Bladder Reflux in Babies

Diagnosing bladder reflux in babies can be a challenge. A child's physician will refer him to a specialist. The urologist will use several hereditary markers, signs and symptoms, ultrasound and tests such as the VCUG---a voiding cystourethrogram, where dye is introduced into the urinary tract via catheterization and X-rays track the dye during urination to show if reflux is present---to make the proper diagnosis.

Untreated Reflux

• If the bladder reflux isn't diagnosed and treated, the baby might suffer from repetitive urinary tract infections, also known as UTIs. The symptoms can be as simple as a high fever, or might also include odd-smelling urine, pain when urinating or cloudy urine.

Heredity

• Bladder reflux runs in families. If one child has it, one out of three siblings will usually have it, too. A baby with a mother who has reflux will have about a 50 percent chance of having reflux.

Classification

• Reflux is measured on a scale of 1 to 5. Reflux given a grade of 1 to 2 will usually correct itself. Grade 3 reflux will sometimes resolve and will sometimes require surgery. Grade 4 and 5 reflux will usually require surgical intervention.

Preventive Measures

• A baby who is diagnosed with reflux will sometimes require a minimal dose of daily antibiotics to prevent further damage from occurring. Frequent urinary tract infections can cause permanent damage to the kidneys.

Surgery

• Surgery to correct the defective valve might be the only way to permanently fix the reflux in order to prevent permanent kidney damage. A urologist will do the corrective surgery and follow-up care.