Urinary reflux refers to the abnormal flow of urine from the kidneys to the bladders and then back to the kidneys through these tubes referred to as the ureters. Urinary system is designed in such a way that no backward flow of urine occurs from the bladders back to the kidneys hence causing massive infections (Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, par.1).
What are common causes for urinary reflux?
Urinary reflux is caused by a defect at the tip of the ureters tube that usually carries urine from the kidneys to the bladders. This defect reduces the pressure at which the urine is being pumped out of these excretory organs and therefore causing a backward flow of the urine to the kidneys. These defects can only be discovered shortly after birth of the baby.
Secondary urinary refluxes may occur to individuals of any age brackets. The major causes of these conditions are resulted by injuries on the bladders and the ureters that are usually caused during surgical operations on the individual (Estrada and Kim, par. 3).
Urinary reflux in babies commonly does not require any treatments since the ureters tubes grow as the baby is growing older. In cases where the parents opt to prevent any infections occurring on the urinary tract and finally damaging the kidneys, anti-biotic may be recommended by the doctor and regular tests are required (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, par. 4).
What are some complications if left untreated?
Urinary reflux can lead to serious damages if left untreated. Regular backward flow of urine from the bladders back up the ureters and to the kidneys may result to infections that in the long run lead to kidney failure. It has been documented that adults who experience bedwetting may be as a result of untreated urinary reflux. Patients with untreated urinary refluxes may experience high blood pressures and presence of protein in their urine (Saadeh, Sermin and Tej, Mattoo, par. 5).
Works Cited
Estrada, C. R., and E. D. Kim. "Vesicoureteral Reflux: Background, History of the Procedure, Problem." Diseases & Conditions - Medscape Reference. N.p., 2016. Web. 18 Apr. 2016.
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. "Vesicoureteral Reflux." Mayo Clinic. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2016.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. "Vesicoureteral Reflux." National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). N.p., 2016. Web. 18 Apr. 2016.
Saadeh, Sermin A., and Tej K. Mattoo. "Managing urinary tract infections."Pediatric Nephrology 26.11 (2011): 1967-1976.
