Kidney infections, or pyelonephritis, occur when bacteria from the bladder or lower urinary tract spread to the kidney and create an infection. Children are especially vulnerable to kidney infections because of their developing urinary tracts and because bacteria can enter the body more easily due to their smaller size. Kidney infection in child can be especially serious due to the risk of possible long-term complications, such as scarring of the kidneys or high blood pressure. Fortunately, illnesses such as these are treatable with early diagnosis and proper medical care. In this article, we will explore the sign of kidney infection in child.
Signs of kidney infection in Child:
For children, kidney infections can have more serious effects than for adults, as the body of a child is still developing. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the signs of kidney infections in children in order to act quickly. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common warning signs of a kidney infection in child.
Read More: 5 Signs That You Should Visit A Urologist Soon!
1. Painful Urination:
One of the most telling signs of a kidney infection in a child is pain or a burning sensation during urination. In some cases, children may also experience frequent urges to urinate even if there is little urine production. This can be an indication of a urinary tract infection, which can later flare up into a kidney infection.
2. Fever:
A fever is often one of the earliest signs of a kidney infection. Depending on the severity of the infection, temperatures may range from mild to high. In addition to fever, chills and night sweats can also be experienced.
3. Abdominal Pain:
Kidney infections can cause pain in the lower abdominal area, either on one side or both sides. The pain can be constant, or come and go in waves.
Read More: When To See A Doctor For Kidney Stones?
4. Nausea and Vomiting:
Another sign of a kidney infection in child is nausea or even vomiting. In some cases, a child may also experience a loss of appetite.
5. Lower Back Pain:
It’s not uncommon for a child with a kidney infection to experience pain or discomfort in the lower back. This discomfort can range from mild to severe, and can be accompanied by other symptoms such as fever and nausea.
6. Bloody Urine:
Blood in the urine, also called hematuria, is another symptom of a kidney infection. The blood may be visible in the urine or only detectable through a urine test.
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7. Fatigue:
As infection sets in, a child may experience extreme fatigue. This can also be accompanied by mental confusion and irritability.
It’s important to be aware of these signs so that you can get your child the help they need. If you suspect your child has a kidney infection, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. A doctor can do a urine test and other tests to determine the exact cause of the symptoms and then prescribe the appropriate medication.
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Dr. Lokesh Sharma is a renowned the Best Urologist in Jaipur, India. He is highly experienced and qualified and specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of various urological disorders. His expertise involves editing and treating Kidney Stones, Erectile Dysfunction, Urinary Tract Infections, Male Reproductive Problems, Male Infertility, Urological Cancer, and Urinary Incontinence.
He is not just experienced, he is also a kind-hearted and sympathetic doctor. He puts his patients at ease with his warm demeanor and gentle bedside manner. Also, he deals with all cases with dignity and respect and makes sure that the patient receives the best of care and attention. He ensures that all of his patients receive the best possible treatment by offering them comprehensive pre and post-operative advice as well as rehabilitation and counseling.
FAQ:
Q.1 How serious is a kidney infection in child?
A kidney infection in a child can be a very serious medical condition. Without treatment, a child's kidney function can be damaged and in severe cases, it can even be fatal. Early diagnosis and adequate treatment can greatly reduce the severity of the condition.
Q.2 How do you rule out a kidney infection?
A kidney infection can be ruled out by conducting a physical exam, urinalysis, blood tests, and imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan. In some cases, a urine culture may be needed to identify the cause of the symptoms related to the infection.
Q.3 Are kidney infections common in children?
No, kidney infections are not common in children and usually affect adults more than children.
Q.4 Where is kidney pain in a child?
Kidney pain in a child is typically felt in the back, just below the rib cage on either side of the spine.
Q.5 What causes a sudden kidney infection?
A sudden kidney infection is typically caused by a bacterial infection that has spread from other parts of the body, such as the bladder, to the kidneys. Other possible causes include kidney stones, an obstruction in the urinary tract, or a weakened immune system.
