A kidney stone is a solid, pebble-like piece of material that can form in a child’s kidney when minerals in the urine are too high. Kidney stones rarely cause permanent damage if treated by a health care professional.
Kidneys
Image by NIH
About
Who gets kidney stones?
Image by TheVisualMD
Who gets kidney stones?
Most people who have early-stage kidney disease can drink a liberal amount of fluids. But as CKD progresses, the kidneys become less able to remove water from the bloodstream. Drinking too much fluid can cause hypertension and swelling. The heart becomes strained as it works harder to pump the increased volume of blood. If you have CKD, consult with your doctor about how many fluids you can safely drink. Let your doctor know if you are producing either more or less urine than you used to or if you have any swelling in any part of your body. As a general rule, the more urine you produce, the more you fluids you can drink.
Image by TheVisualMD
Kidney Stones in Children
A kidney stone is a solid, pebble-like piece of material that can form in a child’s kidney when minerals in the urine are too high. Kidney stones rarely cause permanent damage if treated by a health care professional. A child or teen with a kidney stone may feel a sharp pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin; or may have blood in the urine. A small kidney stone that easily passes through the urinary tract may cause no symptoms at all.
Medical professionals use a child’s symptoms, medical history, a physical exam, and tests to diagnose a kidney stone. Tests may also be able to show problems that caused a kidney stone to form. Extra fluids may help a child’s kidney stone pass. When there’s strong pain or a larger stone, health care professionals may remove the kidney stone or break it into pieces. Children may be able to prevent stones by drinking enough water, eating differently, or taking medicine.
A child who has kidney stones should drink plenty of water unless told differently by a health care professional. Children may be able to prevent future kidney stones by changing how much sodium, animal protein, calcium, or oxalate they consume.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Additional Materials (7)
Drawing of three kidney stones of various shapes. The stones are labeled golf ball–sized and brown, small and smooth, and jagged and yellow
Kidney stones vary in size and shape. These stones are not actual size.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Kidney stones in the kidney and urinary tract.
Drawing of the urinary tract with labels to the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Insets show a cross section of the kidney with labels to the kidney, stones, and ureter and a cross section of the bladder with labels to the ureters, stones, bladder, and urethra.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Urinary tract with stones in the kidney, ureter, and bladder
Drawing of urinary tract with stones in the kidney, ureter, and bladder.
Image by National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health
Pediatric Kidney Stones - WVU Medicine Health Report
Video by WVU Medicine/YouTube
Kidney Stones in Children-Mayo Clinic
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
All About Kidney Stones - Mayo Clinic
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Kidney stones: Mayo Clinic Radio
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Drawing of three kidney stones of various shapes. The stones are labeled golf ball–sized and brown, small and smooth, and jagged and yellow
NIDDK Image Library
Kidney stones in the kidney and urinary tract.
NIDDK Image Library
Urinary tract with stones in the kidney, ureter, and bladder
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health
1:43
Pediatric Kidney Stones - WVU Medicine Health Report
WVU Medicine/YouTube
2:05
Kidney Stones in Children-Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
5:34
All About Kidney Stones - Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
9:21
Kidney stones: Mayo Clinic Radio
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones in the kidney and urinary tract.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Kidney stones in the kidney and urinary tract.
Drawing of the urinary tract with labels to the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Insets show a cross section of the kidney with labels to the kidney, stones, and ureter and a cross section of the bladder with labels to the ureters, stones, bladder, and urethra.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
What Are Kidney Stones?
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like pieces of material that form in one or both of a child’s kidneys when high levels of certain minerals occur in urine. Kidney stones rarely cause permanent damage if treated by a health care professional.
Kidney stones vary in size and shape. They may be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pea. Rarely, some kidney stones are as big as golf balls. Kidney stones may be smooth or jagged and usually are yellow or brown.
A small kidney stone may pass through the urinary tract on its own, causing little or no pain. A larger kidney stone may get stuck along the way. A kidney stone that gets stuck can block the flow of urine, causing severe pain or bleeding.
A child who has symptoms of kidney stones including severe pain, blood in the urine, or vomiting needs care right away. A health care professional, such as a urologist, can treat any pain and determine how and when to treat the kidney stone. The provider may also prescribe medicine to prevent further problems or treat a urinary tract infection (UTI).
A small kidney stone may pass through the urinary tract on its own, causing little or no pain. A larger kidney stone may get stuck along the way.
Do kidney stones have another name?
The scientific name for a kidney stone is a renal calculus or nephrolith. You may hear health care professionals call this condition nephrolithiasis, urolithiasis, or urinary stones.
What type of kidney stones occur in children?
Children develop one of four main types of kidney stones, listed below. Treatment for kidney stones usually depends on their size, location, and what they are made of.
Calcium stones
Calcium stones, including calcium oxalate stones and calcium phosphate stones, are the most common types of kidney stones in children. Calcium oxalate stones are more common than calcium phosphate stones.
Calcium from food does not increase the chance of having calcium oxalate stones. Normally, calcium that isn’t taken up by a child’s bones and muscles goes to the kidneys and is flushed out with urine. In some children, the kidneys leak extra calcium, which can join with other waste products to form a kidney stone.
Uric acid stones
A uric acid stone may form when a child’s urine contains too much uric acid. Medical conditions or inherited disorders can cause too much uric acid in your child’s urinary tract. Less often, eating fish, shellfish, and meat—especially organ meats—may increase uric acid in urine and lead to kidney stones.
Struvite stones
Struvite stones may form after an infection in the upper urinary tract, where the kidneys are found. These stones can develop suddenly and become large quickly. Struvite stones tend to affect children whose urinary tracts did not develop normally and the flow of urine may be limited or blocked. Simple urinary tract infections (UTIs), such as bladder infections, don’t usually lead to struvite stones.
Cystine stones
Cystine stones result from a disorder called cystinuria that is passed down through families. In cystinuria, the child’s kidneys leak large amounts of cysteine, an amino acid. Cystine crystals can then form in the urine and cause stones.
How common are kidney stones in children?
Kidney stones are not common in children, but the number of children affected has grown steadily larger during the last several years. Changing eating habits may be responsible, especially the rise in the amount of sodium children eat through processed foods and table salt. Learn how changes in a child’s diet may help prevent kidney stones.
The rise in obesity and less active lifestyles may also cause more children to have kidney stones.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Additional Materials (5)
Kidney stones
What are kidney stones?
Kidney Stone is a crystalline and hard mineral material, which is formed within the kidney or in our urinary tract. A kidney stone is a common cause of hematuria (blood in the urine) and is often severe pain in the stomach, groin or flank. Kidney Stone is sometimes called Renal Calculi.
Image by Martingerg/Wikimedia
Explaining Kidney Stones in Children (1 of 5)
Video by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia/YouTube
Kidney stones: What you need to know - Mayo Clinic
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Risk Factors
Obese Young Child Showing Cardiovascular System and Visceral Fat
Image by TheVisualMD
Obese Young Child Showing Cardiovascular System and Visceral Fat
Most of the kids diagnosed with type 2 diabetes are obese. Normally, insulin in the blood binds with an insulin receptor on a cell surface to allow glucose (blood sugar) to enter the cell. In type 2 diabetes, insulin doesn't work to allow glucose into the cell. Obesity and its related conditions, such as high blood pressure, abnormal glucose tolerance, and high lipid levels, are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), diseases of the heart and blood vessels. Most of us think of CVD, the leading cause of death in the US, as an adult disease. But CVD can begin early on, even in childhood, and get progressively worse. Obese children and children with abnormally high blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels can develop fatty streaks in their arteries, the first steps in the formation of plaques. Some may even develop plaques. CVD has become a pediatric disease.
