Child Kidney Problems

Condition

Kidneys do a lot of hard work in your child’s body. They balance the levels of water and minerals, help control blood pressure and eliminate wastes through urine. But sometimes, the kidneys don't develop properly or don't function as they should.

Signs of kidney problems in children include:

  • Swelling around the eyes, face, feet, and ankles
  • Burning, pain or crying when urinating
  • Urinating more or less often than usual
  • Loss of urinary control in children who have been toilet trained
  • Return of nighttime bed wetting in children who have been dry for several months
  • Blood in the urine
  • Weakness, excessive tiredness or loss of energy
  • Pale skin or washed-out appearance

In many cases, children are born with the problems associated with kidney disease. These can include blockage in the passageways leading from the kidneys to the bladder or kidneys that are too large or small. Kidney problems also can be caused by urinary tract infections or a condition called reflux, in which urine goes back up from the bladder to the kidney.

Mercy Kids pediatricians are trained to diagnose the range of kidney problems in children. 

And because of our care team approach, your pediatrician can coordinate care with other Mercy specialists to create a personalized treatment plan that provides support for the short or long term.

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