Urinary Obstruction in Children
Overview
A urinary obstruction refers to anything that blocks, slows, or disrupts the normal flow of urine through the urinary tract, Opens dialog. Obstructions can occur at any point in the urinary tract, Opens dialog. They can be present at birth (congenital) or develop later.
Urinary obstructions disrupt normal urine flow and allow bacteria to grow in the urinary tract. This increases the risk of bladder and kidney infections.
Causes of urinary obstructions in children include:
- Kidney stones, Opens dialog. Kidney stones are caused by the buildup of minerals in the kidneys.
- An abnormality of the point where the ureter, Opens dialog joins the kidney.
- A sagging or bulging of the ureter into the bladder. This is called a ureterocele.
- An abnormality in which the ureter opens into an area other than the bladder. The ureter may open into the urethra, Opens dialog or the vagina in girls or the vas deferens, Opens dialog in boys.
- Misplaced, narrowed, or widened ureters or urethra.
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