Image by TheVisualMD
Risk Factors and Complications of Kidney Stones in Children
Which children are more likely to develop kidney stones?
Children of all ages can develop kidney stones, including infants, but they occur much more often in teens. A family history of kidney stones makes a child more likely to develop them. Children who’ve had kidney stones in the past have a greater chance of developing another kidney stone.
An unhealthy lifestyle and diet can make children more likely to have kidney stones. For example, drinking too little water or drinking the wrong types of liquid, such as sugary soft drinks or drinks with caffeine, may cause substances in the urine to become too concentrated.
Likewise, too much sodium, a part of salt, may force extra minerals into the urine, which can become kidney stones. Unhealthy amounts of sodium are found in many prepared foods, including restaurant meals, chips, sandwich meats, frozen foods, and some sports drinks.
Children with certain conditions
Children are more likely to develop kidney stones if they have certain conditions, including
a blockage in or abnormal shape of the urinary tract
chronic, or long-lasting, inflammation of the bowel
cystic fibrosis
cystic kidney diseases, which are disorders that cause fluid-filled sacs to form on the kidneys
cystinuria
digestive problems or a history of gastrointestinal tract surgery
gout, a disorder that causes painful swelling of the joints
hypercalciuria, a condition that runs in families in which urine contains unusually large amounts of calcium; this is the most common condition found in people who form calcium stones
hyperoxaluria, a condition in which urine contains unusually large amounts of oxalate
hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which the parathyroid glands release too much parathyroid hormone, causing extra calcium in the blood
hyperuricosuria, a disorder in which too much uric acid is in the urine
obesity
repeated urinary tract infections (UTIs)
renal tubular acidosis, a disease that occurs when the kidneys fail to remove acids into the urine, which causes a person’s blood to remain too acidic
Children who take certain medicines
Children are more likely to develop kidney stones when taking the following medicines or medicinal diets over a long period of time:
diuretics, often called water pills, which help rid the body of water
calcium-based antacids
too much vitamin D
indinavir and other protease inhibitors used to treat HIV infection
topiramate and zonisamide, medicines used for seizures and migraine headaches
A ketogenic diet, which is used for seizure disorders that do not respond to medicine
What are the complications of kidney stones in children?
Complications of kidney stones are rare if a child is treated by a health care professional before problems occur.
If kidney stones are not treated, they can cause
hematuria, or blood in the urine
severe pain
UTIs, including kidney infections
loss of kidney function
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Additional Materials (3)
Kidney stones in children on the rise, U-M expert says
Video by Michigan Medicine/YouTube
Why more children are getting kidney stones
Video by Children's Wisconsin/YouTube
Kidney Stones in Children: Amanda's Story (5 of 5)
Video by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia/YouTube
2:17
Kidney stones in children on the rise, U-M expert says
Michigan Medicine/YouTube
0:54
Why more children are getting kidney stones
Children's Wisconsin/YouTube
3:51
Kidney Stones in Children: Amanda's Story (5 of 5)
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia/YouTube
Symptoms & Causes
Fever
Image by Victoria_Borodinova/Pixabay
Fever
Young boy with a fever.
Image by Victoria_Borodinova/Pixabay
Symptoms & Causes of Kidney Stones in Children
What are the symptoms of kidney stones in children?
Symptoms of kidney stones in children include
sharp pains in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin
pink, red, or brown blood in the urine, also called hematuria
a constant need to urinate
pain while urinating
inability to urinate or can urinate only a small amount
cloudy or bad-smelling urine
irritability, especially in young children
A child should see a health care professional right away when any of these symptoms occur. These symptoms can be caused by a kidney stone or a more serious condition.
The pain of a kidney stone may last for a short or long time or may come and go in waves. Along with pain, a child may have
nausea
vomiting
Other symptoms include
fever
chills
Pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin can signal a kidney stone in a teenager or child.
What causes kidney stones in children?
Most kidney stones are caused by high levels of calcium, oxalate, or phosphorus in the urine. These minerals are normally found in urine and do not cause problems at normal levels.
Certain foods and beverages may increase the chances of having a kidney stone in children who are more likely to develop them.
When children can’t move for a long time, for example when a child is in a cast after surgery, the chances of developing a kidney stone are higher. When children aren’t moving, their bones may release extra calcium into the blood.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Additional Materials (4)
Kidney Stones in Children: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment - First With Kids
Video by The University of Vermont Medical Center/YouTube
What causes kidney stones? - Arash Shadman
Video by TED-Ed/YouTube
How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Video by Howcast/YouTube
Kidney Stones in Children: Symptoms and Diagnosis (2 of 5)
Video by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia/YouTube
2:09
Kidney Stones in Children: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment - First With Kids
The University of Vermont Medical Center/YouTube
5:15
What causes kidney stones? - Arash Shadman
TED-Ed/YouTube
1:10
How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Howcast/YouTube
3:18
Kidney Stones in Children: Symptoms and Diagnosis (2 of 5)
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia/YouTube
Diagnosis
Urine Test
Image by frolicsomepl/Pixabay
Urine Test
Image by frolicsomepl/Pixabay
Diagnosis of Kidney Stones in Children
How do health care professionals diagnose kidney stones in children?
To diagnose kidney stones health care professionals use a child’s
a medical history
physical exam
lab and imaging tests
In addition, a health care provider will ask questions about
symptoms
family history of kidney stones
typical foods and drinks.
What tests do health care professionals use to diagnose kidney stones in children?
Health care professionals may use lab or imaging tests to diagnose kidney stones.
Lab tests
Urine tests can show whether there are high levels of minerals that could form kidney stones. Urine and blood tests can also help determine which type of kidney stone is causing a child’s symptoms.
Urinalysis. A child collects a urine sample at a medical clinic or lab, and a health care professional tests the sample. For an infant or young toddler, a parent may need to use a special urine collection bag. Urinalysis can find blood in the urine and minerals that can form kidney stones. White blood cells and bacteria in the urine can be signs of a urinary tract infection.
24-hour urine collection. This test measures how much urine a child produces, minerals that can form stones, substances that may help prevent stones, and the pH level of the urine. Parents will need to use a urine collection bag for an infant or young toddler. Older children will use a special container.
Blood tests. A health care professional may take a blood sample and send it to a lab to test. The blood test can show high blood levels of certain minerals that can lead to kidney stones in children.
Imaging tests
Imaging tests can help find kidney stones. The tests may also show problems that caused a kidney stone to form, such as a birth defect or blockage in the urinary tract. Children usually do not need anesthesia for imaging tests.
Ultrasound. An ultrasound is often the first choice when a child needs an imaging test to find a kidney stone. An ultrasound uses specialized sound waves to look at structures inside the body without exposing a child to radiation. During an ultrasound test, a child lies on a table while a technician moves a wand called a transducer over the child’s body. Ultrasound can create images of a child’s entire urinary tract. No anesthesia is needed.
