Question:
Hi, my daughter is 4 years old and her doc told me her kidney has a different shape. 1 out of 500 can have that. I just need to know how dangerous it is and what special I should do for her. Please reply me in detail.
Answer:
Abnormal Renal Shape
Altered renal shape is a fairly rare condition. The most common deformity is a ‘horse shoe shaped kidney’ which occurs due to deformed fusion of the kidney. It is characterized by a band of renal tissue across the middle of the abdomen which connects the lower poles of the kidney.
Individuals with this abnormality are prone to infection, stone formation and obstruction in the flow of urine. Here are a few tips and special precautions to be followed:
- Firstly, ensure that your child drinks lots of fluids. A minimum of three liters of water or fluids are required to ensure that the kidney functions adequately. This will also avoid the possibility of stone formation or infections
- In case urinary tract infection is detected, it should be treated immediately. Antibiotics would be required in such a situation.
- Reduce the intake of calcium supplements. Excessive calcium intake may result in the formation of stones in the kidney.Instead ensure that the diet is rich in calcium. Include fresh fruits, figs, cashew nuts, milk and milk products in the diet.
- Ensure that the use of supplements is kept to the bear minimum or as per the necessity. The excess of supplements are eliminated through the kidney are can cause the kidney to work overtime.
- Finally, ensure that you get your child evaluated on a regular basis. This will aid in early detection of any abnormal functions of kidney and help in the prompt management of the condition.