If you have a young child and you suspect that they might have a kidney problem, it’s important to get a checkup. Several symptoms can indicate a kidney problem. Read on to learn more about children’s kidney disease symptoms and how you can diagnose them.
How do you check a child’s kidney function?
Kidney disease can cause many challenges for a child, from slow growth to urinary incontinence. Poor kidney function can also lead to hypertension, which is a serious health condition. Fortunately, there are ways to monitor the condition and prevent complications, such as kidney failure.
One test is the renal scan, which is a diagnostic imaging test that can be performed on a child. During this procedure, the radiologist injects a dye that contains a radionuclide tracer into the child’s kidneys. A nuclear scanner then takes pictures of the child’s kidneys as the material travels to the bladder.
Blood tests can also be done on a child to determine if they have kidney disease. This test is important because it can help determine the severity of the condition and identify other underlying conditions. Detailed information from these tests helps a doctor determine the best treatment and prevent kidney disease from progressing. A nephrologist will also review the child’s medical history, measure blood pressure and ask about any symptoms that the child has been experiencing. They may also collect urine samples and conduct a kidney biopsy.
What is the most common kidney disease in children?
Kidney problems in children may range from reversible disorders that don’t have long-term effects to chronic diseases that can lead to kidney failure. Causes of kidney disease in children include infection, hereditary diseases, and trauma. In some cases, diabetes or hypertension are factors as well.
Early signs of kidney disease in children are often undetectable. They may show a mild puffiness around the eyes or face or foamy urine. But as the disease progresses, the child may have more serious symptoms, including swelling of the eyes, loss of appetite, vomiting, or blood in the urine. Some children will experience high blood pressure and headache. Kidney disease in children can be curable if the cause is identified early. However, chronic kidney failure requires long-term management and usually gets worse with time.
Kidney failure in children can be caused by many factors, including diseases that affect the kidney’s filtration system. Kidneys fail to filter waste efficiently, causing excessive acidity and kidney stones. Some children may also develop a condition called nephrotic syndrome.
What can cause kidney disease in a child?
Kidney disease in children can be caused by several different causes, including congenital defects, infections, and medications. Some children experience acute renal failure, which is treated by dialysis. This treatment can help remove toxins from the blood and slow the progression of kidney failure. Other children suffer from chronic kidney disease, which is progressive and requires a kidney transplant.
The first step in treating kidney disease is identifying the cause. The condition is often triggered by a bacterial infection. The infection causes the kidneys to produce too much protein, which can cause damage to the kidneys. Symptoms of CKD can include low or high blood protein, vomiting, abdominal pain, fatigue, or high blood pressure. In some cases, the disease may be curable, depending on its cause.
How long can a child live with kidney disease?
Kidney disease in children often begins with little or no symptoms at all. Some children will only display mild puffiness around the face and eyes and may have some foamy urine. As the condition progresses, these symptoms will increase. Some children may also experience vomiting, high blood pressure, and fatigue. If kidney disease is diagnosed early, it can be treated, but once it has progressed, it will require long-term management.
The most common treatment for kidney failure in children is dialysis, which is a continuous process that takes place at home. Dialysis, which is performed by a catheter, takes over the kidneys’ functions. This treatment is often necessary for children with chronic kidney disease, and doctors can work with parents to come up with an appropriate schedule. Some children may also experience growth failure or anemia, but doctors can use injectable medicines to help them with these symptoms. Erythropoietin is an injectable medicine that can increase the red blood cell count and energy levels in kids with chronic kidney failure. Injectable human growth hormone is also another treatment option for growth failure in kids with chronic kidney failure.
How do you treat kidney disease in children?
There are many ways to treat kidney disease in children. The first step is to provide good hydration. This includes keeping a good urine pH level. Another important step is to discourage constipation. Constipation can lead to urinary symptoms and recurrent urinary tract infections. Keeping your child’s weight in check can also help mitigate the effects of kidney disease.
Symptoms of kidney disease can range from very mild to extremely severe, depending on the stage of the disease. Treatments are available for every stage of the disease. Acute renal failure, which develops rapidly, may be treated with dialysis or with blood transfusions. Chronic renal failure, which has no obvious underlying cause, may require a kidney transplant.
