Kidney disease in children may still sound foreign. Though not a few children who suffer from this disease. If not treated immediately, this condition can cause various complications that are dangerous for health and growth.
Kidney disease in children is a condition when the child's kidney organs are damaged or decreased in function. There are various things that can cause a child to experience kidney disease, ranging from congenital abnormalities, infections, to the side effects of certain drugs or poisoning.
Types of Kidney Disease in Children and Its Causes
Based on the condition, kidney disease in children is divided into two types, namely:
Acute kidney disease
Kidney disease is said to be acute if the damage or decrease in kidney function occurs suddenly and does not exceed 3 months. Acute kidney disease in children who are immediately treated are generally curable and do not cause permanent damage to the kidneys.
However, if the treatment is delayed or the damage lasts more than 3 months, the child's kidneys can be damaged more severely and cause permanent kidney damage.
The following are some of the factors that can cause a child to develop acute kidney disease:
- Conditions that make blood flow to the kidneys decrease or stop suddenly, such as heavy blood loss from accidental injuries, bleeding during surgery, severe burns, and severe dehydration.
- Infections, eg urinary tract infections and sepsis.
- Exposure to toxins and chemicals, such as mercury, arsenic, and lead.
- Side effects of certain drugs, especially there are drugs that must be taken in the long term or in high doses.
- Conditions that block the supply of oxygen and blood to the kidneys, such as cardiac arrest and hypoxia.
- Inflammation of the kidneys, for example in nephrotic syndrome and glomerulonephritis.
Chronic kidney disease
Kidney disease in children is said to be chronic if the disease lasts for 3 months or more. Kidney damage in chronic kidney disease can occur slowly or begin with acute kidney disease. Most cases of chronic kidney disease cause permanent kidney damage.
There are several factors that can cause children to experience chronic kidney disease, including:
- Genetic disorders, such as cystinosis, which is a rare genetic disorder that causes kidney cell damage, and Alport syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes disorders of the formation of the kidneys, ears, and eyes.
- Birth defects, such as a child born with one kidney or born with two kidneys, but only one kidney is functioning. Kidney disease can also be experienced by children who are born with kidneys that are not in place.
- Chronic blockage in the urinary tract.
- Polycystic kidney disease.
- Chronic diseases, such as diabetes, lupus, and untreated high blood pressure.
- History of acute kidney disease (eg, nephrotic syndrome and nephritic syndrome) that does not improve or is treated too late.
- Born with a low birth weight or prematurely.
Symptoms of Kidney Disease in Children
In its early stages, kidney disease in children is often asymptomatic. New symptoms begin to appear when kidney function has begun to decline or is damaged. When the kidneys are already impaired, the child may show some of the following symptoms:
- Swelling in the face, hands and feet.
- No appetite and frequent vomiting.
- Tired and looking pale.
- Feel pain or seem fussy every time you urinate.
- Fever.
- The frequency of urination becomes less frequent.
- Bloody pee.
- Frequent headaches.
- Hard to breathe.
- Child development is stunted.
If your child has the above symptoms, immediately consult a pediatrician for treatment.
In determining the diagnosis and looking for the cause of kidney disease in children, the doctor will perform a physical examination accompanied by supports, such as blood tests, urine tests, radiological examinations (such as kidney ultrasound and kidney X-rays), to kidney biopsy.
Handling and Prevention of Kidney Disease in Children
Treatment of kidney disease in children depends on the cause. For example, kidney disease caused by high blood pressure must be treated by lowering blood pressure. If it is caused by an infection, the doctor will treat the infection that causes kidney disease with antibiotics.
For kidney disease caused by a birth defect, your doctor may suggest surgery to repair the damaged or malfunctioning part of the kidney.
The sooner treatment is obtained, the better the chances of preventing permanent kidney damage in children. If left untreated, this condition can lead to kidney failure.
If the child already has kidney failure, the treatment that will be given by the doctor includes:
- Medicines and special diets for kidney disease.
- Dialysis.
- Blood transfusion, if kidney failure has caused anemia.
- Kidney transplant.
The choice of the method of treating kidney disease in children will be adjusted to the cause and how severe the child's condition is when being treated.
By understanding the risk factors and recognizing the symptoms of kidney disease in children, this disease can be immediately examined by a doctor and treated as soon as possible. If the child gets treatment early, complications can be prevented and the child's growth and development can continue to run well.
On the other hand, if treated too late, kidney disease in children can cause complications in the form of growth retardation, anemia, permanent kidney damage, and even death. Therefore, do not delay to check with your child to the doctor if you find some signs and symptoms of kidney disease in children.
