Frequently Asked Questions

A pediatric nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and managing kidney and urinary problems in children. This includes conditions such as nephrotic syndrome, urinary tract infections, blood or protein in the urine, kidney dysfunction, high blood pressure related to kidney disease, congenital kidney abnormalities, electrolyte imbalances and kidney stones.

A pediatrician provides general medical care for children. A pediatric nephrologist has additional specialized training in the diagnosis and management of kidney and urinary disorders in children. Children with complex or persistent kidney-related conditions are typically referred to a pediatric nephrologist for specialist evaluation.

You should consider a pediatric nephrology consultation if your child has been found to have blood or protein in the urine, swelling around the eyes or feet, recurrent urinary infections, abnormal kidney function tests, high blood pressure, abnormal kidney ultrasound, hydronephrosis, kidney stones, or any other kidney-related concern.

Please bring any previous medical reports, blood test results, urine test reports, ultrasound reports, and a list of current medications. If your child has been referred by another doctor, please bring the referral note as well.

Protein in the urine (proteinuria) can sometimes indicate a kidney condition. While occasional or mild proteinuria may not always require specialist care, persistent or significant proteinuria should be evaluated by a pediatric nephrologist to determine the cause and plan appropriate follow-up.

Swelling (edema) around the eyes, particularly noticeable in the morning, can be a sign of a kidney condition such as nephrotic syndrome. It results from protein loss in the urine leading to fluid retention. If your child has persistent or recurrent swelling, a medical evaluation is recommended.

Yes, children can develop high blood pressure (hypertension). While it is less common than in adults, pediatric hypertension can be associated with kidney disease, heart conditions, or other underlying causes. It often has no visible symptoms, so screening during medical visits is important.

Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney condition where the kidney's filtering units (glomeruli) leak large amounts of protein into the urine. This leads to low protein levels in the blood, swelling (especially around the eyes and feet), and elevated cholesterol. It is one of the most common kidney conditions in children and is often treatable with medication.

Many kidney conditions in children can be effectively managed with appropriate treatment and monitoring. The specific approach depends on the type and severity of the condition. Some conditions may resolve with treatment, while others may require long-term management. Early diagnosis and specialist care are important for optimal outcomes.

Depending on the clinical situation, tests may include urine analysis, blood tests for kidney function and electrolytes, kidney ultrasound, and sometimes additional specialized investigations such as a kidney biopsy in selected cases. The specific tests needed will be discussed during the consultation.

Yes, kidney ultrasound is a safe, non-invasive and painless imaging method that uses sound waves to produce images of the kidneys and urinary tract. It does not involve radiation and is commonly used to evaluate kidney conditions in children.

Many children with kidney conditions can lead active, fulfilling lives with appropriate medical care and monitoring. With proper treatment and follow-up, most children are able to attend school, participate in activities and grow normally. The key is early diagnosis and consistent specialist care.

The frequency of follow-up visits depends on the specific kidney condition and its severity. Some children may need visits every few weeks initially, while others may be followed at longer intervals. Your nephrologist will recommend a follow-up schedule based on your child's individual needs.

Not necessarily. Many common urinary problems in children, such as a single urinary tract infection or bedwetting, are managed by pediatricians. However, recurrent or complex urinary problems, or conditions involving the kidneys, may benefit from specialist nephrology evaluation and management.