Dear Toni,
Your symptoms may be caused by
vesicoureteralVesicoureteral reflux refluxGastroesophageal reflux disease
Gastroesophageal reflux in infants
Hiatal hernia repair
Reflux nephropathy
Vesicoureteral reflux.
Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is a condition where urine from the bladder flows back up into the ureter.due to a congenital defect at the ureterovesical junction (where the ureter inserts into the bladder) or from high pressure within the bladder. The latter can be caused by bladder outlet obstruction (usually in males), neurogenic bladder (from spinal cord injury, diabetes, multiple sclerosis), bladder instability, or bladder infection(which can cause decreased bladder compliance). Reflux most commonly occurs in children, and it affects females predominantly. The majority of people with reflux are asymptomatic. However, one may have symptoms of a urinary tract infection and abdominal or flank pain with a full bladder. Prolonged VUR can result in renal scarring, pyelonephritis (infection of the kidney), hypertension, and renal failure. Initial diagnostic work up include a complete history and physical exam, a urine analysis and culture, renal ultrasound, and a VCUG. Medical (antibiotics/ bladder muscle relaxant) and surgical treatments can be offered for those with VUR depending on the etiology and severity of the disease.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653 6568).
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-TP
*Keyword: vesicoureteral reflux