Signs of Kidney Problems in Children

The kidneys are the body's waste collection and removal system; without them, the body would soon be overrun with toxins. In children, the majority of problems with kidney occur from birth, but diagnosis may take several years. Keep your eye out for some common problems associated with kidney disease if you believe your child may have a kidney disease.

Urinary Problems

• Much of the waste the kidney take out of the blood end up in the urine, so when problems develop with the kidneys, urine often goes affected. If your child suddenly has trouble urinating or wetting the bed, or feels a burning sensation when he urinates, it could mean a kidney problem. Also, if you notice blood in the urine, contact a physician. These signs can indicate a kidney infection, kidney stones or other diseases.

High Blood Pressure

• While blood pressure often rises as people get older, few children have high blood pressure. The kidneys play an integral role in the control of blood pressure and may elevate it if the kidneys begin to lose function. This often results from a blockage in the urinary tract such as kidney stones or from a birth defect called urine reflux. The urine cannot leave the body and backs up into the kidneys.

Swelling

• One of the most common signs of a kidney problem is the swellings of the hands, feet and face. When the kidney cannot process urine, the excess fluids builds up in the body, causing edema or swelling---a symptom of many kidney diseases such as nephrotic syndrome and Glomerulonephritis. This can be serious; bring the child to a doctor immediately.