Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
What is Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR)
Vesicoureteral Reflux, or VUR, is a common condition where urine flows backward from the bladder up toward the kidneys.
Normally, tiny, one-way valves keep the urine moving in the correct direction. With VUR, these valves don’t close tightly enough.
Why It Matters
When urine flows backward, it can carry bacteria and cause Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). If the VUR is severe, frequent UTIs can sometimes lead to kidney damage or scarring. VUR is most common in babies and young children.
Symptoms
Often, there are no symptoms until a child gets a UTI.
Watch for signs of a UTI, such as:
- Pain or burning while urinating (peeing)
- Frequent urination (peeing often)
- Fever
- Cloudy or smelly urine
- Abdomen or back pain
In infants, symptoms can be fussiness, poor appetite, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Diagnosis
Doctors use special tests to diagnose VUR:
- VCUG (Voiding Cystourethrogram): This is an X-ray where a small tube (catheter) is placed temporarily into the bladder to add a special liquid (dye). This allows the doctor to see if the urine flows backward.
- Ultrasound: This uses sound waves to create pictures of the urinary tract.
Types and Treatment
VUR is divided into five stages (Grades 1-5).
Severity |
Grades |
Treatment |
| Mild | VUR Grades 1, 2, 3 | Often goes away on its own as the child grows. May be treated with preventative antibiotics and close monitoring. |
| Severe | VUR Grades 4, 5 | May require surgery to repair the valve or fix an underlying blockage. |
Your child’s pediatric urologist will discuss the best treatment for your child, which depends on their age and severity of the VUR.