Symptoms

Urinary tract infections commonly occur in people with vesicoureteral reflux. A urinary tract infection (UTI) doesn't always cause noticeable signs and symptoms, though most people have some.

These signs and symptoms can include:

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• The need to pass small amounts of urine frequently
• Cloudy urine
• Fever
• Pain in your side (flank) or abdomen

A UTI may be difficult to diagnose in children, who may have only nonspecific signs and symptoms. Signs and symptoms in infants with a UTI may also include:

• An unexplained fever
• Lack of appetite
• Irritability

As your child gets older, untreated vesicoureteral reflux can lead to:

• Bed-wetting
• Constipation or loss of control over bowel movements
• High blood pressure
• Protein in urine

Another indication of vesicoureteral reflux, which may be detected before birth by sonogram, is swelling of the kidneys or the urine-collecting structures of one or both kidneys (hydronephrosis) in the fetus, caused by the backup of urine into the kidneys.

When to see a doctor

Contact your doctor right away if your child develops any of the signs or symptoms of a UTI, such as:

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Abdominal or flank pain

Call your doctor about fever if your child:

• Is younger than 3 months old and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher
• Is 3 months or older and has a fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher and seems to be ill
• Is also eating poorly or has had significant changes in mood