediatric Urologist

A recent article published in the Times of India highlights the challenges of diagnosing kidney stones in children due to the subtlety of their symptoms compared to those typically observed in adults. Dr. Prabhu Karunakaran, a Consultant Pediatric Urologist, sheds light on the often vague and less severe symptoms that can lead to delays in treatment for young patients.

While adults commonly experience sharp pain in the lower back or abdomen when suffering from kidney stones, children may not display such obvious signs. Instead, their symptoms can be easily mistaken for other conditions, complicating early diagnosis.

Children may report mild to moderate stomach pain, which can easily be confused with other ailments. Nausea and vomiting are frequently seen in children with kidney stones and can occur without the intense pain typically associated with adults. Additionally, difficulties in urination, painful urination, and the presence of blood in the urine can also indicate kidney stones in children. Recognizing these symptoms early is crucial for effective treatment and management. Awareness among parents and caregivers is essential to ensure that children receive prompt medical attention.

'); printWindow.document.close(); printWindow.focus(); printWindow.print(); printWindow.close();// Introduce a slight delay before printing setTimeout(function() { printWindow.print(); printWindow.close(); }, 500); // Adjust the timeout as needed }); };