Did You Know THESE Behavioural Changes in Kids are Tell-Tale Signs of Kidney Damage?

Most of the time, kidney related diseases in children do not demonstrate clear symptoms and might go unobserved. Other symptoms that can easily be recognised are those that relate to the physical and biological aspects of the body, such as swelling or changes in the pattern of urination but changes in behaviour can also signs of kidney problems. Therefore, having proper awareness is essential to monitor ourselves and consult a medical professional on time.

Is your child’s energy level dipping regularly? Are there too many mood swings? Do not rule out kidney issue.

Understanding Kidney Problems in Children

Kidneys are integral organs and are majorly responsible for cleaning waste products from the system and regulating fluids as well as some ions. As for kidney diseases, many diseases such as congenital anomalies children, infections, glomerular disease, and genetic disorders can lead to the dysfunction of the kidneys. If not intervened early, these issues cause further complications and may affect growth and development in children. This shows that timely diagnosis and subsequent management of kidney disorders is paramount in addressing the condition.

Mood and Behavioural Changes

The parent needs to be aware that one of its early signs that their child has issues with his/her kidneys is a problem with his/her mood and behaviors. India.com got in touch with Dr. Prakash Chandra Shetty Urologist from Dr. L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai, to better comprehend the relation between kidney and behaviour in kids. Dr. Shetty further elaborated that when the kidneys deteriorate towards their functionality, then wastes accumulate throughout the body, and this is an aspect that can upset a child emotionally. This could be in form of temper tantrums or raised energy levels in the child or in extreme cases, the parent may begin to notice signs of depression or anxiety in their child. These mood changes can cause lack of desire in the affairs that used to interest the patient or even result in loneliness. Here are few mood changes that may need your immediate attention.

• Irritability or mood swings especially over long periods of time
• Persistent fatigue or lethargy
• Ostensible alterations in sleep and eating routines
• Unexplained pain or discomfort
• It concerns impaired attention; which mainly is the inability to concentrate
• Sleep problems
• Appetite Variation

Energy Levels and Fatigue

Another behavioural alteration linked with Kidney diseases is tiredness with decreased energy levels and exhaustion. Further, if the kidneys are not healthy, this implies that the body lacks the usual bursts of energy, and it is always fatigued. Some of the symptoms that are experienced in children with kidney problems are lowered activity levels, delayed ability to get through regular and normal activities, and general lethargy or lack of interest.

To be able to track these changes, the parents or the caregivers should ensure that they follow the child’s behaviour in different areas of life like at home, school or at play time.

It is very advisable for one to go and see a pediatrician or a specialist since some of these changes in behavior may be as a result of different diseases and complications such as kidney diseases.
Another crucial feature that may be valuable in diagnosing problems related to kidney in children is the ability to track the changes in the child’s behavior, including the changes in their mood and energy level. As much as these may seem like small or informal shifts, they are actually highly informative as to a child’s general well-being. Among the most important roles parents and caretakers have is being watchful and ensure their child receives medical attention in case of possible problem such as kidney issues thus leading to proper early detection and management for the benefit of the child.