Vesicoureteral Reflux Research Paper
Vesicoureteral Reflux, Pediatric
Vesicoureteral reflux is a condition in which urine from the bladder goes back into the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder (ureters). The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower part of the abdomen. It stores urine after the urine is made by the kidneys. In severe cases of vesicoureteral reflux, urine may flow back through the ureters and into the kidneys. Vesicoureteral reflux can affect one or both kidneys and ureters.
Vesicoureteral reflux can range from mild to severe. Mild cases usually do not cause problems and do not require treatment. Children with more severe vesicoureteral reflux may have more frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially kidney infections (pyelonephritis). When …show more content…
This type can be caused by a blockage that prevents the normal flow of urine through the urinary tract. The blockage can result from various things, such as swelling caused by an infection or from an abnormal fold in the tube that empties urine from the bladder (urethra). In addition, increased pressure in the bladder from infrequent or incomplete urination can lead to vesicoureteral reflux.
RISK FACTORS
This condition occurs most often in infants and young children, but it can be found at any age. The main risk factor for vesicoureteral reflux is having a family history of the condition. The condition is seen more often in girls than in boys.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Vesicoureteral reflux often does not cause any signs or symptoms. In many cases, no symptoms appear until a UTI has developed because of the condition. Common symptoms of a UTI may include:
• Frequent urination.
• Pain or burning sensation with urination.
• An urgent need to urinate.
• Blood in the urine.
• Bedwetting or other wetting accidents.
When a UTI involves the kidneys, the child may also have other symptoms, …show more content…
○ If your child is female, teach her to wipe from front to back after a bowel movement. Each tissue should be used only once.
○ Have your child avoid bubble baths or soaking in a tub with shampoos or soaps in the bath water. These substances may irritate the urethra and can contribute to developing a UTI.
○ Have your child drink enough fluid to keep his or her urine clear or pale yellow.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• Your child has swelling of the eyes, face, ankles, or feet.
• Your child is very tired or is sleeping much more than usual (lethargy).
• Your child is making very little urine.
• Your child has a fever.
• Your child has back pain or lower abdominal pain.
• Your child has nausea or vomiting.
• Your child has blood in his or her urine.
• Your child has frequent urination.
• Your child has pain or a burning sensation with urination.
• Your child has a loss of appetite.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
• Your child has confusion or is difficult to wake up.
• Your child who is younger than 3 months old has a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or
Vesicoureteral reflux is a condition in which urine from the bladder goes back into the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder (ureters). The bladder is a hollow organ in the lower part of the abdomen. It stores urine after the urine is made by the kidneys. In severe cases of vesicoureteral reflux, urine may flow back through the ureters and into the kidneys. Vesicoureteral reflux can affect one or both kidneys and ureters.
Vesicoureteral reflux can range from mild to severe. Mild cases usually do not cause problems and do not require treatment. Children with more severe vesicoureteral reflux may have more frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs), especially kidney infections (pyelonephritis). When …show more content…
This type can be caused by a blockage that prevents the normal flow of urine through the urinary tract. The blockage can result from various things, such as swelling caused by an infection or from an abnormal fold in the tube that empties urine from the bladder (urethra). In addition, increased pressure in the bladder from infrequent or incomplete urination can lead to vesicoureteral reflux.
RISK FACTORS
This condition occurs most often in infants and young children, but it can be found at any age. The main risk factor for vesicoureteral reflux is having a family history of the condition. The condition is seen more often in girls than in boys.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
Vesicoureteral reflux often does not cause any signs or symptoms. In many cases, no symptoms appear until a UTI has developed because of the condition. Common symptoms of a UTI may include:
• Frequent urination.
• Pain or burning sensation with urination.
• An urgent need to urinate.
• Blood in the urine.
• Bedwetting or other wetting accidents.
When a UTI involves the kidneys, the child may also have other symptoms, …show more content…
○ If your child is female, teach her to wipe from front to back after a bowel movement. Each tissue should be used only once.
○ Have your child avoid bubble baths or soaking in a tub with shampoos or soaps in the bath water. These substances may irritate the urethra and can contribute to developing a UTI.
○ Have your child drink enough fluid to keep his or her urine clear or pale yellow.
SEEK MEDICAL CARE IF:
• Your child has swelling of the eyes, face, ankles, or feet.
• Your child is very tired or is sleeping much more than usual (lethargy).
• Your child is making very little urine.
• Your child has a fever.
• Your child has back pain or lower abdominal pain.
• Your child has nausea or vomiting.
• Your child has blood in his or her urine.
• Your child has frequent urination.
• Your child has pain or a burning sensation with urination.
• Your child has a loss of appetite.
SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL CARE IF:
• Your child has confusion or is difficult to wake up.
• Your child who is younger than 3 months old has a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or