How can a 16-year-old develop kidney stones without complaints?

Kidney stones can form silently in young people due to concentrated urine from low water intake, with pain often appearing only when the stones grow larger or move.

Why is drinking enough water crucial for preventing kidney stones?

Water dilutes urine and helps flush out excess salts and minerals; low fluid intake leads to concentrated urine where these substances can form stones.

What are the signs that might indicate kidney issues in teenagers?

Mild, on-and-off abdominal pain without a clear reason should not be ignored, as it can sometimes be the only early sign of internal issues like kidney stones.

Home / Health / Teen's Silent Kidney Stones: A Warning on Water Intake

Teen's Silent Kidney Stones: A Warning on Water Intake

31 Jan

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Summary

A 16-year-old girl was diagnosed with kidney stones during a routine checkup.
The teenager consistently avoided drinking water, leading to concentrated urine.
Doctors emphasize hydration's critical role in preventing silent kidney stone formation.

Teen's Silent Kidney Stones: A Warning on Water Intake

A routine health checkup recently uncovered kidney stones in a 16-year-old girl, a finding described as shocking by her pediatrician, Dr. Keerti Kulkarni. The incidental discovery through an ultrasound revealed the stones without the patient presenting any significant complaints. Further inquiry into the girl's history highlighted her consistent avoidance of drinking water.

Consultant nephrologist Dr. Nikhil Bhasin explained that kidney stones often develop silently in young individuals. Concentrated urine, a consequence of insufficient fluid intake, allows minerals and salts to accumulate and form crystals. This lack of hydration creates an environment conducive to stone development, even in otherwise healthy adolescents.

Many teenagers avoid water due to busy schedules, preference for sugary drinks, or prolonged screen time. This chronic dehydration can silently strain the kidneys over time. Dr. Bhasin emphasized that plain water is the most effective way to maintain kidney health, as packaged beverages may not hydrate as efficiently and could alter urine composition.