Despite age, kidney disease affects both adults and children. Although, there is a certain kidney disease that affects only children. The stimulation in the body of children differs from the adults and so as the disease and the treatment. In this piece of writing, we will read about kidney disease in children and its Ayurvedic treatments.

Kidney diseases in children

The kidney is a very significant organ of the human body that has the same function in children and adults although the disease can be different. There can be genetic conditions associated with kidney disease in children along with some general disorders. Any kind of kidney disease in children until the age of 19 is called pediatric kidney disease. The rates of other kidney diseases like chronic kidney disease are less in children but it can elevate at a great pace in situations like poor nutrition consumption in children. All these diseases of kidneys are likely to affect boys more than girls.

The organs of children are highly sensitive and can react to disease quickly. Therefore, it is important to provide proper treatment to children on time. Ayurvedic treatment for kidney disease in children has a slight difference from that of adults. Sometimes children of very small age are provided with massage of Ayurvedic oil. Explained below are some kidney diseases in children.

1. Polycystic kidney disease - This is a very well known disease in adults but it also highly affects the health of children. Numerous cysts develop in the kidney and affect the major functions of kidneys in this genetic kidney disease. There are two types of PKD, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease. The latter widely affects children. Apart from kidneys, PKD transfers its cysts to liver as well.

2. Multicystic kidney disease (MKD) - When the fetus undergoes the development period and there is an abnormal formation of kidneys, it causes multicystic kidney disease. It is a kidney cystic disease in which irregular cysts damage the kidneys of the children. In a condition like this, the other working kidney handles all the functions solely and makes the child able to work normally. MKD can be diagnosed by prenatal ultrasound.

3. Fetal hydronephrosis - This is a pre-birth condition in children. During the development of a fetus, the obstruction in the urinary tract causes the broadening of the kidneys, this is fetal hydronephrosis. Another reason behind this broadening is vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), a condition when the urine flows backward to the uterus from the bladder. The condition can be dangerous and needs treatment as soon as possible. Treatment for kidney disease in children can be done by properly monitoring and clearing the urinary tract.

4. Horseshoe kidney - This is a case of renal fusion. Both kidneys of the children are attached to each other from the bottom and make the shape of the alphabet U that looks like a real horseshoe. This condition begins in the womb and majorly affects boys rather than girls. Nutrients like protein and other related minerals are accumulated in kid’s kidneys and form stones without showing any symptoms. Urgent urination, foul smell in the urine, pain while urinating, etc are some of the significant symptoms of this condition.

5. Posterior urethral valve obstruction - This obstruction affects only male children. The condition can be diagnosed prior to birth.

6. Wilms tumor - This is also known as nephroblastoma. It is a rare type of cancer that affects both children as well as adults. Although, Ayurvedic treatment for kidney disease in children can effectively treat the condition and provide children with a quality life.

Symptoms of kidney disease in children

Not every condition of the kidney in children shows symptoms easily. Although, there are some common symptoms of kidney disease in children that can be widely seen. These symptoms help the doctors to conclude about the kidney’s condition and take the required actions to the disease. Treatment for kidney disease in children can be done while keeping these symptoms in mind.

1. There can be mild or severe swelling in the hands and feet. The excess fluid buildup in children may lead to puffiness around the eyes. This condition can affect a child to an extent where moving normally will be as difficult for him as scuba diving.

2. In the condition of end-stage renal disease, children may notice a lack of appetite.

3. There will be an elevation and alleviation in the frequency of urination in children.

4. Children may face situations like bedwetting.

5. Headaches and hypertension are significant symptoms of kidney disease in children.

6. Generally, children are likely to notice the change in urine color. It may turn dark and red in color. Moreover, the red color urine indicates the presence of blood in the urine. There can be a change in the texture of urine, it can be foamy.

Ayurvedic treatment for kidney disease in children

It is a well-known fact that Ayurveda is rich with the solution to every problem associated with kidneys and any other organ of the human body. Ayurveda has a solution to the diseases of children as well. Herbs such as turmeric, palaash (Butea monosperma), Gokharu, Varuna (Crataeva nurvala), coriander, ginger, sandalwood, punarnava, Guduchi, Chandraprabha Vati, nettle leaf, chicory, dalchini, qudhali, salvia, kaasni, dandelion, asparagus, celery, marshmallow root, Crateva nurvala, and Azadirachta indica are used widely for the treatment of kidney diseases. However, not every child requires these herbs for the treatment. Herbs are less used for the treatment of kidney disease in children. Certain dietary changes are made and children are asked to stick to these changes and the changes in routine thus made.

1. It is important for the child to eat an adequate amount of protein, as it is important for the development of his or her body. Along with this, there should be a limitation to the amount of protein taken. Excess of protein in the body may turn burdensome for the kidneys and prevent kidneys from performing its function properly. Milk, fish, eggs, cheese, etc are some of the protein-rich food that needs attention before consumption.

2. Sodium intake in children depends upon the severity of the disease and age factor. Processed and junk food is filthy rich with sodium so stay away from it.

3. Treatment for kidney disease in children demands normal potassium range in the body. So keep a check on it.

4. Excess phosphorus in the body can pull down the level of calcium in bones and will make it easily breakable. Control over the consumption of phosphorus is majorly important.

5. Fluid intake in children depends on the condition of dehydration. If the body is dehydrated, hydrate it quickly and vice versa.

This blog held information of kidney disease in children and Ayurvedic treatment for the quick cure of it.