The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that are the size of your fist and sit in the middle of your back. The function of your kidneys is to filter and remove waste products and extra water from your body. These waste products flow through tiny tubes that lead to the bladder and are excreted out of your body as urine. Damage will result in kidneys that are unable to remove all the waste products from the body.
Pain with Urination
Pain with urination may not be obvious if your child is too young to speak. According to Seattle Children's Hospital, babies may cry regularly when they urinate and older children may complain of burning or stinging when they pass urine. Pain with urination is most commonly associated with urinary tract infections and kidney infections in older children or boys. Girls can develop an irritation of the external genitals from bubble baths or soapy water, also leading to pain with urination.
Flank Pain
According to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, pain in the side or small of the back can be caused by kidney disorders. Occasionally the pain may travel to the center of the abdomen and is caused by swelling in the kidney itself.
Swelling
Swelling over the whole body is generally attributed to a kidney disease called nephrosis. The swelling develops gradually and may first go unnoticed. According to Children's Memorial Hospital, the swelling is a result of retaining fluid when the kidneys are unable to filter out all of the excess water and waste products. In the beginning, your child may look heavier or have puffiness in his face in the morning. As the disease progresses, you will notice persistent swelling in the face, legs and genital area. Your child may appear to have outgrown his clothing, and socks and belts will leave indentations in the skin.
Increased Urination
Increased urination may be noticed during the daytime hours or be exhibited as bed wetting at night. According to Drs. Anna Lincoln and Karyn Collins, this can be a symptom of a urinary tract infection or kidney infection. Increased urination as the first sign of kidney disease is rare but can be the result of a kidney infection that subsequently infects the bladder.
Change in Color
The urine is normally nearly colorless and without strong odor. When concentrated the urine can be deeply yellow but any color other than yellow is not normal. According to Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. if there is bleeding in the kidney, ureter or bladder the urine can be brown in color. Cloudy urine can be the result of a kidney or bladder infection. The odor of your child's urine can vary depending upon food, medicines and vitamins they are taking. Except in rare metabolic instances, a different odor is not a symptom of kidney disease.
