Reflux Nephropathy

Reflux nephropathy is the condition where urine flows back up from the bladder towards the kidneys rather than out of the body. Sometimes, reflux nephropathy is simply referred to as "reflux". The majority of reflux cases are caused by anomalies that emerge before the birth. The ureters, which are the kidneys' drainage tubes that go to the bladder, can enter the bladder at an incorrect angle. The ureter is not pinched off when the bladder contracts to release urine, which causes part of the urine to return up the ureters and towards the kidneys rather than leaving the body entirely.

Reflux nephropathy is a frequent condition that affects over 1 in 100 newborns. Reflux goes away as the baby grows because the kidney's drainage tube which is located inside the bladder's muscular wall stretches throughout growth. This implies that the bladder will be more likely to "pinch off" the ureter and block any refluxing of urine as it contracts to remove urine from the body.

Long-term persistence of this illness may cause damage or scarring to the kidneys.

Other illnesses that obstruct the flow of urine, such as the following, can also cause reflux nephropathy:

• Prostate enlargement in men, leading to Bladder outlet obstruction
• Stones in the bladder
• People with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, diabetes, and other nerve system (neurological) diseases may experience neurogenic bladder.

Reflux nephropathy may also result from ureteric damage or ureteric edema following a kidney transplant.

Reflux nephropathy is associated with several risk factors, including urinary tract abnormalities, personal or family history of vesicoureteral reflux, and recurrent UTIs.

Several blood, urine, and imaging tests are performed to identify and confirm reflux nephropathy. The result varies according to how severe the reflux is. Despite having damaged kidneys, some patients with reflux nephropathy do not eventually lose renal function. Kidney injury, however, might not heal. If the disease is limited to one kidney, the other kidney should continue to function normally.

Both adults and children are likely to lose kidney function as a result of reflux nephropathy.

Get in touch with Dr. Vijay Patel, Nephrologist & Kidney Specialist Doctor for treatment of Reflux Nephropathy. He is among the best Nephrologists in South Mumbai and one of the best Kidney Specialists in Mumbai.