Health Library

Articles In This Section

• Wilms Tumor

  Wilms tumor is a cancer of the kidneys that usually affects newborns and the very young. Fortunately, most kids with Wilms tumor survive and go on to live normal, healthy lives.

• What’s a Hydrocele? (Video)

  A hydrocele (HI-dro-seel) is a pouch of fluid around the testicle inside the scrotum. Hydroceles are common in newborns, especially in premature babies. Older boys and men can get them too.

• Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)

  This problem with the urinary tract causes urine to flow backward from the bladder to the kidneys. Most cases can be treated effectively, and many kids outgrow the condition.

• Ureteral Stent

  A ureteral stent is a small plastic tube placed inside the ureter to help pee pass from a kidney into the bladder.

• Testicular Torsion

  This emergency condition causes extreme genital pain and usually requires surgery to save a boy's testicle. If your son has groin pain, get him to a doctor right away.

• Renal Tubular Acidosis

  This kidney problem causes acid levels in the blood to become too high, causing fatigue, muscle weakness, and other kidney problems. The condition is usually treatable.

• Kidney Transplant

  If your child needs a kidney transplant, you're probably feeling lots of emotions. Fortunately, many kids who undergo kidney transplants go on to live normal, healthy lives.

• Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections and Related Conditions

  Recurrent urinary tract infections can cause kidney damage if left untreated, especially in kids under age 6. Here's how to recognize the symptom of UTIs and get help for your child.

• Peritoneal Dialysis

  This medical treatment helps people with kidney failure. It can be done at home, often overnight, to take over the kidneys' job of filtering blood.

• Nephrotic Syndrome

  Nephrotic syndrome happens when tiny filtering units in the kidneys stop working properly. This can cause weight gain and other symptoms. Most kids eventually outgrow it.

• Meatoplasty

  The treatment for meatal stenosis is a simple procedure to make the opening of the meatus bigger called a meatoplasty.

• Meatal Stenosis

  The meatus is the opening in a boy's penis where the urine (pee) comes out. Meatal stenosis is when this is too small.

• Kidneys and Urinary Tract

  The bean-shaped kidneys, each about the size of a child's fist, are essential to our health. Their most important role is to filter blood and produce urine.

• Kidney Stones

  Kidney stones mostly happen to adults, but sometimes kids and teens can get them. Find out what kidney stones are, how to treat them, and ways to help prevent them.

• Kidney Diseases in Childhood

  The kidneys play a critical role in health. When something goes wrong, it could indicate a kidney disease. What are kidney diseases, and how can they be treated?

• Hypospadias

  Hypospadias is when the urethra — the tube that drains pee from the bladder to outside the body — opens in a different place instead of at the tip of the penis.

• Hydrocele

  A hydrocele is a pouch of fluid around the testicle inside the scrotum. Hydroceles are common in newborns, especially preemies.

• Hemodialysis

  Hemodialysis is a medical treatment that uses a machine with a special filter to take waste and extra water out of the blood.

• Glomerulonephritis

  Glomerulonephritis happens when tiny filtering units in the kidneys stop working properly. Most cases get better on their own or with treatment.

• Dialysis

  Dialysis is a medical treatment that can take over the job of cleaning the blood when the kidneys can't.

• Chronic Kidney Disease

  Parents of kids who have a chronic kidney disease often worry about what might happen next, how their child feels, and what treatments are likely to be involved. Find answers here.

• Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)

  If your child has blood in the urine, don't panic. Most of the time it's not serious. Find out what causes it and what to do about it.

• Chyluria

  Chyluria is when there is chyle in the pee. Depending on what's causing it, chyluria can be treated and often can be cured.

• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

  Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) affects the adrenal glands, which make important hormones. Symptoms depend on a child's age, sex, and which hormones the adrenal glands make too little or too much of.

• Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP)

  Most kids who develop this inflammation of the blood vessels (marked by a raised red and purple rash) make a full recovery and have no long-term problems.