Preparing for an appointment

Doctors usually discover vesicoureteral reflux as part of follow-up testing when an infant or young child is diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. If your child has signs and symptoms, such as pain or burning during urination or a persistent, unexplained fever, call your child's doctor.

After evaluation, your child may be referred to a doctor who specializes in urinary tract conditions (urologist) or a doctor who specializes in kidney conditions (nephrologist).

Here's some information to help you get ready, and what to expect from your child's doctor.

What you can do

Before your appointment, take time to write down key information, including:

• Signs and symptoms your child has been experiencing, and for how long
• Information about your child's medical history, including other recent health problems
• Details about your family's medical history, including whether any of your child's first-degree relatives — such as a parent or sibling — have been diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux
• Names and dosages of any prescription and over-the-counter medications that your child is taking
• Questions to ask your doctor

For vesicoureteral reflux, some basic questions to ask your child's doctor include:

• What's the most likely cause of my child's signs and symptoms?
• Are there other possible causes, such as a bladder or kidney infection?
• What kinds of tests does my child need?
• How likely is it that my child's condition will get better without treatment?
• What are the benefits and risks of the recommended treatment in my child's case?
• Is my child at risk of complications from this condition?
• How will you monitor my child's health over time?
• What steps can I take to reduce my child's risk of future urinary tract infections?
• Are my other children at increased risk of this condition?
• Do you recommend that my child see a specialist?

Don't hesitate to ask additional questions that occur to you during your child's appointment. The best treatment option for vesicoureteral reflux — which can range from watchful waiting to surgery — often isn't clear-cut. To choose a treatment that feels right to you and your child, it's important that you understand your child's condition and the benefits and risks of each available therapy.

What to expect from your doctor

Your child's doctor will perform a physical examination of your child. He or she is likely to ask you a number of questions as well. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over points you want to spend more time on. Your doctor may ask:

• When did you first notice that your child was experiencing symptoms?
• Have these symptoms been continuous or do they come and go?
• How severe are your child's symptoms?
• Does anything seem to improve these symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your child's symptoms?
• Does anyone in your family have a history of vesicoureteral reflux?
• Has your child had any growth problems?
• What types of antibiotics has your child received for other infections, such as ear infections?