Vesicoureteral reflux is an alteration in which urine reaching the bladder returns to the ureter increasing the risk of developing a urinary tract infection, a situation that is usually identified in children, in which case it is considered a congenital alteration and is caused by a failure of the mechanism that prevents the return of urine.
Therefore, because urine also carries microorganisms in the urinary tract, it is common for the child to develop signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection, such as pain when urinating and fever, and it is important for the child to perform imaging tests to evaluate the functioning of the system.It is then possible to complete the diagnosis and begin proper treatment.
- Vesicoureteral reflux is most often caused by a failure of the mechanism that prevents the return of urine after reaching the bladder.
- Which occurs during the child’s development during pregnancy and is therefore considered a congenital alteration.
However, this may also be due to genetic factors, bladder dysfunction or urinary flow obstruction.
This alteration is usually identified by imaging tests, such as x-rays of the bladder and urethra, called urination urretrocistography.This test is requested by your pediatrician or urologist when signs and symptoms of urinary tract infection or kidney inflammation, called skinonephritis, are observed.In some cases, urine may return to the kidney and cause infection and inflammation.
Depending on the characteristics observed during the scan and the symptoms of the person, the doctor may classify the vesicoureteral reflux into degrees, with:
Thus, depending on the degree of reflux, the signs and symptoms present and the age of the person, the doctor may indicate the best type of treatment.
Treatment of vesicoureteral reflux should be performed in accordance with the recommendation of the urologist or pediatrician and may vary depending on the degree of reflux, so in grade I to III reflux it is common to use antibiotics, since it is possible to reduce the symptoms associated with a bacterial infection, thus favoring the quality of life of the person.Especially when it occurs in children under 5 years of age, spontaneous healing is common.
However, in the case of grade IV and V reflux, surgery is generally recommended to improve kidney function and decrease urine return.In addition, surgical treatment may also be appropriate for people who have not responded well to antibiotic treatment or who have had recurrent infections..
It is important that people diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux are monitored regularly by the doctor, as it is possible to monitor renal function, promoting its proper functioning.