|
Our discussion forum is open for business. Come say hello. |
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Urinary Crystals
Eve, 50 from California asks...
I was told my grandson has urinary crystals? What are they, what problems will that cause and how can it be cured?
Stacy Says...
Urinary crystals are, for lack of better terminology, the precursors to urinary or kidney stones. Just like adults, kids can get this too. Typically, they will occur when the urine becomes supersaturated. Sometimes it can be an inherited problem--the tendency to develop these crystals/stones, or it can be a random occurence. Well, not so much random. Alot of factors can cause these crystals but two of the biggies are dehydration and medications.
When your body is dehydrated, the urine becomes super concentrated (more urea/wastes, less water). This is when crystals love to form. Also, certain medications, especially antibiotics, tend to increase the likelihood of crystals developing. Treating the crystals is similar to what is done for adults. First, the cause needs to be determined (tests like ultrasound, urinalysis, etc might be run) to map out the best course of treatment. Sometimes the crystals/stones resolve on their own, sometimes interventions need to be done. I know with adults laser-treatment is used to break down the stones without any invasive procedure, but I'm not sure with children. The doctor that discovered these crystals should direct the care accordingly based on the history and how affected your grandson is. I hope that helped!
I was told my grandson has urinary crystals? What are they, what problems will that cause and how can it be cured?
Stacy Says...
Urinary crystals are, for lack of better terminology, the precursors to urinary or kidney stones. Just like adults, kids can get this too. Typically, they will occur when the urine becomes supersaturated. Sometimes it can be an inherited problem--the tendency to develop these crystals/stones, or it can be a random occurence. Well, not so much random. Alot of factors can cause these crystals but two of the biggies are dehydration and medications.
When your body is dehydrated, the urine becomes super concentrated (more urea/wastes, less water). This is when crystals love to form. Also, certain medications, especially antibiotics, tend to increase the likelihood of crystals developing. Treating the crystals is similar to what is done for adults. First, the cause needs to be determined (tests like ultrasound, urinalysis, etc might be run) to map out the best course of treatment. Sometimes the crystals/stones resolve on their own, sometimes interventions need to be done. I know with adults laser-treatment is used to break down the stones without any invasive procedure, but I'm not sure with children. The doctor that discovered these crystals should direct the care accordingly based on the history and how affected your grandson is. I hope that helped!
