Kidney drainage problems

[Janel85]

DD is 6 and has been having frequent UTIs since November last year. She’s had five courses of antibiotics, right sided abdominal pain. We had ultrasound yesterday and turns out her right kidney isn’t draining properly, the sonographer said it might be normal for her or it might not? Anyway needs further investigation. Report going back to my gp. Couldn’t spend much time asking questions as there was a waiting room full of other little girls needing a wee. My question is what is likely to happen next? Will they wait and see if it resolves itself, is it likely to? Or will it be straight in with all the dyes and x-rays etc? Really worried for her, she gets quite stressed about these sorts of things

Anyone?

It sounds like kidney reflux which basically means that the kidney is retaining some of the urine. My son had a similar problem at the same age. He had scans that showed both his kidneys were not emptying properly which can encourage infections. He had to do a 24 urine collection to check for protein etc in his urine. His consultant said it was important he drank regularly and also urinated regularly. He would need to be reminded to wait and try and again straight after. He sometimes still has pain and can’t wee for a while but is usually ok at the age of 12. He didn’t need any further investigations. Hope that is of some help. It was a worrying time as it seemed to come out of the blue. Drinking regularly is key. I think constipation can sometimes make it worse so again check if this maybe a problem too.

Thanks for your reply, I’m glad your son isn’t experiencing anymore problems. Yes I think I will need to speak to her teacher at school to make sure they’re on top of her drinking there.

I had this as a kid but it wasn't picked up until I was a teenager. Most people grow out of it. The really important thing is making sure UTIs are treated properly. Has the doctor checked kidney function? That is also something that should be kept an eye on.

DD had a blood test when all the UTIs started in November so I’m guessing kidney function should have been done then? Will mention it to gp. It’s good to hear it can resolve itself.

Yes I'm sure it would have been done then, and that they would mention it if there were any problems. I would say keep an eye on it - obviously I'm very different as it wasn't picked up until too late, but my kidney function is now very poor. However this can be completely avoided with active monitoring and treating UTIs promptly