What to Expect with Diagnosing Chronic Kidney Disease in Children?

A long-term condition known as chronic kidney disease (CKD) causes the kidneys to become less effective at removing waste from the body. It can happen to anyone, but it is more common in older people and those with diabetes or high blood pressure.

Kidney function test can be managed with medication, diet changes, and lifestyle changes. But if you notice any symptoms of CKD in your children, such as swelling feet or ankles, tiredness that doesn’t go away after rest, or frequent urination at night, tell your doctor immediately so they can help diagnose and treat the condition quickly.

Your child’s doctor will examine your child thoroughly. This includes checking blood pressure, weight, and a urine sample. Two bean-shaped organs, the kidneys filter blood, remove waste products from the body, regulate blood pressure, and control electrolytes and hormones. The kidneys also produce a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO) which controls red blood cell production.

Your child will have a blood test to measure their level of creatinine. The body makes this waste product when it turns food into energy. Creatinine is a substance that’s present in the blood. It’s measured to see if your kidneys are working properly and how well they’re doing.

You may have chronic kidney disease or CKD if creatinine levels are high. The doctor will calculate an eGFR value to determine how well the kidneys function.

The doctor will calculate an eGFR value to determine how well the kidneys function. eGFR, calculated using creatinine, estimates how well your kidneys function, blood pressure, and age. An eGFR kidney function test Price can help doctors determine if you need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Next, your child may need to undergo imaging tests like ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans. Children who are also experiencing growth problems may need a bone density scan.

What do these tests show?

An ultrasound is employed to determine the kidneys’ size and form. An enlarged kidney on ultrasound might indicate fluid building up in one or both of your child’s kidneys. You might need to consult a specialist, like a nephrologist, for follow-up or a kidney doctor for further testing and treatment of your child’s chronic kidney disease.

You might need to consult a nephrologist or another specialist in the future, or a kidney doctor, for further testing and treatment of your child’s chronic kidney disease. An important part of the initial assessment is determining if your child has a rare chronic kidney disease called Alport syndrome.

Alport syndrome can be inherited (passed down through families) or develop later in life as an autoimmune disorder that causes blood vessels in the kidneys to become injured and scarred, so they don’t function well anymore. If you suspect that this condition might be causing your child’s symptoms, there are kidney function tests that can help diagnose it early on.

Conclusion

It’s important to note that while your child may be diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, they are not necessarily at risk for other serious health problems. They can remain healthy if they receive proper care and treatment. If your child has experienced any of the symptoms mentioned above or has questions about how best to treat their condition, please contact your doctor right away.