Abdominal x-ray. An abdominal x-ray is a picture of the abdomen that uses low levels of radiation and is recorded on film or on a computer. A technician takes an abdominal x-ray at a hospital or outpatient center, and a radiologist reads the images. During the x-ray, a child lies on a table or stands up and the technician positions the machine close to the abdomen. The technician may ask for different positions for additional pictures. Abdominal x-rays can show the location of kidney stones in the urinary tract but not all stones are visible on abdominal x-ray.
Computed tomography (CT) scans. CT scans use a combination of x-rays and computer technology to create images of a child’s urinary tract. CT scans expose children to more radiation than other imaging methods, but they may provide more information. A hospital or radiology center that works with children will know how to adjust a CT scan to use the lowest possible amount of radiation. Your child will lie on a table that slides into a tunnel-shaped device that takes the x-rays. CT scans can show the size and location of a kidney stone, whether the stone is blocking the urinary tract, and conditions that may have caused the kidney stone to form.
CT scans can sometimes be done with a contrast medium, but this is not usually needed to see kidney stones. Contrast medium is a dye or other substance that makes structures inside your body easier to see during imaging tests. If needed, a health care professional may give your child a shot of contrast medium before the CT scan and should explain why the contrast is being given.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Additional Materials (4)
Kidney Stones in Children: Symptoms and Diagnosis (2 of 5)
Video by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia/YouTube
Urinalysis
Video by University of Dundee Clinical Skills/YouTube
Urinalysis - OSCE Guide
Video by Geeky Medics/YouTube
CT Scan
Video by Covenant Health/YouTube
3:18
Kidney Stones in Children: Symptoms and Diagnosis (2 of 5)
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia/YouTube
3:37
Urinalysis
University of Dundee Clinical Skills/YouTube
2:21
Urinalysis - OSCE Guide
Geeky Medics/YouTube
2:48
CT Scan
Covenant Health/YouTube
Kidney Stone Risk Panel
Kidney Stone Risk Panel
Also called: Renal Stone Risk Panel, Urine Supersaturation Profile
The kidney stone risk panel is a set of tests to assess your risk for developing kidney stones. It is measured through a 24-hour urine sample collection.
Kidney Stone Risk Panel
Also called: Renal Stone Risk Panel, Urine Supersaturation Profile
The kidney stone risk panel is a set of tests to assess your risk for developing kidney stones. It is measured through a 24-hour urine sample collection.
Kidneys are part of the genitourinary system. They are in charge of filtering and excreting toxins from the body through urine.
In some instances, high amounts of minerals in the body can cause the formation of stones in the kidneys (nephrolithiasis). These stones can be made out of many components such as uric acid, struvite, calcium phosphate, and calcium oxalate, the latter being the most common form.
This test is used to assess a person’s risk of forming kidney stones. Multiple substances can aid to increase or decrease the formation of kidney stones, therefore a kidney stone risk panel can include, but is not limited to:
Calcium
Sodium
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Oxalic acid
Uric acid
Creatinine
Cystine
Citrate
Your doctor may order this test in the following situations:
To help diagnose nephrolithiasis
To monitor the response to nephrolithiasis treatment
To asses your likeliness of forming kidney stones
You will need to give a 24-hour urine sample collection. This means that across one day, you will periodically collect your urine for sampling. Start in the morning by going to pee after waking up. After this time, you will have to collect all of the urine you produce until you wake up the next day. This will be the last urine sample and then you are ready to go.
Big containers are usually given at the laboratories before undergoing with the collection of the sample and further instructions are also given.
No preparation is usually required. Inform your healthcare practitioner if you are taking any over-the-counter or prescription medications since you might be asked to temporarily stop taking certain drugs that may affect your test results.
No risks implied.
This test cannot predict with full certainty the development of kidney stones, but it's a way to assess the likelihood of a person to develop them.
The doctor will collate your urine results with your blood results to asses your likeliness of developing kidney stones or to confirm or monitor a condition.
There is no “official kidney stone risk panel” but most of the times these parameters are included: urine volume, urine pH, calcium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, oxalic acid, uric acid, creatinine, cystine, and citrate.
Talk with your healthcare provider for a comprehensive detail of what your kidney stone risk panel includes.
You should visit your doctor if you have a family history of kidney stones, or if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms:
Pain in lower back
Dysuria (painful urination)
Pink or red urine
Urinating in small amounts
Urinating frequently
Kidney stones have many causes. Risk factors such as dehydration, high sodium diets, obesity and family history of kidney stones are aspects to take into consideration when assessing the likeliness of developing kidney stones.
Kidney Stone Risk Panel [accessed on Dec 07, 2018]
Clinical Practice Calcium Kidney Stones [accessed on Dec 07, 2018]
HOW TO READ YOUR KIDNEY STONE LAB REPORT – Calcium stones | Kidney Stone Evaluation And Treatment Program [accessed on Dec 07, 2018]
Kidney stones - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic [accessed on Dec 07, 2018]
Kidney Stone Analysis
Kidney Stone Analysis
Also called: Urinary Stone Analysis, Renal Calculus Analysis
A kidney stone analysis is a test done on kidney stones that provides information on the chemical composition of a particular stone, to help determine the cause of its formation and to guide treatment.
Kidney Stone Analysis
Also called: Urinary Stone Analysis, Renal Calculus Analysis
A kidney stone analysis is a test done on kidney stones that provides information on the chemical composition of a particular stone, to help determine the cause of its formation and to guide treatment.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
health.
Your result is Calcium (Ca).
About 80% of kidney stones are made of calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, or a combination of both. This result means that it is likely that you are excreting excess calcium and/or oxalate (or sometimes too little citrate, which normally binds calcium but does not form stones) into the urine.
Related conditions
Alkaline urine
Dehydration
Dent disease
Diets too high in sugar, sodium, protein or oxalate
Hypercalciuria
Hyperoxaluria
Hyperparathyroidism
Hyperphosphaturia
Hyperuricosuria
Hypocitraturia
Inflammatory bowel disease
Obesity
Kidney stones are small, pebble-like pieces of material that form in one or both of your kidneys. Kidney stones form when you have high levels of certain minerals or salts in your urine (pee).
A kidney stone analysis is a test to find out what a kidney stone is made of. This information helps your health care provider develop a plan to help you reduce your risk of forming more stones in the future.
There are four main types of kidney stones:
Calcium is the most common type of stone.
Uric acid is another common type of stone.
Cystine is an uncommon type of stone. It is caused by cystinuria, a kidney disease that you inherit from your parents.
Struvite is the most uncommon type of stone. It usually forms after a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Kidney stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a pea, and sometimes even larger. Very small stones may pass out of your body when you urinate (pee). Larger or odd-shaped stones can get stuck inside your urinary tract and block the flow of urine. This may cause severe pain or bleeding, and you may need treatment to get rid of the stones. But with treatment, kidney stones usually don't cause permanent damage.
A kidney stone analysis is used to find out what your kidney stone is made of. This helps your provider understand why the stone formed and what will help prevent more stones from forming in the future. This is important because once you've had a stone, you're likely to get another one.
