What should you know about kidney stones in teens?

A stone is a hard crystal formed from substances in urine. It may remain in the kidney or move into the ureter, where it can cause flank or abdominal pain, nausea, painful urination or blood in urine. Some teens have no symptoms until a stone moves. Dehydration from sport, hot weather, illness or poor fluid intake can make urine more concentrated. Symptoms can have other causes, so pain does not identify a stone by itself.

Tell a parent, guardian or trusted adult about significant pain or urinary changes, and arrange a GP Consultation. A clinician may ask about fluids, diet, medicines and family history, then consider urine tests or an Abdominal Ultrasound. Encourage regular fluids if the clinician has not advised a restriction, but do not pressure someone who is vomiting. Do not use another person’s prescription medicine.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or continuing pain, fever or chills, repeated vomiting, faintness, blood in urine with feeling unwell, or Difficulty Passing Urine. Flank Pain with fever may indicate an infection alongside a blockage. A teen who looks very unwell should be assessed without delay.

Ask what might be causing the symptoms, whether testing is needed, which fluids and medicines are suitable, and how to reduce the chance of another stone. Mention family history, recent illness, heavy exercise and any supplements.