The kidneys play a critical role in the body: Acting as the body\\\'s filtering system, they help control water levels and eliminate wastes through urine (pee). They also help regulate blood pressure, red blood cell production, and the levels of calcium and minerals.
But sometimes the kidneys don\\\'t develop properly and, as a result, don\\\'t function as they should. Often these problems are genetic and not due to anything a parent did or didn\\\'t do.
Inlude:
• Fever.
• Swelling around the eyes, face, feet, and ankles (called edema)
• Burning or pain during peeing.
• Significant increase in the frequency of urination.
• Difficulty in controlling urination in kids who are mature enough to use the toilet.
A health care provider diagnoses kidney disease in children by completing
• Physical exam
• Medical history
• Reviewing signs and symptoms.
To confirm diagnosis, the health care provider may order one or more of the following tests:
. Urine Tests
• Dipstick test for albumin. The presence of albumin in urine is a sign that the kidneys may be damaged. Albumin in urine can be detected with a dipstick test performed on a urine sample.
• Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio. A more precise measurement, such as a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, may be necessary to confirm kidney disease.
• Blood test. Blood drawn in a health care provider’s office and sent to a lab for analysis can be tested to estimate how much blood the kidneys filter each minute, called the estimated glomerular filtration rate or eGFR.
• Imaging studies. Imaging studies provide pictures of the kidneys. The pictures help the health care provider see the size and shape of the kidneys and identify any abnormalities.
• Kidney biopsy. Kidney biopsy is a procedure that involves taking a small piece of kidney tissue for examination with a microscope. Biopsy results show the cause of the kidney disease and extent of damage to the kidneys.
Children with a kidney disease that is causing high blood pressure may need to take medications to lower their blood pressure. Improving blood pressure can significantly slow the progression of kidney disease. The health care provider may prescribe
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, which help relax blood vessels and make it easier for the heart to pump blood
• Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), which help relax blood vessels and make it easier for the heart to pump blood
• Diuretics, medications that increase urine output
Consult Pediatric Nephrologist at Aadil Hospital for treatment.
