When we think of kidney disease, we often picture an older adult battling high blood pressure or diabetes. But what if the real danger is actually lurking in children? Have we misunderstood the signs? Are the kids issues undetected? Pediatric kidney disease are rarely talked about, yet they can have lifelong consequences. Unlike adults, who have clear signs, children often exhibit symptoms so subtle that even the most attentive parents and doctors could miss it.

Dr Narendra Shetty, Chief Wellness Officer at Kshemavana emphasizes, "Kidney diseases in children often go unnoticed because their symptoms mimic common childhood conditions. Early detection is key to preventing long-term complications."

The Silent Symptoms

A child who frequently wets the bed or seems tired throughout the day could very easily be dismissed by calling him "lazy" or saying that he is just "going through a phase". But what if that bedwetting is a sign of an underlying kidney disorder? What if their fatigue signals something far more serious than just a lack of sleep?

Adults show obvious symptoms like swelling, high blood pressure, or reduced urine output. However, for children, it may be easier to overlook. Poor appetite, developmental delays, and general fatigue are often attributed to other childhood conditions or simply brushed off as normal. And for infants and toddlers—who cannot verbally express their discomfort—signs like excessive crying, restlessness, or irritability are often misunderstood, delaying crucial diagnoses.

Dr. Shetty explains, "Children may not always communicate their discomfort effectively, making it crucial for parents and pediatricians to stay vigilant for subtle signs of kidney dysfunction."

The concern is that the symptoms kids go through, often falls under the same category of common childhood infections. A child suffering from frequent urinary tract infection (UTI), could actually be vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), a condition where urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidneys, potentially causing long-term damage. However, because UTIs are more common in children, the actual condition may go undetected.

Routine kidney function tests (RFTs) are rarely conducted in children unless there’s a specific reason. This lack of screening means many kidney issues remain hidden until the disease has progressed significantly, making treatment more complex and the impact more severe.

Why Pediatric Kidney Diseases Are Different?

In adults, kidney diseases are more often than note linked to lifestyle choices. However, in pediatric conditions, they are congenital or genetic. Some of the children are born with structural abnormalities that impair kidney function from the start. These conditions, if left undiagnosed can stunt physical growth. They could also delay developmental milestones and lead to long-term health complications.

Children’s kidney diseases also tend to progress differently. They may remain silent for years, only surfacing when the damage is irreversible. In contrast, adult kidney disease usually progresses slowly, with symptoms appearing over time due to factors like hypertension or diabetes.

Is Kidney Health Only About Drinking Water?

If you think like this, then you may need to think again. Maintaining a healthy kidney is more than just drinking water. It has a lot to do in what you eat and what don't you eat. A high-sodium diet can raise blood pressure, putting unnecessary stress on the kidneys. Processed foods loaded with sugar and preservatives are equally harmful. Encouraging home-cooked meals over packaged snacks can go a long way in protecting children’s kidney health.

Hydration plays a key role in maintaining kidney function. While dehydration can cause kidney stones and urinary tract infections, excessive fluid intake in children with conditions like nephrotic syndrome can lead to swelling and other complications.

But diet alone isn’t the only villain. Environmental factors—such as exposure to heavy metals in contaminated water, pesticide-laden foods, air pollution, and overuse of certain medications—can silently damage the kidneys over time. Long-term exposure to toxins like arsenic, lead, and mercury can cause severe renal impairments, yet many parents remain unaware of these hidden dangers.

Dr. Shetty warns, "Children are more vulnerable to environmental toxins than adults. Clean water, organic foods, and limiting unnecessary medications can go a long way in safeguarding their kidney health."

Chronic Kidney Disease

In children with chronic kidney disease or CKD, dialysis and kidney transplants have long been the option. However, science could do more. One breakthrough in pediatric kidney care is the recombinant growth hormone (rGH) therapy which helps improve growth in children with CKD who suffer from malnutrition and stunted development.

Emerging treatments such as stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine are also showing promise. Scientists are working on lab-grown kidney tissues that could one day replace damaged kidneys, offering new hope to children who would otherwise require transplants.

