Share
Print7 Healthcast: Kids with kidney stones
Dr. Avi Traum, pediatric nephrologist
"We're definitely seeing more children and I think it has to do with how much salt is being out into foods again, and not just what people are adding on top"
And doctors are advising kids and parents not to ignore the warning signs.
Dr. Avi Traum, pediatric nephrologist
"Most common presentation is pain where a child will have either back pain or pain on their side or belly and that will lead them to medical attention"
That was the case for 16 year old Chelsea Payne of Walpole.
Chelsea Payne, had kidney stones
"I was having severe pain in my left kidney so i went to the doctor to get some scans done"
And her mother Lynn wasn't taking any chances.
Lynn Payne, Chelsea's mom
"Back in September she was having a lot of stomach pain to the point where she keeled over, so we took her to the hospital and they had her stay for 4 days because they couldn't figure out what was wrong"
After a series of tests and an ultrasound, they diagnosed Chelsea with kidney stones.
Chelsea Payne, had kidney stones
"I was in shock but it was kind of a relief to hear that they knew what it was cause the end, the pain got really bad"
"I didn't think that a younger kid could get them, so i was pretty surprised"
But doctors say it's not uncommon - in fact, they see at least two children a month with kidney stones.
Dr. Avi Traum, pediatric nephrologist
"Initially it was more adolescents, now we're seeing really all ages, but its primarily school aged children and teenagers."
Chelsea is on the mend, but still has to monitor her diet and water intake, plus she has to take a potassium pill everyday for the rest of her life -- a small price to pay to have her health back.
(Copyright (c) 2008 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)