You may need a kidney stone analysis if you have symptoms that could be from a kidney stone. These include:
Sharp pain in your abdomen (belly), side, groin, or back
Blood in your urine
Frequent need to urinate
Not being able to urinate at all or only urinating a little bit
Pain when urinating
Cloudy or bad-smelling urine
Nausea and vomiting
Fever and chills
To collect a kidney stone, you will need a kidney stone strainer to filter your urine and a clean container for your stone. A kidney stone strainer is a device made of fine mesh or gauze. Your provider may give you a strainer, or you may get one from a drug store.
To collect your stone, you will:
Filter all your urine through the strainer.
Check the strainer carefully after each time you urinate to look for a stone. It may look like a grain of sand or a tiny piece of gravel.
If you find a stone, put it in a clean container with a lid.
DO NOT add anything to the container. The stone must be kept dry.
DO NOT put tape or tissue on the stone.
Return the container to your provider or lab as instructed.
A stone may pass at any time of the day or night. So, it's important to filter all your urine every time you urinate until you find a stone.
Your provider may tell you to drink a lot of water to help pass the stone. If you have pain while the stone is passing, ask your provider about pain medicine.
If your kidney stone is too large to pass, you may need a minor surgical procedure to remove the stone for testing. If you've already passed a kidney stone and you kept it, ask your provider about testing it.
You don't need any special preparations for a kidney stone analysis.
There is no known risk to having a kidney stone analysis. But passing a kidney stone may cause:
Pain depending on the size of the stone
A urinary tract infection
A blocked urinary tract if the stone gets stuck
Your results will show what your kidney stone is made of. With this information, your provider will be able to recommend steps and/or medicines to help prevent more stones from forming. Your treatment plan will depend on the type of stone you have, but most plans include drinking plenty of water and changing some of the foods you eat.
If you have questions about your results, talk with your provider.
Calcium stones are the most common type, but they are not caused by eating dairy products. In fact, dairy products can help prevent calcium stones. Your provider can explain what diet changes can help reduce your risk for stones. This is important because kidney stones increase your risk for developing chronic kidney disease.
Kidney Stone Analysis: MedlinePlus Lab Test Information [accessed on Oct 05, 2022]
https://labtestsonline.org/tests/kidney-stone-analysis [accessed on Mar 27, 2019]
https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/605761 [accessed on Mar 27, 2019]
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355759 [accessed on Mar 27, 2019]
https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/hw7826 [accessed on Mar 27, 2019]
https://kidneystones.uchicago.edu/kidney-stone-analysis/ [accessed on Mar 27, 2019]
https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones [accessed on Sep 03, 2019]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (27)
Drawing of cross section of the bladder with a stone
Cross section of the bladder with a stone.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Drawing of three kidney stones of various shapes. The stones are labeled golf ball–sized and brown, small and smooth, and jagged and yellow
Kidney stones vary in size and shape. These stones are not actual size.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Kidneys and EPO
Top: process of normal red blood cell production with a healthy kidney. Bottom: process of reduced red blood cell production with a damaged kidney. Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called EPO. EPO prompts the bone marrow to make red blood cells, which then carry oxygen throughout the body. When the kidneys are diseased or damaged, they do not make enough EPO. As a result, the bone marrow makes fewer red blood cells, causing anemia.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Kidney Stones Lithotripsy
Kidney Stones Lithotripsy
Image by TheVisualMD
KidneyStones Lithotripsy
KidneyStones_Lithotripsy
Image by TheVisualMD
Drawing of urinary tract with stones in the kidney, ureter, and bladder
Kidney stones in kidney, ureter, and bladder
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Urolithiasis
3 mm stone in the ureter. Axial CT scan of abdomen without contrast, showing a 3 mm stone (marked by an arrow) in the left proximal ureter
Image by James Heilman, MD
Urolithiasis
Kidneys, ureters, and bladder x-ray with bilateral kidney stones. Roentgenogram or Medical X-ray image. Showing a large staghorn calculus involving the major calyces on left and separate renal caliceal stones on right.
Image by Attribution: Copyright - Nevit Dilmen
Kidney Stone
Kidney stones are small, hard crystalline deposits that form inside the kidneys and are passed painfully through the urinary tract. There are different types of kidney stones as well as a variety of causes, including metabolic disorders, diet (high protein or high sodium), and infections. In general, however, stones result when there is an imbalance of bodily fluids, dissolved minerals, and pH (crystals form under conditions that are more acidic than normal). Risk factors include obesity, dehydration, age (most common in adults age 40 and older), sex (more likely in men), and a family history of kidney stones.
Image by TheVisualMD
Kidney with Kidney Stone
Our kidneys are remarkable filters. Each day, they filter about 200 quarts of blood to extract about 2 quarts of wastes, which is then eliminated as urine (2 ureters connect the kidneys to the bladder, which stores urine, until it is passed through the urethra). If fluids, minerals and pH are out of balance, however, the result can be kidney stones, small, hard crystalline deposits that form inside the kidneys and are passed (painfully) through the urinary tract. Kidney stones can be caused by metabolic disorders, dietary imbalance, and infections. Risk factors include obesity, dehydration and family history.
Image by TheVisualMD
How are gallstones diagnosed?
Micro (industrial) computed tomography of a gallstone.
Image by SecretDisc
What are the symptoms and complications of gallstones?
Image by BruceBlaus
Kidney Stones - Points to Remember
Radiopaque lesion over left paraspinal area, indicating a large ureteral stone.
Image by Morning2k
Kidney stones - Medications
Scanning Electron Micrograph of the surface of a kidney stone showing tetragonal crystals of Weddellite (calcium oxalate dihydrate) emerging from the amorphous central part of the stone.
Image by Kempf EK
Kidney stones in the kidney and urinary tract.
Drawing of the urinary tract with labels to the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Insets show a cross section of the kidney with labels to the kidney, stones, and ureter and a cross section of the bladder with labels to the ureters, stones, bladder, and urethra.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Drawing of a kidney cross section with a kidney stone. A wire called a nephroscope is inserted through the skin into the kidney to locate the stone. A thicker probe labeled ultrasonic probe is inserted through the skin into the kidney to deliver sound waves that will break up the kidney stone.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Drawing of jagged and yellow kidney stone
Jagged and yellow kidney stone.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Drawing of a small and smooth kidney stone
Small and smooth kidney stone.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Drawing of golf-ball sized and brown kidney stone
Golf-ball sized and brown kidney stone.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Ureteroscopic stone removal
Drawing of the bladder, ureter, and kidney with a cross section of a ureteroscope inserted through the bladder into the ureter, where a stone blocks urine flow. Labels point to the kidney, ureter, stone, bladder, ureteroscope, and eyepiece. Inset is a cross section of the ureter that shows a wire basket at the end of the ureteroscope capturing the stone.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Kidneys and urinary tract within the outline of a young boy
Drawing of the kidneys and urinary tract within the outline of a young boy. The kidneys, ureters, and bladder are labeled. The kidneys remove wastes and extra water from the blood to form urine.Urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder through the ureters.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Kidney and Adrenal Gland
Vertical section of kidney.
Image by Henry Vandyke Carter / A version of File:Gray1127.png with some text removed and numbers added instead, changes done by Daedalus.
