Rising Kidney Stones in Children and Teens, Especially Girls

Kidney stones, once considered a disease of middle-aged white men, are now increasingly affecting younger people, particularly teenage girls. The rise in kidney stones among children and teens is attributed to various factors, including diets high in ultraprocessed foods, increased use of antibiotics early in life, and climate change causing dehydration. Kidney stones can cause severe pain and block the flow of urine. Hospitals have opened pediatric "stone clinics" to address the growing demand for treatment and prevention. The exact cause of the increase in kidney stones among children is still unknown, but experts are conducting research to find answers.