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When the ureters enter the bladder, they travel through the wall
of the bladder for a distance in such a way that they create a
tunnel so that a flap-like valve is created inside the bladder.
This valve prevents urine from backing-up into the ureters and
kidneys.
In some children, the valves may be abnormal or the ureters in
the bladder may not travel long enough in the bladder wall, which
can cause vesicoureteral reflux. Vesicoureteral reflux is a
condition that allows urine to go back up into the ureters and
kidneys causing repeated urinary tract infections. The reflux of
urine exposes the ureters and kidney to infection from bacteria and
high-pressure, which is generated by the bladder during
urination. If left untreated, urinary infections can cause
kidney damage and renal scarring with the loss of potential growth
of the kidney and high blood pressure later in life.
Vesicoureteral reflux is treated with antibiotics, and in severe
cases surgically.
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