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. In children, when the ureter grows, signs of VUR may go away. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask the 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 to care for your child.
- Your childs doctor may order drugs to prevent infection. Make sure to give all the drugs ordered by the doctor.
- Teach your child to wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
- Teach your child to go to the bathroom every 2 to 3 hours. This will help your child learn not to hold urine for a long time.
- If your child has had surgery, talk to the doctor about how to care for the cut site. Ask the doctor about:
- When you should change your child's bandages
- When your child may take a bath or shower
- If your child needs to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When your child may go back to normal activities like school or sports
- Keep your child's wound clean and dry for the first 24 hours after surgery. Do not let your child touch the wound or dressing if hands are dirty. Wash your hands before changing the dressing.
- Change your child's underwear or diaper when stained or as needed.
- You may need to learn about intermittent catheterization to help your child get rid of urine. The doctor will teach you how to do this if it is needed.
What follow-up care is needed?
- The doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your childs progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- If your child has stitches or staples, they will need to be 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 prevent or fight an infection. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your childs activity for a few days. Talk to the doctor about the right amount of activity for your child. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Do not give your child drinks with caffeine like soda or tea. These may bother the bladder.
- Give your child healthy foods to eat that are low in salt and sugar.
What problems could happen?
- Urinary tract infection
- Renal 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 your child is feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you about your child. 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 childs condition.
- I can tell you how to care for my child's cut site.
- I can tell you what I will do if my child has a fever; pain in the 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 ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/kids/toileting/vesicoureteral-reflux-in-children.printerview.html ‚
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. ‚