Fact Checked
Overview
- Having kidney problems affects kids in several ways. Kids might need to take medications and modify their diet.
- They can also be faced with problems at school.
- It can be useful for parents to chat to people such as a clinical psychologist or social worker.
- Other support groups might also be able to offer support and assistance.
Development
- The kidneys act as a vital function in a child’s growth, so kids with kidney disease might not develop as well as their peers.
- To make the issue even worse, their disease can make them feel ill, change their sense of taste and decrease their desire for food.
- It’s vital to make certain that kids with kidney disease get sufficient nutrition.
- Chat to your child’s physician about ways to help increase growth.
- Taking supplements and regulating some foods while consuming more carbohydrates and fats to boost calorie intake can help. Some kids benefit from inoculations containing a growth hormone.
Kidney Problems And Sport
- It’s fine to be overprotective of an ill child. In general, though, sport and workouts is good for kids with kidney disease.
- Keep in mind, though, that they might get exhausted more quickly than their friends.
- Inspire your child to do all the sports their friends do. If your kid is on dialysis, swimming may not be possible.
- In some instances, predominantly after a kidney transplant, kids should also stay away from contact sports.
Kids Refusing To Take Their Medication
- Taking medications is part of life for most kids suffering from kidney disease.
- They can find this draining and can stop their medications.
- Kids, particularly teenagers, might stop taking their medications because they can cause unappealing changes in appearance.
- Chat to them about why taking their medications is essential for their health and what the health consequences are if they don’t. Be wary not to alarm your child into taking their medication.