When it comes to understanding the vital organs that constitute our body system and are the very reason for our existence, more often than not, we start our discussion by talking about our heart, lungs, brain etc. But we tend to ignore another most important organ, the significance of which we will not know until it itself shows us that yes, it is our boss too! What we are talking about here is our own Kidneys, as precious as any other organ or part of our body.
Most of us continue to be under the illusion that kidney problems arise only in the later part of our life. However, that’s not true as we continue to see lots of young children being affected by kidney disorders and even being recommended advanced treatments like dialysis or even a kidney transplant.
As Dr.Nitin Nayak M, Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist & Transplant Physician - Dept of Nephrology, NU Hospitals and one of the best Paediatric Nephrologist in Bangalore says, “Analysis of Kidney Health should begin at younger ages to avoid kidney problems and dialysis at later stages”
As Nephrology is a branch of medicine that focuses on Kidney disorders, their causes and treatment, Paediatric Nephrology does the same with respect to small children to adolescents.
What does a Paediatric Nephrologist do?
Paediatric Nephrologists are medical experts who attend to kidney diseases in children. They treat children from infancy to late adolescence. According to eminent doctors working with NU Hospital, rated as the Best Nephrology Hospital in Bangalore, kidney problems in children can be as complicated as they are observed in older people.
Problems such as diabetes and hypertension affecting the kidneys, is rare among children. Certain problems such as congenital anomalies of the kidneys/ urinary tract and genetic diseases affecting the kidneys, are unique to children. If these conditions are detected and treated early, it could prevent many kidney problems in the future. Paediatric Nephrologists have special skills and experience in diagnosing and treating kidney disorders, bladder problems, kidney stones and even urinary tract infections in children. They work in close association with the Pediatric Urologists in treating children with urinary tract and bladder problems, which could potentially affect the kidneys, if left undetected or untreated.
Paediatric Nephrologists also manage children with acute kidney disease, chronic kidney disease and treat the associated anemia, hypertension, mineral bone disease, growth failure and infections. Managing the vaccination and nutritional challenges in children with kidney disease, is also an important part of the paediatric nephrologists’ work. They also perform renal transplants in children who have end stage renal disease, for whom, getting a renal transplant is the only hope to return to normal routine and avoid dialysis.
Who may require the services of a Paediatric Nephrologist?
According to Dr. Nitin Nayak M, Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist & Transplant Physician - Dept of Nephrology, NU Hospitals, children with the following symptoms should seek a consultation with the pediatric nephrologist and/ or pediatric urologist:
- Poor urinary stream.
- Dribbling of urine.
- Recurrent urinary infections.
- Recurrent flank pain.
- Blood in urine.
- Kidney stones.
- Reduced urine output.
- Children with high blood pressure.
- Swelling of the eyes, face and legs.
If you observe any of these symptoms in your child, see your paediatric nephrologist immediately!
Those children with malfunctioning kidneys will need periodic follow-up with a paediatric nephrologist to prevent/ slow the disease progression and avoid complications.
Excellent Pediatric Nephrology- Urology Services at NU Hospitals
NU Hospital, is the Best Nephrology Hospital in Bangalore. It has served adults and children successfully for many decades. The hospital has a robust paediatric nephrology and urology team, with vast experience and proven track record in treating children with complex kidney and bladder problems. The team is led by the very dependable and trusted Dr. Nitin Nayak M, Consultant Paediatric Nephrologist & Transplant Physician, and Dr. Prasanna Venkatesh, Senior Consultant Paediatric Urologist & Managing Director, NU Hospitals.
The efficient team well supported by an immaculate infrastructure, including facilities for pediatric dialysis, CAPD and pediatric renal transplantation. Our pediatric team excels in the following services for children:
- Treatment of nephrotic syndrome
- Treatment of acute glomerulonephritis
- Treatment of renal tubular disorders
- Treatment of birth defects in the kidneys, including abnormally developed kidneys
- Kidney Biopsy
- Evaluation and management of recurrent stone formers.
- Surgical treatment of complex urological conditions such as obstructive uropathy, pelvi-ureteric junction obstruction, vesico-ureteric reflux and posterior urethral valves.
- Management of Acute Kidney Injury and Chronic Kidney Disease
- Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring
- Treatment of pediatric hypertension
- Paediatric Dialysis
- Kidney transplantation
According toDr. Nitin Nayak M, although kidney problems in children are rare, they do occur, and can cause significant morbidity and even mortality if not diagnosed and treated early. Most children with kidney disease present to the hospital only in advanced kidney failure, at which stage, dialysis and renal transplant are the only options available for these children. Prompt identification and early referral of children with kidney disease to a pediatric nephrologist can make a big difference in the lives of these children.
Final Note
Paediatric Nephrology cases can get complex if not attended to immediately. Sometimes it might even require surgery. However, if a timely visit to NU hospitals Bangalore, which is a proven name forpaediatric nephrology care, is made, then your problems can be minimized and even solved.
The Pediatric Nephrology team lead by Dr. Nitin Nayak M has brought smiles to the faces of many children with their medical expertise and compassionate care. At NU Hospitals, we offer full paediatric nephrology services as we have all the infrastructure and technology that is required in place.
