Urine formed in the kidneys travels through the ureters to the urinary bladder for storage until passed from the body. The ureters contain one-way valves, which normally prevent urine backflow. Ureteral valve defects permit retrograde urinary flow from the bladder to the kidneys, a condition termed vesicoureteral reflux. Outflow obstruction from the urinary bladder may generate sufficient pressure to overcome the ureteral valves, also leading to urinary reflux. Urine backflow often causes kidney infection, which proves the most common presentation of vesicoureteral reflux.
Urinary Frequency and Urgency
Frequent, intense and difficult-to-control urges to urinate are a hallmark symptom of urinary tract infection. Among children who have successfully accomplished toilet training, urinary tract infection may cause sudden regression with daytime urinary accidents or bedwetting. "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals" notes that vesicoureteral reflux is a frequent underlying cause of urinary tract infection among infants and young children. Approximately one-third of babies and young children presenting with urinary tract infection have kidney reflux.
Dysuria
The MayoClinic.com notes that urinary tract infection typically causes dysuria, or painful urination. A burning sensation proves most common. Children who are talking may complain of pain; infants and toddlers may cry upon urination. Noticing dysuria can prove challenging in youngsters who are still in diapers.
Fever
Information provided by Penn State College of Medicine's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center states that urinary tract infection of the kidneys typically causes fever and chills. Newborn infants may not exhibit fever, or may have an abnormally low body temperature in response to a urinary tract infection.
Flank or Abdominal Pain
Kidney infection secondary to vesicoureteral reflux may cause abdominal or flank pain, advises "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals." The flank encompasses the area between the lower edge of the rib cage and the upper hip, including both the side and the back.
Irritability and Poor Feeding
Localized urinary tract infection symptoms prove difficult to discern in infants. Thus, nonspecific symptoms may provide the only clues to the presence of infection. According to information provided by MayoClinic.com, irritability, poor feeding and failure to gain weight may signal urinary tract infection and underlying vesicoureteral reflux.
High Blood Pressure
Increased pressure in the kidneys and repeated urinary tract infections due to urine backflow can cause progressive kidney damage in those with vesicoureteral reflux. Kidney damage may manifest with high blood pressure, as noted in a health information entry provided by Penn State College of Medicine's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Although vesicoureteral reflux is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, mild cases may go undetected until adulthood when the signs and symptoms of kidney disease lead to discovery of an underlying ureteral defect.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Vesicorureteral Reflux, Symptoms
- University of Virginia Health System: Vesicoureteral Reflux
- Penn State College of Medicine Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: Vesicoureteral Reflux
- Medline Plus: Reflux Nephropathy
- Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals: Ureteral Anomalies, Vesicoureteral Reflux
