V-U reflux, more commonly called vesicoureteral reflux, or VUR, is a medical condition that arises when urine flows backwards from the bladder into the kidneys. Caucasian girls under the age of 2 are at the highest risk of developing V-U reflux, according to MayoClinic.com. The symptoms of V-U reflex mimic those of a urinary tract infection; a doctor should evaluate those affected to ensure receipt of appropriate antibiotic or surgical treatment.
Urination Problems
When urine is not properly excreted from the body due to V-U reflux, bacteria can replicate and accumulate along the urinary tract. Frequent urinary tract infections are a common symptom associated with this condition, Children's Hospital Boston reports. Those affected may develop a frequent urge to urinate that is accompanied by sensations of burning, pain or discomfort upon urination. While urinating, those with an infection may only pass small amounts of urine. In the absence of appropriate antibiotic treatment, a bacterial urinary tract infection can extend into the kidneys, causing a serious infection called pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis can cause extensive kidney damage, which can lead to increased blood pressure or kidney failure problems.
Bedwetting
Older children with V-U reflux may experience frequent bedwetting as a symptom of this condition, despite being potty-trained, the Corner Children's Hospital at the University of Chicago warns. V-U reflux can make it difficult for children to voluntarily control urination, which is what leads to accidental bedwetting episodes. Bedwetting can be embarrassing to certain children, especially if these episodes occur while a child is spending the night at a friend's house.
Hematuria
Bacteria along the urinary tract can inflame and irritate the ureters, the thin tubes that normally carry fluid waste from the kidneys to the bladder. Ureter inflammation may cause the excretion of small amounts of blood within the urine, a V-U reflux symptom called hematuria, MayoClinic.com reports. A parent or caregiver of a child with this condition may notice that her urine appears unusually dark or cloudy or emits a foul, strong or unusual odor.
Flu-like Symptoms
Young children and infants may experience flu-like symptoms due to V-U reflux. These flu-like symptoms may include fatigue, lethargy, fever, vomiting, diarrhea or diminished appetite. Infants with this condition may be uninterested in breast or bottle-feeding due to appetite loss, which can lead to growth delays. Children who develop these symptoms see a pediatrician as soon as possible for evaluation.
References
- Children's Hospital Boston: Vesicoureteral Reflux
- Corner Children's Hospital at the University of Chicago: Vesicoureteral Reflux
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Vesicoureteral Reflux
- Mayo Clinic: Vesicoureteral Reflux - Symptoms
- Columbia University Medical Center: Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
