Signs & Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Children

Kidneys are very important to the health and development of your child. They filter impurities from your child's blood and release important hormones for red blood production and healthy blood pressure. Although kidney disease is not uncommon in children, it should never be taken lightly. Damage to kidneys is irreversible and, if not caught early, can lead to renal failure. Be observant about the signs and symptoms of kidney disease in your child and you may be able to prevent kidney damage.

Lethargy

• Depending on the age of your child, he may not be able to tell you exactly how he feels. Often, the first sign that something is wrong with your child's kidneys is general lethargic behavior. Depending on the age of your child, he may cry uncontrollably for what seems like no reason. You may notice that your child has little interest in food or refuses to eat all. You may notice that your child does not play as much or is reluctant to do much moving. Although lethargy can be a sign of a number of conditions, it can also be the first sign of kidney disease.

Headaches

• Chronic headaches in children can be a sign of high blood pressure or hypertension. High blood pressure also can cause kidney disease in otherwise normal kidneys. Kidneys use blood pressure in their filtration process, and when it is too high it can destroy the capillaries in the kidneys, causing kidney disease. Because the kidneys need normal blood pressure to function, they also release hormones to regulate it. If your child's kidneys are damaged, they may not produce enough of this hormone to maintain healthy blood pressure.

Edema

• Edema is the abnormal swelling of body parts, especially extremities like the feet or hands. It is also a telltale sign of kidney disease in children. Kidneys normally remove the excess water from the blood and use it in urine production. If the kidneys are not doing their job, the excess water remains in your child's body and must find some place to go. It can cause swollen legs, arms or even swelling in the face.

Anemia

• Anemia is another sign of childhood kidney disease. Anemia occurs when your child has low oxygen in her blood, making her uncharacteristically weak or tired. Healthy kidneys release hormones that stimulate the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry molecules of oxygen through the blood stream to all areas of the body, where it is used to carry on essential biological functions. If the kidneys are damaged, they may not produce enough of this hormone, giving your child a low red blood cell count and thus anemia.

Urine Changes

• The main function of the kidneys is to remove impurities and excess water from the blood and the main byproduct is urine. Any sudden changes in your child's urine can be a sign of kidney disease. Urine can appear darker than normal. It may also be cloudy or have blood in it. You should also be concerned if you notice that your child is excreting urine that is smellier or more pungent than normal.