Who Does Vesicoureteral Reflux Affect?
Vesicoureteral reflux is most commonly diagnosed in infancy and childhood after the patient has a
urinary tract infection (
UTI). About one-third of children with UTIs are found to have vesicoureteral reflux. Vesicoureteral reflux can lead to infection because urine that remains in the child's urinary tract provides a place for bacteria to grow. However, infection can also cause vesicoureteral reflux.
Types of Vesicoureteral Reflux
There are two types of vesicoureteral reflux: primary vesicoureteral reflux and secondary vesicoureteral reflux.
Primary vesicoureteral reflux occurs when a child is born with an impaired valve where the ureter joins the bladder. This happens if the ureter did not grow long enough during the child's development in the womb. In primary vesicoureteral reflux, the valve does not close properly, so urine backs up (refluxes) from the bladder to the ureters, and eventually to the kidneys. As the child ages, this type of vesicoureteral reflux can get better or it can disappear altogether.
Secondary vesicoureteral reflux, also known as a reflux of urine to the kidneys, occurs when there is a blockage in the urinary system. This blockage may be caused by an infection in the bladder that leads to swelling of the ureter.
Symptoms of Vesicoureteral Reflux
Infection is the most common symptom of vesicoureteral reflux. As the child gets older, other vesicoureteral reflux symptoms may appear which include:
Diagnosing Vesicoureteral Reflux
In order to diagnose vesicoureteral reflux, patients will need to take a urine test. However, more than one of the following imaging tests may also be needed.
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