Drawing of the urinary tract showing simple kidney cysts (male figure)
Drawing of the urinary tract in the outline of a male figure. The kidneys, ureters, and bladder are labeled. An inset image from one of the kidneys shows simple cysts as raised bumps on the kidney. The simple cysts and ureter are labeled. Simple kidney cysts are abnormal, fluid-filled sacs that form in the kidneys.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infection)
Pain caused by Pyelonephritis
Image by Grook Da Oger
Front-view drawing of a normal urinary tract in an infant
Front-view drawing of a normal urinary tract in an infant. The kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra are labeled. The urinary tract includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Drawing of a fused ectopic kidney, labeled
Drawing of a fused ectopic kidney, showing the pelvis, bladder, ureters, and fused kidneys. The kidney that would normally be on the left has crossed over and fused with the kidney on the right. An ectopic kidney may cross over and become fused with the other kidney.
The oxalate test is part of the kidney stone risk panel. Oxalic acid is the most significant contributor among all minerals for stone risk formation, hence its importance of measuring it and maintaining adequate balance.
Oxalate Test
The oxalate test is part of the kidney stone risk panel. Oxalic acid is the most significant contributor among all minerals for stone risk formation, hence its importance of measuring it and maintaining adequate balance.
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Oxalate is the end product of the liver metabolism of glyoxylate. Humans cannot degrade oxalate; therefore, the kidneys are in charge of the excretion. Additional amounts of oxalate can produce adverse effects such as kidney stone formation and oxalosis (oxalate excess).
It is used to assess patients risk of forming stones by testing for the presence of oxalic acid in blood.
A healthcare practitioner may order this test for aid and support the diagnosis of hyperoxaluria, monitor a specific treatment, or simply too asses your likeliness of forming kidney stones.
Common signs and symptoms that may cause to suspect about kidney stones are:
Pain in lower back
Dysuria (painful urination)
Pink or red urine
Urinating in small amounts
History of stones formation
Family history of kidney stones
A healthcare professional takes a blood sample from a vein generally in your arm, using a needle. A small amount of blood is collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out.
No preparation required.
No risks implied.
Normal values in serum are within 1.0-2.4 mg/mL
In patients without renal impairment, elevated values show an increased risk of kidney stones formation due to overproduction of oxalate (primary hyperoxaluria).
In patients with renal impairment, additional testing has to be done to differentiate primary hyperoxaluria from renal insufficiency.
This is not a stand-alone test, and it must be correlated with the clinical setting of the patient.
Kidney stones have many causes. Risk factors such as dehydration, high sodium and oxalate diets, obesity and family history of kidney stones are aspects to take into consideration when assessing the likeliness of developing kidney stones.
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (12)
Urolithiasis
Kidneys, ureters, and bladder x-ray with bilateral kidney stones. Roentgenogram or Medical X-ray image. Showing a large staghorn calculus involving the major calyces on left and separate renal caliceal stones on right.
Image by Attribution: Copyright - Nevit Dilmen
What causes gallstones?
Gallstones : This very large gallstone was removed from patient
Image by haitham alfalah
Kidney Stones - Points to Remember
Radiopaque lesion over left paraspinal area, indicating a large ureteral stone.
Image by Morning2k
Kidney stones - EATING, DIET, AND NUTRITION
Bilateral kidney stones can be seen on this KUB radiograph. Note the presence of phleboliths in the pelvis, which can be misinterpreted as bladder stones.
Image by Bill Rhodes
Kidney stones - Medications
Scanning Electron Micrograph of the surface of a kidney stone showing tetragonal crystals of Weddellite (calcium oxalate dihydrate) emerging from the amorphous central part of the stone.
Image by Kempf EK
Kidney stone
KUB Radiograph showing a large staghorn calculus involving the major calyces and renal pelvis in a person with severe scoliosis. Struvite stones can grow rapidly, forming large calyceal staghorn calculi which can require invasive surgery such as percutaneous nephrolithotomy or even anatrophic nephrolithotomy for definitive treatment.
Image by Nevit Dilmen (talk)
Kidney stone
Localisation of pain caused by kidney stones
Image by Image by Blausen.com staff. \"Blausen gallery 2014\". Wikiversity Journal of Medicine. DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 20018762
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
Drawing of a kidney cross section with a kidney stone. A wire called a nephroscope is inserted through the skin into the kidney to locate the stone. A thicker probe labeled ultrasonic probe is inserted through the skin into the kidney to deliver sound waves that will break up the kidney stone.
Image by NIDDK Image Library
How Do Kidney Stones Form? How Can We Prevent Them?
Video by VIP Urology/YouTube
How to Get Treatment for Kidney Stones
Video by Howcast/YouTube
How extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is used to treat kidney stones
Video by Bupa Health UK/YouTube
How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Video by Howcast/YouTube
Urolithiasis
Attribution: Copyright - Nevit Dilmen
What causes gallstones?
haitham alfalah
Kidney Stones - Points to Remember
Morning2k
Kidney stones - EATING, DIET, AND NUTRITION
Bill Rhodes
Kidney stones - Medications
Kempf EK
Kidney stone
Nevit Dilmen (talk)
Kidney stone
Image by Blausen.com staff. \"Blausen gallery 2014\". Wikiversity Journal of Medicine. DOI:10.15347/wjm/2014.010. ISSN 20018762
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy
NIDDK Image Library
7:00
How Do Kidney Stones Form? How Can We Prevent Them?
VIP Urology/YouTube
1:52
How to Get Treatment for Kidney Stones
Howcast/YouTube
1:29
How extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is used to treat kidney stones
Bupa Health UK/YouTube
1:10
How to Recognize the Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Howcast/YouTube
Calcium, Urine Test
Calcium, Urine Test
A calcium in urine test measures calcium levels in urine. Abnormal calcium levels may indicate a kidney stone or other medical condition.
Calcium, Urine Test
A calcium in urine test measures calcium levels in urine. Abnormal calcium levels may indicate a kidney stone or other medical condition.
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Related conditions
A calcium in urine test measures the amount of calcium in your urine. Calcium is one of the most important minerals in your body. You need calcium for healthy bones and teeth. Calcium is also essential for proper functioning of your nerves, muscles, and heart. Almost all of your body's calcium is stored in your bones. A small amount circulates in the blood, and the remainder is filtered by the kidneys and passed into your urine. If urine calcium levels are too high or too low, it may mean you have a medical condition, such as kidney disease or kidney stones. Kidney stones are hard, pebble-like substances that can form in one or both kidneys when calcium or other minerals build up in the urine. Most kidney stones are formed from calcium.
Too much or too little calcium in the blood can also indicate a kidney disorder, as well as certain bone diseases, and other medical problems. So if you have symptoms of one of these disorders, your health care provider may order a calcium blood test, along with a calcium in urine test. In addition, a calcium blood test is often included as part of a regular check-up.
A calcium in urine test may be used to diagnose or monitor kidney function or kidney stones. It may also be used to diagnose disorders of the parathyroid, a gland near the thyroid that helps regulate the amount of calcium in your body.
You may need a calcium in urine test if you have symptoms of a kidney stone. These symptoms include:
Severe back pain
Abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Blood in the urine
Frequent urination
You may also need a calcium in urine test if you have symptoms of a parathyroid disorder.
