World Kidney Day, observed annually on the second Thursday of March, highlights the importance of kidney health for all ages. This year’s theme, ‘Are your kidneys ok? Detect early, protect kidney health’, underscores the importance of awareness about lesser-known signs that may indicate underlying kidney issues.
The importance of early detection of kidney-related issues cannot be overemphasised. The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids from the body, maintaining a balanced level of essential minerals, and ensuring overall health. Even so, kidney health is often overlooked, even though both adults and children are susceptible to kidney-related issues.
Kidney diseases can be harder to detect early among children since the symptoms are often subtle, or mistaken for other common childhood conditions. While adults may develop kidney disease due to lifestyle-related factors such as diet and exercise, children’s kidney health can be affected by congenital anomalies, infections, or genetic predisposition. ABP Live spoke to Dr Kanav Anand, a paediatric nephrologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, to gain insights into children’s kidney health and what parents should watch out for.
The Role Of Screen Time In Kidney Health & More
ABP: How does modern lifestyle impact children’s kidney health?
Dr Kanav Anand: A sedentary lifestyle, lack of physical activity, poor hydration, and high consumption of junk food significantly contribute to kidney-related ailments in children. The increasing screen time among children, whether through television or mobile devices, has resulted in less physical activity, and a greater tendency to consume unhealthy, heavily advertised processed foods. Studies indicate that, for each additional hour of television viewed daily, the likelihood of kidney disease increases by 2% due to poor dietary habits and inactivity.
ABP: What are some lifestyle-related factors that can negatively affect a child’s kidneys, and what warning signs should parents look out for?
Dr Kanav Anand: The kidneys play a critical role in maintaining overall health, yet their significance is often ignored. Proper hydration, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity are key to keeping them functioning well. Parents should be alert to signs such as swelling in different body parts (edema), unexplained anaemia, frequent urinary tract infections, difficulty urinating, or persistent bedwetting beyond the typical age. These could indicate underlying kidney problems.
ABP: Can you explain how the kidneys function and their role in maintaining health?
Dr Kanav Anand: Kidneys act as natural filters, removing waste products like urea and creatinine while retaining essential substances such as proteins. They also regulate blood pressure, maintain the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance, produce active vitamin D, and support red blood cell production. Each kidney contains about one million nephrons — tiny filtering units — that work continuously to purify the blood. Any disruption in this process can lead to serious health complications.
ABP: At what point should parents consider the possibility of kidney disease in their child?
Dr Kanav Anand: Many symptoms of kidney disease are subtle and can go unnoticed until the condition progresses. Some warning signs include:
- Swelling (Edema): Unusual puffiness in the face, hands, or feet due to fluid retention.
- Persistent Anaemia: Low haemoglobin levels that don’t improve with iron supplementation.
- Frequent Infections Or Fever: Recurring urinary tract infections (UTIs) may indicate kidney issues.
- Bedwetting After Age 5: While bedwetting is common in young children, consistent incidents beyond this age may point to an underlying urinary tract or kidney issue.
- Blood In Urine (Hematuria) Or Protein In Urine (Proteinuria): These may indicate kidney stones, infections, or other serious conditions.
- Painful Urination Or Frequent Urges to Urinate: These can signal urinary tract infections or kidney stones.
- Changes In Urine Output: Either excessive urination (polyuria) or significantly reduced urination (oliguria/anuria) could indicate kidney dysfunction.
- High Blood Pressure: Persistent headaches, vision disturbances, or irritability may signal hypertension related to kidney disease.
- Developmental Concerns: Delayed growth or bone deformities may be linked to chronic kidney disease.
ABP: What steps can parents take to protect their child’s kidney health?
Dr Kanav Anand: There are several preventive measures that parents can take:
- Ensure Proper Hydration: Encourage children to drink enough water daily to support kidney function.
- Limit Processed And High-Sodium Foods: Excess sodium can contribute to high blood pressure and kidney stones.
- Monitor Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can lead to kidney damage if left untreated.
- Avoid Nephrotoxic Medications: Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen should only be used under medical supervision.
- Seek Timely Treatment For UTIs: Early intervention can prevent long-term kidney damage.
- Regular Check-Ups: Especially for children born with a family history of kidney disease or congenital anomalies detected in prenatal scans.
- Promote An Active Lifestyle: Encourage physical activity and limit excessive screen time to reduce risk factors.
ABP: How important is early screening for kidney issues in children?
Dr Kanav Anand: Early diagnosis is crucial in managing kidney disease effectively. Parents should be vigilant about any signs of kidney trouble and ensure that their child receives timely medical evaluation. Routine urine tests and blood pressure checks can help detect kidney problems early, allowing for appropriate intervention before significant damage occurs.
Prevention Is Key
While many kidney issues in children are manageable with timely medical intervention, prevention remains the best approach. A balanced diet, regular hydration, physical activity, and routine health screenings can go a long way in protecting young kidneys from long-term damage. As World Kidney Day reminds us, awareness and proactive healthcare are essential for ensuring kidney health for all.
The writer is a senior independent journalist.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health concern.
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