Mood disturbances and a drop in energy levels can be some signs of kidney problems in children. Read on to understand how behavioral changes affect kidney health.
Most of the time, kidney-related diseases in children do not present clear symptoms and can go unnoticed. Other symptoms that can be easily recognized are those that relate to physical and biological aspects of the body, such as bloating or changes in urination pattern, but changes in behavior can also be signs of kidney problems. Therefore, having adequate awareness is essential to control ourselves and consult a medical professional in time.
Does your child’s energy level drop regularly? Are there too many mood swings? Don’t rule out a kidney problem.
Understanding kidney problems in children
The kidneys are integral organs and are primarily responsible for clearing waste products from the system and regulating fluids as well as some ions. Regarding kidney diseases, many diseases such as childhood congenital anomalies, infections, glomerular diseases, and genetic disorders can cause kidney dysfunction. If not intervened in time, these problems cause more complications and can affect the growth and development of children. This shows that timely diagnosis and subsequent treatment of kidney disorders are essential in addressing the condition.
Mood and behavior changes
Parents should be aware that one of the first signs that their child has kidney problems is a problem with their mood and behavior. India.com contacted urologist Dr Prakash Chandra Shetty of Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai, to better understand the relationship between kidneys and behavior in children. Dr. Shetty further explained that when the kidneys deteriorate towards functionality, waste accumulates throughout the body, and this is an aspect that can upset a child emotionally. This could be in the form of tantrums or elevated energy levels in the child or, in extreme cases, parents may begin to notice signs of depression or anxiety in their child. These mood changes can cause a lack of desire in matters that previously interested the patient or even cause loneliness. Here are some mood swings that may need your immediate attention.
- Irritability or mood swings, especially for long periods of time.
- Persistent fatigue or lethargy.
- Obvious alterations in sleeping and eating routines.
- Unexplained pain or discomfort
- These are attention problems; which is mainly the inability to concentrate
- Sleeping problems
- Appetite variation
Energy levels and fatigue
Another behavioral alteration related to kidney disease is tiredness with decreased energy levels and exhaustion. Furthermore, if the kidneys are not healthy, this means that the body lacks the usual bursts of energy and is always fatigued. Some of the symptoms that children with kidney problems experience are reduced activity levels, delayed ability to perform normal, usual activities, and general lethargy or lack of interest.
In order to keep track of these changes, parents or caregivers should make sure to follow the child’s behavior in different areas of life, such as at home, school, or during play.
It is highly recommended to go to the pediatrician or specialist since some of these behavioral changes may be due to different diseases and complications such as kidney diseases.
Another crucial feature that can be valuable in diagnosing kidney-related problems in children is the ability to track changes in the child’s behavior, including changes in their mood and energy level. As much as these changes may seem small or informal, they are actually very informative about a child’s overall well-being. Among the most important roles that parents and caregivers have is to be vigilant and ensure that their child receives medical attention in case of possible problems, such as kidney problems, leading to appropriate early detection and treatment for the benefit of the child.
–>