Symptoms of too much parathyroid hormone include:
Nausea and vomiting
Loss of appetite
Abdominal pain
Fatigue
Frequent urination
Bone and joint pain
Symptoms of too little parathyroid hormone include:
Abdominal pain
Muscle cramps
Tingling fingers
Dry skin
Brittle nails
You'll need to collect all your urine during a 24-hour period. This is called a 24-hour urine sample test. Your health care provider or a laboratory professional will give you a container to collect your urine in and instructions on how to collect and store your samples. A 24-hour urine sample test generally includes the following steps:
Empty your bladder in the morning and flush that urine down. Do not collect this urine. Record the time.
For the next 24 hours, save all your urine in the container provided.
Store your urine container in a refrigerator or a cooler with ice.
Return the sample container to your health provider's office or the laboratory as instructed.
You don't need any special preparations for a calcium in urine test. Be sure to carefully follow all the instructions for providing a 24-hour urine sample.
There is no known risk to having a calcium in urine test.
If your results show higher than normal calcium levels in your urine, it may indicate:
Risk for or the presence of a kidney stone
Hyperparathyroidism, a condition in which your parathyroid gland produces too much parathyroid hormone
Sarcoidosis, a disease that causes inflammation in the lungs, lymph nodes, or other organs
Too much calcium in your diet from vitamin D supplements or milk
If your results show lower than normal calcium levels in your urine, it may indicate:
Hypoparathyroidism, a condition in which your parathyroid gland produces too little parathyroid hormone
Vitamin D deficiency
A kidney disorder
If your calcium levels are not normal, it doesn't necessarily mean you have a medical condition needing treatment. Other factors, such as diet, supplements, and certain medicines, including antacids, can affect your urine calcium levels. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
A calcium in urine test does not tell you how much calcium is in your bones. Bone health can be measured with a type of x-ray called a bone density scan, or dexa scan. A dexa scan measures the mineral content, including calcium, and other aspects of your bones.
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (4)
Female Skeletal System and Pivot Joint
3D visualization reconstructed from scanned human data of the female skeletal system. Joints (pivots) along a central axis (the spine), bend and turn the connecting limbs allowing the arms and legs flexibility to place themselves in infinite positions.
Image by TheVisualMD
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body. It helps form and maintain healthy teeth and bones throughout a person's life; calcium also plays critical roles in nerve signaling, muscle contraction, the health of blood vessels, and the regularity of the heart beat. So important are these functions that when calcium levels are inadequate, the body will demineralize bone to maintain normal blood levels of the mineral.
Image by TheVisualMD
Coronary Calcium Scan
Coronary Calcium Scan. Figure A shows the position of the heart in the body and the location and angle of the coronary calcium scan image. Figure B is a coronary calcium scan image showing calcifications in a coronary artery.
Image by NHLBI/NIH
Human Skeleton
Relaxed Adult Human Skeleton
Image by HypnoArt
Female Skeletal System and Pivot Joint
TheVisualMD
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body.
TheVisualMD
Coronary Calcium Scan
NHLBI/NIH
Human Skeleton
HypnoArt
Treatment
KidneyStones Lithotripsy
Image by TheVisualMD
KidneyStones Lithotripsy
KidneyStones_Lithotripsy
Image by TheVisualMD
Treatment for Kidney Stones in Children
How do health care professionals treat kidney stones in children?
Health care professionals usually treat kidney stones based on their size, location, and type.
Small kidney stones may pass through the urinary tract without treatment. Children may need to urinate through a strainer for a few days to catch the kidney stone in a special container. A health care professional will send the kidney stone to a lab to find out what type it is. Children need to drink plenty of liquid to help move a kidney stone along. A health care professional may also prescribe pain medicine.
Larger kidney stones, or kidney stones that block a child’s urinary tract or cause great pain, may need urgent treatment. A child who is vomiting and dehydrated, may need to go to a hospital and get fluids through an IV.
Health care professionals usually treat kidney stones based on their size and what they are made of.
Kidney stone removal
A urologist can remove the kidney stone or break it into small pieces with the following treatments:
Shock wave lithotripsy. Shock wave lithotripsy works from outside a child’s body to blast the kidney stone into small pieces. The smaller pieces of the kidney stone then pass through the urinary tract. A health care professional gives anesthesia during this outpatient procedure to prevent pain or help a child keep still.
Cystoscopy and ureteroscopy. During cystoscopy, a health care professional uses a thin tube with a tiny lens at one end to look inside the urethra and bladder to find a stone. During ureteroscopy, a longer and thinner instrument is used to see the lining of the ureters and kidneys.
In both procedures, the health care professional inserts the scope through the urethra to see the rest of the urinary tract. Once the stone is found, it can be removed or broken into smaller pieces. The health care professional performs these procedures in the hospital with anesthesia. A child can typically go home the same day.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy. A thin viewing tool, called a nephroscope, is used to locate and remove the kidney stone. A health care professional inserts the tool directly into the kidney through a small cut made in the back. For larger kidney stones, a laser may be used to break the kidney stones into smaller pieces. A health care professional performs percutaneous nephrolithotomy in a hospital with anesthesia. Recovery usually takes several days in the hospital.
After these procedures, sometimes the urologist leaves a thin flexible tube, called a ureteral stent, in the urinary tract to help urine flow or a stone to pass. Once the kidney stone is removed, it’s sent to a lab to find out what type it is.
After a kidney stone has passed or been removed, a child may need to collect urine for 24 hours. The goal is to measure how much urine is produced in a day, along with mineral levels in the urine. A child is more likely to form stones again if he or she doesn’t make enough urine each day or has high mineral levels.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Additional Materials (6)
Kidney Stones in Children: Treatment and Surgery (3 of 5)
Video by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia/YouTube
Non- Surgical Treatment of Kidney Stones
Video by Lee Health/YouTube
How to Get Treatment for Kidney Stones
Video by Howcast/YouTube
A Shocking Way to Break Up Kidney Stones
Video by Lee Health/YouTube
How extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is used to treat kidney stones
Video by Bupa Health UK/YouTube
Treating kidney stones without surgery
Video by UCI Health/YouTube
5:18
Kidney Stones in Children: Treatment and Surgery (3 of 5)
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia/YouTube
1:55
Non- Surgical Treatment of Kidney Stones
Lee Health/YouTube
1:52
How to Get Treatment for Kidney Stones
Howcast/YouTube
2:05
A Shocking Way to Break Up Kidney Stones
Lee Health/YouTube
1:29
How extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy is used to treat kidney stones
Bupa Health UK/YouTube
3:24
Treating kidney stones without surgery
UCI Health/YouTube
Cystoscopy
Cystoscopy
Also called: Bladder Endoscopy
A cystoscopy is a procedure to look inside the urethra and bladder using a thin camera called a cystoscope. The test can help find problems with the urinary tract, including early signs of cancer, infection, narrowing, blockage, or bleeding.
Cystoscopy
Also called: Bladder Endoscopy
A cystoscopy is a procedure to look inside the urethra and bladder using a thin camera called a cystoscope. The test can help find problems with the urinary tract, including early signs of cancer, infection, narrowing, blockage, or bleeding.
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Use the slider below to see how your results affect your
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The bladder wall should look smooth. The bladder should be of normal size, shape, and position. There should be no blockages, growths, or stones.
Related conditions
Cystoscopy uses a cystoscope to look inside the urethra and bladder. A cystoscope is a long, thin optical instrument with an eyepiece at one end, a rigid or flexible tube in the middle, and a tiny lens and light at the other end of the tube. By looking through the cystoscope, the urologist can see detailed images of the lining of the urethra and bladder. The urethra and bladder are part of the urinary tract.
