My 4-year-old son has unilateral obstructive uropathy. It is only a partial block and he is very healthy. The doctor prescribed antibiotics just in case. What are the risks if I decide not to give him the antibiotics?
Urine flows out of each kidney through ureters, which are tubes that run from the kidneys to the bladder. In a condition known as obstructive uropathy, that flow becomes blocked. Urine may back up into the kidneys and cause damage.
If the blockage is in one ureter only, this is called unilateral obstructive uropathy. If it is in both ureters, it is bilateral.
Obstructive uropathy may be acute, meaning the blockage occurs suddenly, or chronic, meaning it is ongoing. Without knowing the specifics of your child’s condition, I cannot speculate about the treatment, but I can tell you that obstructive uropathy can lead to temporary or permanent kidney damage. The uropathy can cause a urinary tract infection, which, if untreated, also can lead to kidney damage, poor kidney development, high blood pressure and other problems.
While I commend you for wanting to avoid unnecessary antibiotics for your children, I urge you to discuss your concerns openly with your doctor. Ask about the long-term plan for treating your son’s condition and where the antibiotics fit into the strategy. If you are still concerned, it may then be worthwhile to seek a second opinion or a referral to a pediatric kidney specialist.