A more holistic approach is also gaining traction. Dietary changes, including a low-protein, alkaline-based diet supplemented with omega-3 fatty acids, can slow kidney disease progression. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, herbal treatments, and even specific yoga poses are being explored to complement traditional medical treatments.

The Stratus strain, also known as the ‘Frankenstein’ variant, belongs to the SARS-CoV-2 XFG and XFG.3 lineages and has been spreading swiftly across the United Kingdom, with evidence suggesting it is also circulating globally. According to recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), these variants now account for nearly 30 percent of all COVID-19 cases in England, with XFG.3 emerging as the most dominant strain.

In recent weeks, medical experts have voiced concerns that the Stratus variant might have the ability to partially evade immunity built through vaccination, potentially increasing infection risks across all age groups.

What Sets the Stratus or ‘Frankenstein’ Variant Apart?

One of the unusual symptoms linked to this strain is a hoarse or raspy voice, which doctors say was rarely reported with previous variants. “Unlike earlier strains, Stratus carries specific mutations in its spike protein that may allow it to slip past antibodies formed through prior infection or vaccination,” explained Dr. Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street general practitioner and founder of the Hannah London Clinic.

Is the Stratus Variant More Transmissible?

The XFG or Stratus strain is a member of the Omicron family and is a hybrid of two subvariants, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. This combination of genetic material helps the virus attach more tightly to human cells, making it potentially more contagious. Like other variants, it also contains several mutations that may enhance its ability to evade antibodies produced either through infection or vaccination.

Could The ‘Frankenstein’ Variant Be The Most Vaccine-Resistant?

Early reports from health authorities suggest that existing COVID-19 vaccines still provide a degree of protection against the Stratus variant. Vaccines designed for earlier strains continue to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization across multiple variants, and experts remain cautiously hopeful that they will do the same against Stratus. However, studies are ongoing to determine how much protection current vaccines actually provide against this specific strain.

As the situation develops, public health recommendations may change. Officials are urging people to follow reliable updates and continue to follow safety advice. Vaccination appointments remain widely available in the UK, and eligible individuals are encouraged to receive their doses or boosters as recommended.

What Are the Symptoms of Stratus?

The most common symptom so far appears to be a sore throat, though overall, the symptoms are similar to those caused by other COVID-19 variants. People infected with Stratus may experience:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Runny or congested nose
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

So far, XFG has not been linked to more severe illness compared to previous variants, and hospitalization rates have not shown a sharp increase, which is reassuring.

Why The Stratus Variant Still Deserves Attention

Although it does not appear to cause more severe disease, the Stratus variant is a reminder that COVID-19 continues to evolve. Vaccines remain the strongest line of defense, and researchers are continuing to study how well they perform against this strain. Staying informed through credible sources and following updated health guidance can help limit the spread and keep communities safer.

Infertility impacts millions across the globe, touching both men and women alike. According to the World Health Organization, around 17.5% of the global population, roughly one in six people, experience fertility challenges. This condition can significantly reduce or even prevent natural conception.

Yet, despite its prevalence, infertility remains clouded by myths and misconceptions, many of which unfairly place the blame solely on women. Seeking to debunk these long-held beliefs, Dr. Holly Miller, an American Board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, took to Instagram to share three important truths every woman should know about fertility.

3 Truths About Fertility Women Should Know

With the help of modern medicine and medical interventions like IVF, fertility treatment can help people boost their chances of reproducing.

Infertility Isn't Just a Woman's Issue

It’s important to understand that infertility affects both partners — it’s not solely a woman’s issue. Blaming only the woman is both unfair and inaccurate. In fact, experts find that the causes of infertility are almost evenly split between men and women.

Roughly one-third of infertility cases are linked to the woman, another third to the man, and the remaining third result from issues affecting both partners — or from causes that doctors are unable to clearly identify.

To identify the cause of infertility, both partners should undergo testing simultaneously. For men, a semen analysis — a quick and straightforward test — is often the easiest and most informative first step.