A urologist performs a cystoscopy to find the cause of urinary tract problems such as
Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Hematuria—blood in the urine
Urinary frequency—urination eight or more times a day
Urinary urgency—the inability to delay urination
Urinary retention—the inability to empty the bladder completely
Urinary incontinence—the accidental loss of urine
Pain or burning before, during, or after urination
Trouble starting urination, completing urination, or both
Abnormal cells, such as cancer cells, found in a urine sample
During a cystoscopy, a urologist can see
Stones—solid pieces of material in the bladder that may have formed in the kidneys or in the bladder when substances that are normally in the urine become highly concentrated.
Abnormal tissue, polyps, tumors, or cancer in the urethra or bladder.
Stricture, a narrowing of the urethra. Stricture can be a sign of an enlarged prostate in men or of scar tissue in the urethra.
In many cases, a patient does not need special preparations for a cystoscopy. A health care provider may ask the patient to drink plenty of liquids before the procedure, as well as urinate immediately before the procedure.
A urologist performs a cystoscopy or ureteroscopy during an office visit or in an outpatient center or a hospital. For some patients, the urologist will apply an anesthetic gel around the urethral opening or inject a local anesthetic into the urethra.
After the anesthetic has taken effect, the urologist gently inserts the tip of the cystoscope into the urethra and slowly glides it through the urethra and into the bladder. A sterile liquid—water or salt water, called saline—flows through the cystoscope to slowly fill the bladder and stretch it so the urologist has a better view of the bladder wall. As the bladder fills with liquid, the patient may feel some discomfort and the urge to urinate. The urologist may remove some of the liquid from the bladder during the procedure. As soon as the procedure is over, the urologist may remove the liquid from the bladder or the patient may empty the bladder.
When a urologist performs a cystoscopy to make a diagnosis, both procedures—including preparation—take 15 to 30 minutes. The time may be longer if the urologist removes a stone in the bladder or a ureter or if he or she performs a biopsy.
After a cystoscopy or ureteroscopy, a patient may
Have a mild burning feeling when urinating
See small amounts of blood in the urine
Have mild discomfort in the bladder area or kidney area when urinating
Need to urinate more frequently or urgently
These problems should not last more than 24 hours. The patient should tell a health care provider right away if bleeding or pain is severe or if problems last more than a day.
The health care provider may recommend that the patient
Drink 16 ounces of water each hour for 2 hours after the procedure
Take a warm bath to relieve the burning feeling
Hold a warm, damp washcloth over the urethral opening to relieve discomfort
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever
The health care provider may prescribe an antibiotic to take for 1 or 2 days to prevent an infection. A patient should report any signs of infection—including severe pain, chills, or fever—right away to the health care provider.
Most patients go home the same day as the procedure. Recovery depends on the type of anesthesia. A patient who receives only a local anesthetic can go home immediately. A patient who receives general anesthesia may have to wait 1 to 4 hours before going home. A health care provider usually asks the patient to urinate before leaving. In some cases, the patient may need to stay overnight in the hospital. A health care provider will provide discharge instructions for rest, driving, and physical activities after the procedure.
The risks of cystoscopy and ureteroscopy include
UTIs
Abnormal bleeding
Abdominal pain
A burning feeling or pain during urination
Injury to the urethra, bladder, or ureters
Urethral narrowing due to scar tissue formation
The inability to urinate due to swelling of surrounding tissues
Complications from anesthesia
Seek immediate medical care
A patient who has any of the following symptoms after a cystoscopy or ureteroscopy should call or see a health care provider right away:
The inability to urinate and the feeling of a full bladder
Burning or painful urination that lasts more than 2 days
Bright red urine or blood clots in the urine
A fever, with or without chills
Severe discomfort
Cystoscopy & Ureteroscopy | NIDDK [accessed on Jan 08, 2019]
Cystoscopy: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia [accessed on Jan 08, 2019]
Cystoscopy for Women - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center [accessed on Jan 08, 2019]
Cystoscopy - NHS [accessed on Jan 08, 2019]
What is Cystoscopy? - Urology Care Foundation [accessed on Jan 08, 2019]
Normal reference ranges can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used for testing. You must use the range supplied by the laboratory that performed your test to evaluate whether your results are "within normal limits."
Additional Materials (7)
How is a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Diagnosed?
Diagram showing a cystoscopy for a man and a woman.
Image by Cancer Research UK / Wikimedia Commons
X-ray of urinary bladder filled with contrast media.
Image by Lucien Monfils
Drawing of cystoscope in the bladder
None
Image by NIDDK Image Library
Cystoscopy Female Surgery PreOp® Patient Education
Video by PreOp.com Patient Engagement - Patient Education/YouTube
To help prevent future kidney stones, learn what caused a child’s previous kidney stones. With that information, a health care professional can suggest changes in the child’s eating and drinking habits to prevent future kidney stones.
Drinking liquid
Drinking enough liquid each day is the most important lifestyle habit to help prevent kidney stones. Drinking enough liquid keeps urine diluted and helps flush away minerals that might form stones. Urine should be almost clear if a child is drinking enough water.
A teenager should drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses a day, unless he or she has kidney failure. A teenager who’s had cystine stones may need to drink even more. Younger children can follow their health care professional’s guidance about how much liquid to drink. Talk with a health care professional if a child can’t drink the recommended amount due to other health problems, such as urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, or kidney failure.
The amount of liquid needed also depends on a child's activity level. Children and teenagers who live and exercise in hot weather may need more liquid to replace the fluid lost through sweat. A child may be asked to collect urine over 24 hours to measure the amount produced in a day. If the amount of urine is too low, he or she may need to drink more liquid.
Though water is best, other liquids such as citrus drinks may also help prevent kidney stones. Lemon and lime juice contain very high levels of citrate, which stops crystals from clumping together to form kidney stones. Choose citrus drinks that are low in sugar to avoid taking in excess calories, which can be unhealthy.
Drinking plenty of liquid helps prevent kidney stones in teenagers and children.
Medicines
After a child has one kidney stone, a health care professional may prescribe medicines to prevent future kidney stones. The medicine may be needed for a few weeks, several months, or longer, depending on what caused the first kidney stone.
For example, for struvite stones, a child may take an antibiotic by mouth for 1 to 6 weeks, or possibly longer. Treatment of an abnormally shaped urinary tract may also be suggested to prevent future struvite stones.
For other types of stones, a health care professional may prescribe a potassium citrate tablet 1 to 3 times daily. A child may continue to take potassium citrate for months or longer, until the risk for kidney stones in gone.
Type of kidney stone
Possible medicines prescribed
Calcium Stones
potassium citrate, which is used to raise the citrate levels in urine
thiazide diuretics, which reduce calcium in the urine
Uric Acid Stones
potassium citrate
allopurinol, which is used to treat high levels of uric acid in the body
Struvite Stones
antibiotics, which are bacteria-fighting medications
Cystine Stones
potassium citrate
D-penicillamine, which helps dissolve cystine in the urine
mercaptopropionyl glycine, which helps dissolve cystine in the urine
Talk with a health care professional about a child’s health history before he or she takes kidney stone medicines. Some kidney stone medicines have minor to serious side effects. Side effects are more likely to occur the longer a child takes the medicine and the higher the dose. Tell the child’s health care professional about any side effects that occur with kidney stone medicine.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Additional Materials (4)
Kidney Stones in Children: Follow-up and Prevention (4 of 5)
Video by The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia/YouTube
How Do Kidney Stones Form? How Can We Prevent Them?
