Kidney stones, once primarily associated with adults, are increasingly being diagnosed in children—and alarmingly, even in newborns. Among older children, inadequate water intake and consumption of ultra-processed foods are driving the surge. In infants, underlying metabolic disorders are often responsible. Additionally, shifting dietary patterns, rising obesity rates, and environmental factors are contributing to the growing burden. Doctors warn that reducing salt intake and limiting sugary beverages are essential steps to prevent stone formation.
A Challenging Case in Hyderabad
Recently, an eight-year-old boy from Warangal was admitted to the Asian Institute of Nephrology & Urology (AINU), Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, with his left kidney completely packed with stones. The child had been experiencing severe abdominal pain and fever. After evaluation, doctors diagnosed kidney stones and proceeded with immediate treatment. The AINU medical team successfully removed all the stones, bringing significant relief to the young patient.
Advanced Treatment Ensures Faster Recovery
Dr. P. Ashwin Shekhar, Consultant Pediatric and Transitional Urologist at AINU, explained the procedure and highlighted the rising trend of kidney stones in children.
“When the child arrived, we quickly assessed the condition and opted for Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL). Through a tiny incision on the back, we inserted a nephroscope into the kidney and removed the stones with minimal discomfort,” he said. “Compared to traditional surgery, PCNL ensures faster recovery and shortens hospital stay. Although kidney stones were earlier seen mainly in adults, cases are now increasing markedly in children.”
Dr. Shekhar emphasized the importance of hydration. “Everyone—especially children—must drink sufficient water. More important than the amount consumed is producing at least 1.5 liters of urine daily. Low water intake leads to concentrated urine, which is a key cause and indicator of stone formation. Removing stones in children demands high precision, and with advanced technology, we cleared all stones in a single sitting. Normally, large stones require multiple sittings, but PCNL allows us to manage even complex cases effectively.”
Rising Incidence in Telangana
According to Dr. Shekhar, kidney stone and kidney diseases are increasing rapidly in Telangana. High summer temperatures, dehydration, and reduced urine output significantly contribute to the trend. Telangana accounts for 6.2% of chronic kidney disease (CKD) cases in India—the highest in the country. Over the last 15–20 years, pediatric kidney stone cases have doubled to quadrupled.
Need for Metabolic Evaluation After Treatment
Dr. Shekhar also stressed the importance of follow-up testing. “When a child develops kidney stones, it is crucial to check for underlying metabolic issues after one or two months. For this, 24-hour urine metabolic analysis and serum chemistry tests are essential. Some cases are linked to genetic disorders. However, most causes are preventable, and simple lifestyle modifications can significantly lower the risk,” he added.
This growing trend underscores the urgent need for better hydration habits, dietary changes, and early medical evaluation to protect children’s kidney health.