The main symptoms of hydronephrosis in children

The main symptoms of hydronephrosis in children include frequent urination, painful urination, distending pain in the lower back, swollen abdomen, and may be accompanied by fever, loss of appetite, and even growth retardation in severe cases. It is necessary to seek medical attention in time to identify the cause and avoid delaying treatment.

1 Abnormal urinary tract manifestations

Hydronephrosis can cause problems with urinary tract function, such as frequent urination, urgency, pain, or urinary retention. Some children may have difficulty urinating due to obstructed urine excretion, or blood may be found in the urine. It is very important to continue to observe your child's urination. If you find obvious abnormalities, you need to take your child to the urology department for an ultrasound examination to determine whether there is hydronephrosis or other urinary tract problems.

2. Pain or swelling in the waist and abdomen

Hydronephrosis can cause kidney expansion, which may cause pain or a feeling of pressure in the waist or abdomen. Infants and young children may not be able to accurately express the pain, but parents can observe whether the child often cries, refuses to be held, and lies on one side. Older children may describe a dull pain or distension in the waist and abdomen, and need to be alert to the possibility of hydronephrosis.

3 Symptoms of infection

Hydronephrosis can easily induce urinary tract infection, which manifests as systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. Especially when there are repeated high fevers or unexplained infections, the kidney and urinary tract system should be examined to detect whether there is hydronephrosis or infection. Blood and urine tests and renal function assessments are necessary screening methods.

4. Abnormal growth and development

Long-term hydronephrosis may have a negative impact on children's physical development, such as slow weight gain and substandard height development. This is usually due to metabolic disorders caused by impaired renal function. If a child's growth curve deviates from normal during a physical examination, further investigation should be conducted to determine whether it is caused by a chronic disease such as hydronephrosis.

If you suspect your child has symptoms of hydronephrosis, you should seek a specialist evaluation as soon as possible and develop a reasonable treatment plan in combination with imaging examinations. For mild cases, regular follow-up observation may be required, while severe cases may require intervention measures such as catheter drainage surgery. A healthy diet and regular follow-up are the key to follow-up management and can ensure that the disease is effectively controlled.