About this topic
The urinary tract includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Kidneys make urine. The urine drains down small tubes called ureters. They connect to the bladder. The bladder squeezes out the urine and leaves the body through the urethra. Together these parts make the urinary tract. ‚
Sometimes, urine backs up into the ureters. It may even back up into the kidneys. This is vesicoureteral reflux. It may also be called reflux or VUR. Reflux may be caused by: ‚
- A problem that is present at birth like a short ureter
- A blockage or problem in the urinary tract. This may be caused by urinary tract infections or a valve in the ureter that does not work well.
Reflux allows germs to get into the urinary tract. This can injure the kidneys. Doctors treat VUR with drugs or surgery. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- The doctor may order drugs for pain and to prevent infection. Make sure to take all the drugs ordered by the doctor.
- If you had surgery, talk to the doctor about how to care for your cut site. Ask the doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to normal activities like work, driving, or sex
- Be sure to wash your hands before touching your wound or dressing.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water to help prevent infection.
- Always wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
- Do not hold back your urine. Go to the bathroom every 2 to 3 hours.
- Pass urine often and empty your bladder fully.
- Double void. This means that after you empty your bladder, you wait a moment and try to go again. Do not strain or push to empty.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If you have stitches or staples, you will need to have them taken out. Your doctor will often want to do this in 1 to 2 weeks.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Help with pain
- Prevent or fight an infection
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Avoid drinks with caffeine like soda, tea, or coffee. These may bother your bladder.
- Eat healthy foods that are low in salt and sugar.
What problems could happen?
- Urinary tract infection
- Kidney failure
- Wound infection
- Bleeding
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or pain when passing urine.
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Bad pain in the back, sides, or belly
- Little urine or no urine is noted for 6 hours
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my cut site.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever; pain in my back, belly, or sides; or little or no urine for 6 hours.
Where can I learn more?
American Urological Association Foundation ‚
http://www.urologyhealth.org/urology/index.cfm?article=55 ‚
National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/vesicoureteralreflux/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