5 Common Kidney Diseases Found in Children
Kidney diseases in children can be both long term and short term in nature. The organs might not develop as they should, leading to medical complications. However, the good news is that kidney problems can be cured completely, once the underlying cause has been treated by the child kidney specialist. For acute cases, the treatment can slow down the decline of kidney functions.
Here are a few kidney diseases parents should be aware of.
1. Pediatric Kidney Stone
Chemicals like calcium, oxalate and phosphorus, present in the kidney, might get concentrated. This happens to such an extent that they become solid crystals. These might get into the urinary tract, causing infection and blockage. In fact, these masses can migrate to the uterus, leading to unbearable cramps. It is crucial to know about cystine, calcium, struvite and uric acid stones to prevent other stone formations.
2. Polycystic Kidney Disease
This is a genetic condition in which cysts, filled with fluid, grow in both kidneys. This condition is usually inherited and can be detected right before birth. The cysts can multiply and interfere with kidney functions. It could even ultimately lead to kidney failure. Make sure you do not mistake normal cysts with PKD. The former does not pose any serious risks and is quite common. The latter might cause urinary tract infection and high pressure.
3. Glomerulonephritis
The filtering system of the kidney is regulated by glomeruli. These are tiny structures that help in blood filtration. Birth defects, bacterial endocarditis and viral infections are the main causes of glomerulonephritis. It usually occurs along with another disease, like lupus or diabetes. It can lead to acute kidney failure, nephritic syndrome and chronic kidney disease.
4. Multicystic Kidney Disease
If kidneys do not form properly during fetal development, they could become prone to Multicystic Kidney Disease. The cysts continue to grow until the kidney stops functioning completely. One of the main causes of this disease is genetics. A relieving aspect is that it affects only one kidney, while the other continues to support the system. A rare method recommended by a child kidney specialist for multicystic kidney disease is surgery to remove the affected kidney. Otherwise, adequate measures are taken to ensure that the affected organ is not impairing the function of the normal kidney.
5. Hydronephrosis
One or both the kidneys are swollen in this condition. It can be diagnosed in prenatal screenings and even after birth. Urinary track blockages and urine flowing back into the kidney are the two main causes of hydronephrosis. Tumor and damaged nerves leading to the bladder can also cause this condition. If the disease is left untreated, it can lead to severe complications and even complete kidney damage. Either continuous monitoring or surgery is recommended to manage the condition.
Common symptoms of kidney diseases are fever, blood in the urine and burning sensation while urinating. Others can include swelling around the eyes and face, high blood pressure and wetting the bed for months. Take a close look at these signs and consult a child kidney specialist immediately.