Video by VIP Urology/YouTube
How Do Kidney Stones Form? How Can We Prevent Them? Animation Video - Renal Calculi Pathophysiology
Dairy Cow - The Dairy Education and Training Consortium (USDETC) with a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) grant provides hand-on training to college students with backgrounds in dairy science, animal science, and other ag-related concentrations.
Image by PROU.S. Department of Agriculture
Eating, Diet, & Nutrition for Kidney Stones in Children
Can what children eat or drink help prevent kidney stones?
Drinking enough liquid, mainly water, is the most important lifestyle change a child or teenager can make to prevent kidney stones. A teenager should drink six to eight 8-ounce glasses a day, unless he or she has kidney failure. Younger children can follow their health care professional’s guidance on how much liquid to drink to prevent kidney stones.
Studies have shown that the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet can reduce the risk of kidney stones. Learn more about the DASH diet.
Studies have shown that being overweight increases a child’s risk of kidney stones. A dietitian can help plan meals to lose weight.
Does the type of kidney stone affect a child’s food choices?
Yes. If a child has already had kidney stones, ask what type he or she had. Based on the type of kidney stone, changing the amount sodium, animal protein, calcium, or oxalate eaten may help prevent kidney stones.
Specific diets may help with each of these types of kidney stones:
Calcium Oxalate Stones
Calcium Phosphate Stones
Uric Acid Stones
Cystine Stones
A dietitian who specializes in kidney stone prevention can help plan meals.
Calcium Oxalate Stones
Reduce oxalate
Most children who have calcium oxalate stones don't need to limit how much oxalate they take in through food. The best diet depends on the underlying causes of each child's kidney stones. However, when kidney stones are linked to the amount of oxalate eaten, a child may want to avoid these foods to help reduce oxalate in the urine:
nuts and nut products
peanuts—which are legumes, not nuts, and are high in oxalate
rhubarb
spinach
wheat bran
A health care provider can explain other food sources of oxalate and how much oxalate is safe to eat.
Reduce sodium
The chances of developing kidney stones increase when children eat more sodium. Sodium is a part of salt. Sodium is in many canned, packaged, and fast foods. It is also in many condiments, seasonings, and meats.
Talk with a health care professional about how much sodium is right for children who are trying to avoid kidney stones. See tips to reduce sodium intake.
Limit animal protein
Eating animal protein can make a child more likely to develop kidney stones.
A health care professional may recommend limiting animal protein, including
beef, chicken, and pork, especially organ meats
eggs
fish and shellfish
milk, cheese, and other dairy products
Although a child may need to eat less animal protein each day, he or she needs enough protein for good health. Consider replacing some meat and animal protein with beans, dried peas, and lentils, which are plant-based foods that are high in protein and low in oxalate.
Talk with a health care professional about how much total protein a child may need—whether from animal or plant sources—depending on the child’s age, size, and activities.
Get enough calcium from foods
All children need a certain amount of calcium to remain healthy and to keep their bones strong. Talk with a health care professional about how much calcium to consume to prevent getting more calcium oxalate stones. Getting the recommended amount of calcium—from food, not supplements—is important to help prevent another kidney stone from developing. In the right amounts, calcium can block other substances in the digestive tract that may lead to stones.
It may be best to get calcium from low-oxalate, plant-based foods such as calcium-fortified juices, cereals, breads, some kinds of vegetables, and some types of beans. Ask a dietitian or other health care professional which foods are the best sources of calcium.
Calcium Phosphate Stones
Reduce sodium
The chances of developing kidney stones increase when children eat more sodium. Sodium is a part of salt. Sodium is in many canned, packaged, and fast foods. It is also in many condiments, seasonings, and meats.
Talk with a health care professional about how much sodium is right for children who are trying to avoid kidney stones. See tips to reduce sodium intake.
Limit animal protein
Eating animal protein can make a child more likely to develop kidney stones.
A health care professional may recommend limiting animal protein, including
beef, chicken, and pork, especially organ meats
eggs
fish and shellfish
milk, cheese, and other dairy products
Although a child may need to eat less animal protein each day, he or she needs enough protein for good health. Consider replacing some meat and animal protein with these plant-based foods that are high in protein:
legumes such as beans, dried peas, lentils, and peanuts
soy foods, such as soy milk, soy nut butter, and tofu
nuts and nut products, such as almonds and almond butter, cashews and cashew butter, walnuts, and pistachios
sunflower seeds
Talk with a health care professional about how much total protein a child may need—whether from animal or plant sources—depending on the child’s age, size, and activities.
Get enough calcium from foods
All children need a certain amount of calcium to remain healthy and to keep their bones strong. Talk with a health care professional about how much calcium to consume to prevent getting more calcium phosphate stones. Getting the recommended amount of calcium—from food, not supplements—is important to help prevent another kidney stone from developing. In the right amounts, calcium can block other substances in the digestive tract that may lead to stones.
It may be best to get calcium from plant-based foods such as calcium-fortified juices, cereals, breads, some kinds of vegetables, and some types of beans. Ask a dietitian or other health care professional which foods are the best sources of calcium.
Uric Acid Stones
Limit animal protein
Eating animal protein can make a child more likely to develop kidney stones.
A health care professional may recommend limiting animal protein, including
beef, chicken, and pork, especially organ meats
eggs
fish and shellfish
milk, cheese, and other dairy products
Although a child may need to eat less animal protein each day, he or she needs enough protein for good health. Consider replacing some meat and animal protein with these plant-based foods that are high in protein:
legumes such as beans, dried peas, lentils, and peanuts
soy foods, such as soy milk, soy nut butter, and tofu
nuts and nut products, such as almonds and almond butter, cashews and cashew butter, walnuts, and pistachios
sunflower seeds
Talk with a health care professional about how much total protein a child may need—whether from animal or plant sources—depending on the child’s age, size, and activities.
Cystine Stones
Drinking enough liquid, mainly water, is the most important lifestyle change children can make to prevent cystine stones. Talk with a health care professional about how much liquid a child may need, depending on the child’s age, size, and activities.
Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK)
Additional Materials (3)
How to Deal With (and Avoid) Kidney Stones | Dr. Manoj Monga
Video by Cleveland Clinic/YouTube
Mayo Clinic Minute: Avoiding kidney stones
Video by Mayo Clinic/YouTube
Kidney Stones: Management, Treatment and Prevention Video - Brigham and Women's Hospital
Video by Brigham And Women's Hospital/YouTube
15:32
How to Deal With (and Avoid) Kidney Stones | Dr. Manoj Monga
Cleveland Clinic/YouTube
0:54
Mayo Clinic Minute: Avoiding kidney stones
Mayo Clinic/YouTube
6:46
Kidney Stones: Management, Treatment and Prevention Video - Brigham and Women's Hospital
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Kidney Stones in Children
A kidney stone is a solid, pebble-like piece of material that can form in a child’s kidney when minerals in the urine are too high. Kidney stones rarely cause permanent damage if treated by a health care professional.