At first, Tyler developed red patches and raised spots that turned purple and looked like bruises all over his legs and buttocks. Then he complained that his stomach and knees hurt. When his parents took him to the doctor to find out what was wrong, the doctor said that Tyler …
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Kidney Diseases in Childhood
The kidneys play a critical role in the body: Acting as the body’s filtering system, they help control water levels and eliminate wastes through urine (pee). They also help regulate blood pressure, red blood cell production, and the levels of calcium and minerals. But sometimes the kidneys don’t develop properly …
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are small, solid masses that can develop in the urinary tract. Also called calculi or nephrolithiasis, kidney stones are made when salts and minerals in urine (pee) become extra concentrated and then become crystals. Over a few weeks or months, the crystals can build up and become stones. …
Nephrotic Syndrome
Kids with too much protein in their urine (pee), sudden weight gain, and swelling in various body parts could have something called nephrotic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome happens when tiny structures in the kidneys called glomeruli (gluh-MARE-you-lie) stop working properly and let too much protein enter the kidneys. In kids, this …
Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections and Related Conditions
About UTIs Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in kids, especially girls and uncircumcised boys. In fact, by age 5, about 8% of girls and 1%–2% of boys have had at least one UTI. UTIs happen when the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra become infected. Symptoms of a UTI can …
Renal Tubular Acidosis
Each time our internal organs do something, such as digesting food or healing damaged tissue, chemical reactions take place in the body’s cells. These reactions cause acid to go into the bloodstream. Normally, the kidneys remove excess acid from blood, but certain diseases, genetic defects, or drugs can damage a …
Testicular Torsion
For most boys, talking seriously about their private parts can be a little embarrassing. And for teen boys, the topic is strictly off-limits — especially in front of their moms. But if you have a son, it’s important that he knows to tell you or a health care provider if …
Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
We’ve all heard of acid reflux — when stomach acids move up into the esophagus and cause a burning sensation — but there can be other types of reflux in the body. When urine (pee) refluxes from the bladder to the kidneys, it’s called vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). Vesicoureteral (ves-ih-koe-yoo-REE-ter-ul) reflux …
When Your Child Has a Chronic Kidney Disease
Parents of kids who are diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease have many questions about what might happen next, how their child might feel, and what treatments are likely to be involved. Four major areas of concern are blood pressure, diet, anemia (low red blood cell count), and growth. Kids may feel …
When Your Child Needs a Kidney Transplant
Being told that your child needs a kidney transplant may leave you feeling scared, angry, or confused. You might not fully understand why your child needs a new organ or where it will come from. Just thinking about the months ahead may fill you with dread and worry. But, fortunately, …