Vesicoureteral Reflux
Vesicoureteral reflux refers to the condition where urine flows backward into your ureter instead of the bladder. Often, it happens when the valve connecting the bladder and ureter doesn’t work the way it should or results from congenital disabilities or urinary tract infections. It’s also possible for VUR to cause infections because of bacterial development in your urine. Its symptoms are variable. In mild cases, the urine only goes back short distances. However, severe refluxes may result in permanent kidney damage.
Symptoms and signs of untreated vesicoureteral reflux are palpable abdominal masses resulting from swollen kidneys, unhealthy weight gain, hypertension of elevated blood pressure, kidney failure, protein in your urine, and kidney tissue scarring. For infants, symptoms may include lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. The treatment for VUR will depend on your age, medical history, overall health, and the condition’s severity and type. For primary conditions, monitoring and antibiotics may be prescribed. In specific cases, surgery may be needed.
Some complications that may arise due to the failure to seek medical treatment quickly are kidney scarring and damage, the development of hypertension, chronic kidney diseases, and eventual organ failure. Therefore, it’s recommended to consult a doctor when symptoms manifest.