The "Wait One Year" Rule Changes with Age

Most couples automatically try to conceive for a full 12 months before they think about seeing a fertility doctor. However, the doctor emphasizes that the woman's age is the single most important factor that affects the chances of successful treatment.

If you are under 35 years old: You can safely try for a full 12 months of regular, unprotected sex before seeking a specialist.

If you are 35 or older: You should contact a specialist after only 6 months of trying without success.

If you are 40 or older: You need to see a specialist right away—as quickly as you possibly can.

The doctor explains that after age 35, the woman's egg supply starts to decline more quickly. Time is essential, so couples should strongly ask their doctors for an early referral.

"Unexplained Infertility" Often Means "Undiagnosed Problem"

When a couple is diagnosed with "unexplained infertility," which happens in about 10% to 20% of cases, it means the basic first tests did not find a clear reason. This can be upsetting, but it does not mean you can never have children. In the doctor's experience, the term "unexplained" often means there are hidden problems, such as:

• Small issues with the male partner's sperm that were missed by the basic tests.
• A hidden condition called Endometriosis, which can only be confirmed by a surgical procedure.
• Not having sexual intercourse at the best time or not often enough.

In today's corporate world, desk jobs have become the order of the day and so are the health problems associated with them. Endless typing, long hours of sitting, and poor posture are silently taking their toll on young professionals who spend most of their day glued to screens. Many don't realize that their daily work habits could trigger unexpected medical conditions.

Such a growing concern was once highlighted by Hyderabad-based neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar, who recently shared a case on X. He wrote about one such case of Riya (name changed), a 25-year-old software engineer who developed a sharp, burning pain in her elbow-a pain which began as a minor ache while typing and gradually became so severe that even lifting a teacup felt unbearable.

What was the cause of the sharp elbow pain that Riya experienced?

Riya tried everything she could think of: Rest, pain relief balms, painkillers, even switching hands while using her computer, but the pain refused to fade. When she finally decided to visit the doctor, her symptoms immediately pointed to something unexpected: Tennis elbow. The diagnosis came as a surprise, considering she had never even held a tennis racket. On examination, Dr Sudhir Kumar found the tell-tale signs of the condition, medically known as lateral epicondylitis — tenderness along the outer elbow and pain when she tried to extend her wrist. He explained that the culprit wasn’t a sport, but repetitive strain from long hours at the computer — a problem increasingly common among desk workers.

What is Tennis Elbow?

The Mayo Clinic describes tennis elbow, medically termed lateral epicondylitis, as a painful condition resulting from the overuse of muscles and tendons in the forearm. It develops where these tissues are repeatedly strained by similar wrist and arm movements, leading to tiny tears and inflammation near the elbow.

The name is misleading, and you don't have to be an athlete to get tennis elbow. As a matter of fact, most people who develop it never have used a racket. It's common for the condition to strike people in jobs that require repetitive motions: plumbers, carpenters, painters, butchers, and yes, office workers who spend hours typing or using a mouse.

The pain generally arises on the outside of the elbow, precisely at that bony prominence to which the muscles of the forearm attach. For some, the discomfort may extend into the forearm or even the wrist, making most activities quite arduous.

How Can Tennis Elbow Be Treated?

Once the diagnosis was confirmed, Dr Sudhir Kumar focused on addressing the underlying cause — repetitive stress and poor workstation ergonomics. The holistic treatment for Riya included the following:

• Avoided repetitive activities that triggered her pain.
• Adjusting the computer setup and improving posture.
• Establish a physiotherapy regimen to stretch, strengthen, and gradually build muscle endurance.
• A short course of anti-inflammatory medication

Employing a counterforce brace-a tennis elbow strap-to reduce strain in daily activities. By her six-week follow-up, Riya’s pain had completely resolved. Her grip strength was back, and she could type, lift, and exercise without discomfort. Three months later, she was symptom-free — and far more aware of how small ergonomic changes can make a big difference.