Kidney disease in children usually isn’t caused by one everyday habit. But some habits, like holding urine too often, not drinking enough fluids, eating too much salt, not treating constipation, and taking medicines incorrectly, can cause urinary problems or add stress to kidneys that are already vulnerable. It’s important to distinguish the difference between a harmless occasional habit and a persistent pattern. (Author: Dr Urmila Anandh, HOD, Nephrology, Amrita Hospital, Faridabad)
Sometimes, holding your pee might not be harmful to healthy kidneys. However, if held for long periods it can interfere with normal bladder function and cause recurrent urinary tract infections especially when associated with constipation or poor bladder emptying.
Understanding Dehydration and Kidney Health
Mild dehydration does not automatically lead to kidney disease; however, it can become severe or recurrent under certain conditions. Factors such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, strenuous exercise, or exposure to extreme heat can exacerbate dehydration.
Children with existing kidney conditions or a history of kidney stones may require tailored fluid intake recommendations to maintain optimal health.
Most cases of constipation do not directly “damage” the kidneys of children. One packet of chips will not damage a child’s kidneys. The worry is that a diet consistently high in sodium can lead to higher blood pressure over time. High blood pressure is an important risk factor for kidney and cardiovascular disease in itself. However, severe or chronic constipation may impair bladder emptying and is associated with urinary symptoms and recurrent urinary tract infections (UTI) in some children. Medicines such as NSAIDs (including ibuprofen) should be taken at the correct dose and for the correct indications. They need to be used with particular caution in children who are dehydrated, vomiting, have reduced urine output, or have underlying kidney disease as kidney blood flow may be compromised. Parents should get a medical evaluation if the child has blood in the urine, persistent swelling of the eyes or legs, a significant decrease in urine flow, recurrent urinary tract infections, persistent abnormal or very foamy urine or consistently high blood pressure. The message is not to have parents worrying about every missed glass of water or bathroom stop. It’s to find persistent patterns and symptoms that need medical attention.
