Lifestyle and home remedies

Urinary tract infections, which are so common to vesicoureteral reflux, can be painful. But you can take steps to ease your child's discomfort until antibiotics clear the infection. They include:

• Encourage your child to drink fluids, particularly water. Drinking water dilutes urine and may help flush out bacteria.
• Provide a heating pad or a warm blanket or towel. Warmth can help minimize feelings of pressure or pain. If you don't have a heating pad, place a towel or blanket in the dryer for a few minutes to warm it up. Be sure the towel or blanket is just warm, not hot, and then place it over your child's abdomen.

If bladder and bowel dysfunction (BBD) contributes to your child's vesicoureteral reflux, encourage healthy toileting habits. Avoiding constipation and emptying the bladder every two hours while awake may help.