Symptoms of Reflux
Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR) is said to occur in 1-2% of healthy children, although some believe that this number may actually be higher. There could be a number of children with low grade reflux that never have symptoms, and may never know that they have the condition.
The most common symptom of VUR is urinary tract infection. About one third of children that present with UTI are found to have VUR. (reference)
The UTI, while uncomfortable, is not dangerous by itself. When coupled with VUR, it can become quite dangerous because the bacteria in the infected urine can then travel back up the ureter and into the kidney, which can cause the kidneys to become infected (pyelonephritis). A kidney infection can be dangerous, because the infection can cause renal scarring, and permanent damage to the kidney. Because of the potential for damage to the kidneys, it is important to have children evaluated further after UTI, especially when accompanied by nausea and/or fever (both of which can signify that the infection has moved into the kidneys). And especially young children under the age of two. Infants should always be evaluated for UTI if there is a high fever and no obvious explanation (no rash, virus, etc.).
Other symptoms can include:
- Bedwetting
- Hydronephrosis
- Failure to thrive
- High blood pressure
- Nausea and vomiting
- Proteinuria
What is Kidney Reflux?
How is Reflux Graded?
Symptoms of Reflux
Testing for Reflux
Treatment for Reflux