The major role of the Kidneys is to remove waste from the body and maintain the balance of body fluids/electrolytes. If the kidneys fail to function for the child, any kidney impairment will likely be evidenced differently than by a child without CKD. Therefore, the sooner CKD is diagnosed, the better chance for treatment to be effective.
Fever is a response from the body to produce heat due to infection or pain. If a child has CKD, they may develop a fever because of a urinary tract infection or have a reduced immunity to infection because of dialysis/end-stage renal failure.
1. Early detection of fever in a CKD child will lead to early detection of possible infection.
2. Early detection of infection will help to slow the progression of kidney disease.
3. Babbling body temperatures mean that the body is under duress due to infection or illness. If a child is found to have CKD, it is extremely important that they be evaluated by a licensed physician for assessment of fever and determination of the appropriate course of treatment.
Swelling of the face, hands or feet
Lack of energy/exhaustion
Not eating well