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Doctors Ponder Cause Behind Spike In Kidney Stones Among Children

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Medical experts had an important reminder for parents Monday, to keep kids well hydrated on hot summer days.

As CBS2's Dr. Mallika Marshall explained, more and more kids are suffering kidney stones.

Excruciating pain has kept Chase Carucci sidelined from playing the sports that he loves.

"On a scale from 1 to 10, probably a 9 or 10. It's bad, probably the worst pain you could ever have," he said.

The 14-year-old has suffered through multiple kidney stones and has needed surgeries.

"Believe me, you would take that stone so that you never see your child in that kind of pain," Maria Carucci said.

Doctors have been seeing an increase in kids with kidney stones. Dr. Caleb Nelson from Boston Children's Hospital said it's not clear why.

"A lot of people think it may have to do with increased sedentary activity levels among kids," Dr. Nelson said.

Other possible reasons include obesity, and too much salt from processed foods.

Doctors said in general most people are under-hydrated, and that may be contributing to the increase in kidney stones.

"Good hydration will prevent stone formation in people who have had stones, and there is no reason to think that's not the case in people who haven't had a stone yet," Dr. Nelson said.

Doctors aren't sure why Chase is prone to stones, but he's doing all he can to prevent them.

When I go outside and practice for one of my sports, I would have to drink a lot of water when I come back in.

He also takes medication and is grateful that he hasn't had a stone in nearly 4 years. Doctors said it's important to be aware if there is a family history of stones because people with a family history are at a higher risk for them.

 

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