• How do you know there is something wrong with your kidneys?

I suspect that my son has issues with his kidneys based on bathroom issues and fatigue. How do you know there is something wrong with your kidneys?

3 Answers

  • Internist
  • Camden, NJ

Swelling of the face or legs, fatigue, frothy or foamy urine should raise concern.

  • Nephrologist (Pediatric)
  • London, Ontario

Dear worried family,

The diagnosis of kidney disease may be quite challenging. One may lose up to 80% of kidney function with only very minimal symptoms. The need to drink and pee at night and large water intake may be the only symptoms for years. Fatigue is actually a late symptom. I would seek the attention of your GP or pediatrician. A blood test and a urine test should be done. The most helpful tests in urine would a urinalysis and a microalbumin/creatinine ratio. Especially if protein was found in the urine, this would be concerning and needs to be studied further. For the blood tests, extended electrolytes including a bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium and phosphate level, urea, creatinine and full blood count should be considered. Again, abnormal findings warrant further workup and possibly a referral to a pediatric nephrologist. Unfortunately, you did not specify what exactly the symptoms are, but urinary crystals or kidney stones are also to be considered, and a kidney ultrasound would be helpful.

Kind regards,

Guido Filler, MD, PhD, FRCPC

  • Nephrologist (Kidney Specialist)
  • San Angelo, Texas

See your pediatrician

Copyrights © 2021 by TODAY'S NURSE. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy