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Urine Reflux in Children

Urine reflux is also called bladder reflux or renal reflux, or technically vesicoureteral reflux (or VUR). It is a condition in which urine backs up into the ureters from the bladder. Normally, urine flows from the kidneys through the ureters and into the bladder.

  1. Significance

    • Children with multiple or chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) are sometimes tested for VUR, as it is often the cause of infections along the urinary tract and in the kidneys.

    Types

    • Primary reflux means there is a structural defect of the valve that blocks urine from backing up into the ureters from the bladder. In secondary reflux, infection has caused a block.

    Symptoms

    • UTI symptoms in infants include vomiting, lack of appetite, diarrhea, impeded growth and lethargy. Older children may complain of abdominal pain, burning while urinating, flank and back pain, and a strong need to urinate.

    Toddler and Preschooler Signs and Symptoms

    • Potty-trained toddlers and preschoolers may return to bed-wetting when they have bladder reflux. Symptoms may include protein in the urine and high blood pressure.

    Treatment

    • UTIs are generally treated with antibiotics that work to prevent infection from reaching the kidneys. Commonly prescribed antibiotics include Bactrim, Septra, Primsol, Furadantin, Macrobid and Macrodantin.

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