Vesicoureteral Reflex
May 30, 2018 Source: Internal - karim uddin
Vesicoureteral reflex (VUR) is a condition in which urine flows back up the ureters into the kidneys. Normally, the ureters are responsible for carrying urine from the kidneys to the bladder where the urine is stored, until it is released. This condition is mostly found in children, and is usually the result of some of form of abnormality. The main symptom associated with VUR is the presence of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
The main symptoms associated with VUR are similar to those associated with a urinary tract infection. This is mainly due to the fact that many people that are diagnosed with VUR are also diagnosed with UTI. Some of the main symptoms include the constant need to urinate, presence of a fever, blood in the urine and pain in the abdomen. If these symptoms are left untreated, they can result in more complications such as hypertension, protein in urine, bed-wetting and kidney failure.
Despite being more common in younger children, there are certain risk factors that may increase your chance of being diagnosed with this condition. Certain risk factors include age, sex and family history. VUR is much more common in children aged 2 and under, and less common in children older than 2 years. Primary vesicoureteral reflex runs within the family and children whose parents had VUR, have a greater chance of developing this condition in their childhood. In addition, VUR is also more common in females than males.
An earlier indication of VUR can be detected, using a sonogram before birth, if it shows swelling of the kidneys. This condition is more commonly known as hydronephrosis, and can transform into VUR after birth. If any of the aforementioned symptoms or signs are diagnosed, call your doctor immediately as leaving these conditions untreated can lead to more complications and conditions that could have been prevented.
