Kidney Function Tests in Children: When Are They Need?

A Simple Guide for Parents to Understand Children’s Kidney Health

Every parent wants their child to stay healthy. However, some health problems may not show clear signs at first. Kidney problems are one of them.

The kidneys are important organs in the body. They play an essential role in keeping us healthy. Clean the blood, remove waste products and, at the same time, control the amount of water in the body. They also help keep important minerals at the right levels.

Therefore, kidney function tests help doctors check whether a child’s kidneys are working properly. These tests can also help find kidney problems at an early stage.

Moreover, if your child has swelling, changes in urine, high blood pressure or repeated urine infections (UTIs), the doctor may recommend kidney function tests.

Additionally, at Aarogya Hospital, Chandigarh, parents can get medical advice for their child’s health concerns, including problems related to kidney health.

What Are Kidney Function Tests in Children?

Kidney function tests are medical tests that check how well the kidneys are working.

These tests check the blood and urine for waste and other substances.

Moreover, these tests help doctors detect kidney problems, monitor existing conditions and choose the right treatment for the child.

The doctor will choose the tests based on your child’s age, symptoms and health.

When Do Children Need Kidney Function Tests?

Not every child needs kidney tests. However, a doctor may suggest these tests if a child has certain symptoms or health problems.

1. Swelling Around the Eyes, Hands or Feet

Swelling around the eyes, especially in the morning, can sometimes be a sign of kidney problems.

Some children may also have swelling in their feet, ankles or other parts of the body.

In such cases, the doctor may suggest blood and urine tests. These tests help check if there is protein in the urine or another kidney problem.

2. Frequent Urine Infections (UTIs)

Furthermore, repeated urine infections may sometimes indicate problems with the kidneys or urinary system.

Look for these signs:

• Fever with urine problems.
• Pain or burning while passing urine.
• Needing to pass urine again and again.
• Pain in the lower stomach.

Therefore, if your child gets frequent urine infections, the doctor may recommend further tests to check the kidneys and urinary system.

3. Changes in Urine

Similarly, changes in your child’s urine may sometimes indicate an underlying health problem.

Watch for these signs:

• Passing less urine than usual.
• Blood in the urine.
• Very dark or foamy urine.
• Pain while passing urine.
• Passing urine more often than normal.

If you notice any of these changes, speak to a doctor.

4. High Blood Pressure in Children

High blood pressure can also happen in children.

Additionally, kidney problems can sometimes lead to high blood pressure. On the other hand, high blood pressure can also damage the kidneys over time.

If your child’s blood pressure is high more than once, the doctor may suggest kidney function tests.

5. Family History of Kidney Problems

Some kidney problems can run in families.

Similarly, if a close family member has an inherited kidney disease, the doctor may recommend kidney tests for your child.

These tests can help find possible problems early and guide further care.

6. Diabetes or Other Health Problems

Some long-term health problems can affect the kidneys.

Furthermore, children with certain medical conditions may need regular kidney check-ups to monitor their kidney health.

Additionally, the doctor may recommend blood and urine tests to detect early signs of kidney problems.

7. Severe Dehydration or Serious Illness

Dehydration means the body does not have enough water.

Moreover, severe dehydration, serious infections and other illnesses may also affect how well the kidneys work.

In these cases, the doctor may suggest blood and urine tests to check kidney health.

Common Kidney Function Tests for Children

To assess a child’s kidney health, doctors may recommend different types of tests.

The tests depend on the child’s symptoms and medical needs.

1. Serum Creatinine Test

This is a blood test that checks the creatinine level in the blood.

For example, creatinine is a waste product made by the muscles. Normally, healthy kidneys remove it from the blood.

A high creatinine level may mean that the kidneys are not working properly.

However, doctors also check the child’s age, muscle size and other health details before understanding the result.

2. Blood Urea Test

This blood test checks the amount of urea in the blood.

Urea is a waste product made when the body breaks down protein from food.

A high urea level may sometimes be link to kidney problems. However, dehydration and other health conditions can also affect this level.

3. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)

Similarly, the eGFR test helps doctors estimate how well the kidneys filter waste from the blood.

To calculate this value, doctors consider the child’s creatinine level, age and height.

As a result, it helps doctors understand how well the kidneys are removing waste from the body.

4. Urine Routine Test

A urine test checks for different substances in your child’s urine.

It can help find:

• Protein in the urine.
• Blood in the urine.
• Sugar in the urine.
• Signs of infection.
• Other unusual changes.

Additionally, this test helps doctors identify possible problems related to the kidneys and urinary system.

5. Urine Protein Test

Normally, healthy kidneys keep protein in the blood. Therefore, only a very small amount of protein passes into the urine.

Therefore, if protein is found in your child’s urine, the doctor may recommend further tests to check kidney health.

Additionally, a urine protein-to-creatinine test helps doctors measure the amount of protein in your child’s urine.

6. Kidney Ultrasound

Similarly, a kidney ultrasound is a simple, painless test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the kidneys.

It helps doctors check the size and shape of the kidneys.

It can also help find blockages and some problems in the kidneys or urinary system.

How to Prepare Your Child for Kidney Function Tests?

Most kidney tests need very little preparation. However, some tests may need special instructions.

Here are some simple tips for parents:

• Follow the doctor’s instructions.
• Ask if your child needs to avoid food before the test.
• Give your child normal amounts of water unless the doctor says otherwise.
• Tell the doctor about any medicines your child takes.
• Help your child stay calm before a blood test.
• Follow the correct steps when collecting a urine sample.
• Do not stop any medicine without asking the doctor.

Are Kidney Function Tests Safe for Children?

Yes, most kidney function tests are safe for children.

However, a blood test may cause slight pain or discomfort at the spot where the needle enters the skin.

Urine tests are simple and painless.

A kidney ultrasound is also painless. It does not use radiation.

The doctor will suggest these tests when they are need for your child’s health.

What Happens If Kidney Test Results Are Not Normal?

However, an abnormal test result does not always mean that your child has kidney disease.

Low water levels in the body, infections and some medicines can also change test results.

The doctor may suggest:

• Repeating the blood or urine test.
• Checking your child’s blood pressure.
• Asking about your child’s health history.
• Getting a kidney ultrasound.
• Meeting a children’s kidney specialist if needed.

As a result, these steps help doctors understand your child’s condition and decide on the right next steps.

When Should Parents Take Their Child to a Doctor?

Parents should watch for changes in their child’s health.

Speak to a doctor if your child has:

• Swelling around the eyes or feet.
• Blood in the urine.
• Repeated urine infections.
• Changes in urination.
• High blood pressure.
• Unusual tiredness or slow growth.

Get urgent medical help if your child passes very little or no urine, has severe swelling, has trouble breathing or looks very unwell.

Children’s Healthcare at Aarogya Hospital, Chandigarh

Children need proper medical care at every stage of life. Finding health problems early can help doctors provide the right care.

Aarogya Hospital, Chandigarh, is located in Khudda Lahora, near PGI Chandigarh. The hospital provides medical care for children and newborn babies.

Parents looking for children’s healthcare in Chandigarh, near Mohali and Panchkula, can visit the hospital for medical advice.

The hospital focuses on quality medical care with the support of advanced technology and proper medical checks.

If your child shows signs of a possible kidney problem, consult a doctor for advice. The doctor can guide you about the tests your child may need.

Book a consultation at Aarogya Hospital, Chandigarh, to discuss your child’s health concerns.

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