The kidneys are very important organs that play a vital function in sustaining general well being. They carry out a number of important capabilities, together with filtering waste merchandise, extra salts, and fluids from the blood to type urine, which is then excreted from the physique. Additionally, the kidneys assist regulate the steadiness of water, acid-base steadiness, and electrolytes akin to sodium, potassium, and calcium. They additionally play a key function in regulating blood strain by controlling blood quantity and the quantity of sodium retained within the physique.
Furthermore, Dr Darshan Rangaswamy, Pediatric Nephrologist, KMC Hospital Mangalore provides, “The kidneys produce hormones like erythropoietin and active Vitamin D, which are important for increasing haemoglobin levels and maintaining calcium balance for promoting bone health, respectively.”
Kidney Disease in Children
“Kidney disease in children is often overlooked but can have significant impacts on health and quality of life. Children with kidney disease experience a range of disorders that affect the kidneys, including congenital conditions, inherited genetic diseases, acquired diseases due to infection, autoimmunity, or drug toxicity, and rarely, cancers of the kidney and urinary tract. The incidence and prevalence of kidney ailments in children have increased significantly in recent years due to improved recognition and treatment,” highlights Dr Darshan.
Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Children
In youngsters kidney illness vary from congenital situations of abnormalities in kidney growth, inherited genetic ailments, acquired ailments attributable to an infection, autoimmunity or drug toxicity and barely cancers of the kidney and urinary tract. Symptoms can fluctuate relying on the particular kind of kidney illness, Dr Darshan shares widespread indicators which embrace:
Fluid retention: Swelling within the legs, ankles, toes, face, or stomach.
Urination adjustments: Increased or decreased frequency of urination, bedwetting (particularly in a baby who was beforehand dry at evening), foamy or bloody urine.
Fatigue: Weakness, lethargy, or irritability.
Poor urge for food: Nausea, vomiting, or weight reduction.
High blood strain: This is extra widespread in older youngsters and adolescents.
Growth issues: Delayed development or quick stature.
Pain: Abdominal ache, again ache, or flank ache.
When To Seek Professional Help?
Dr Darshan concludes, “It’s important for parents to be aware of these symptoms and consult with a paediatrician and/or paediatric nephrologist if they suspect their child may have kidney disease. Early detection and treatment can help manage kidney disease and improve outcomes for children. The real impact of chronic kidney disease in children from developing countries is often under-recorded due to lack of paediatric renal services, accessibility to renal replacement therapy, and poor healthcare resource allocation.”
Source: zeenews.india.com
