Children and Kidney Disease

Some diseases and conditions put children at risk for kidney disease. Just like for adults, a urine test is used to check for kidney disease before symptoms appear. Learn about the risk factors, urine test, and treatment for kidney disease below.

What do the kidneys do?

Your child has two kidneys. Their main job is to filter wastes and extra water from the blood. Wastes and water pass through the kidneys and leave the body as urine. The kidneys also make hormones that help the body make blood and keep the bones strong.

 What is kidney disease?

Infections or other health problems can cause kidney disease. When a child has kidney disease, the kidneys may not work normally. This may lead to high blood pressure or a harmful buildup of wastes in the body.