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World Kidney Day 2024: Expert Explains How Kidney Diseases Can Be Detected In Children And Its Impact

Kidney disease is a condition which causes damage to the kidneys and may lead to other diseases. Here is how it can affect children.
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World Kidney Day 2024: Expert Explains How Kidney Diseases Can Be Detected In Children And Its Impact

The kidneys are essential organs that perform various crucial functions in the body, such as filtering waste products from the body and balancing your body's fluids. Any damage to this organ can result in the development of kidney diseases, such as kidney stones and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). It can even affect children and hinder the ability of kidneys to function properly. We spoke to our expert Dr Antara Biswas, Consultant Paediatrician, Manipal Hospital Salt Lake, Kolkata, who explained the causes and symptoms of kidney diseases in children and how to deal with them.

kidney

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), kidney disease is a condition which causes damage to the kidneys and prevents them from properly filtering blood. As a result, liquid and waste products may accumulate in the body.

As per NIDDK, the most common cause of kidney disease in infants and young children is birth abnormalities that interfere with the development of the kidneys and urinary tract. The most common causes of kidney disease in older children are systemic disorders that affect multiple organs in the body or genetic diseases that are passed down from parent to child. 

Causes Of Kidney Diseases In Children

kidney-disease

Dr Biswas listed the causes of kidney disease in children as follows:

  • Hereditary 
  • Congenital kidney defects 
  • Certain acquired illnesses like infections, nephrotic syndrome and post-infectious inflammation of the kidneys

“Their pathology is usually quite different from adults who often have hypertension or diabetes-induced kidney diseases”, added Dr Biswas.

Also Read: Kidney Stones: Expert Debunks Myths And States Facts About This Condition

Early Signs Of Kidney Disease In Children

painful-urination

Dr Biswas listed the signs of kidney disease in children that parents must not ignore:

  • Puffiness of the face
  • Swelling of the hands and feet
  • Any change in the colour of urine, such as blood in urine or foamy urine
  • Change in the frequency of urination
  • Recurrence of nighttime bed-wetting (in a child who has been dry for several months)
  • Painful urination
  • Pallor
  • Excessive weakness and tiredness  
  • Lack of appetite

Sometimes, it is difficult to pick up early symptoms because they can be quite subtle. However, once detected, it should not be ignored.

Also Read: Ayurveda For Kidney Health: Expert Lists Seasonal Practices To Follow For Kidney Health

Short-Term Kidney Diseases and Their Implications

“There are some kidney diseases which are short-lasting, such as an acute infection or a post-infectious inflammation of the kidneys (glomerulonephritis) In most of these cases, once the child gets cured, then there is no long-term effect or future recurrence”, said Dr Biswas.

Long-Lasting Kidney Diseases and Their Management

Dr Biswas highlighted, “However, there are some other kidney diseases like nephrotic syndrome where the disease recurs depending on the type of pathology. If the child has an autoimmune disease, that is when the body’s immune system attacks its kidneys, then the implications are long-lasting and usually, they have lifelong problems. In those cases, the child will require long-term treatment.”

According to NIDDK, Other effects of kidney illness on children's lives include behavioural, interpersonal, and self-esteem issues. Children with CKD may have trouble focusing, learn more slowly than their peers, and acquire language and motor abilities more slowly. 

Bottomline

Dr Biswas concluded, “It is important for parents to keep a watchful eye on their children and to consult their paediatrician immediately if they observe any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Timely treatment or early referral to a paediatric nephrologist would greatly benefit the child.”

[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you face any health issues to get the necessary treatment and diagnosis.]

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