Battling Persistent Urinary Tract Infections and Kidney Dilation

Little Huyền, age six, was a bright, cheerful kid who loved school and playing with friends. One fateful day, she started complaining of a burning pain whenever she peed. Worried, her parents took her to a nearby clinic where she was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI) and given antibiotics. The initial treatment seemed effective - her discomfort went away. But just three days post antibiotics, the pain returned.

Her parents brought her back to the same physician, who prescribed another round of antibiotics. But this time, the medicine didn't help. Instead, Huyền developed a fever and an ache in her lower back. Fretting, her parents made an appointment at Family Medical Practice (FMP).

At FMP, the pediatrician examined Huyền thoroughly. She was tender around her lower back, and a quick urine test confirmed another UTI. Blood tests suggested the infection had spread to her kidneys - pyelonephritis. To determine the bacteria causing the infection and the best treatment, the doctor sent a urine sample for culture.

Upon enquiry, the doctor asked if Huyền had taken antibiotics frequently in the past. Her worried parents explained that she often received antibiotics for common illnesses like coughs - sometimes several times a year. The doctor nodded, understandingly, and explained how overusing antibiotics can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. These germs survive standard treatments and cause recurring, tougher-to-treat infections.

The doctor ordered an ultrasound of Huyền's abdomen. The scan revealed hydronephrosis, her kidney swelling due to blocked urine drainage. This could be due to a blockage or issues like vesicoureteral reflux (VUR), where urine flows backward from the bladder to the kidneys. Other possibilities were a ureterocele or, rarely, kidney stones.

Simple steps like teaching the children to wipe from front to back after using the toilet could make a big difference.- Photo canva.com

Given the severity of her infection, Huyền was admitted for inpatient care and intravenous antibiotics. After two days, the culture results came back, identifying the bacteria and confirming the chosen treatment was effective. She was discharged with a prescription and probiotics to aid digestion after the strong treatments.

Before leaving, the doctor sat down with Huyền's parents to discuss prevention. Since hydronephrosis increases the risk of recurring UTIs, it was crucial to take extra precautions. Simple steps like teaching Huyền to wipe from front to back after using the bathroom could make a difference. The doctor also emphasized the importance of limiting unnecessary antibiotics to prevent resistance.

A few weeks later, Huyền had fully recovered. She returned for follow-up tests. A voiding cystourethrogram checked for VUR, while a diuretic renogram measured her kidney function and drainage. The results confirmed mild VUR, so the doctor prescribed a low-dose preventive antibiotic to minimize future infections.

In time, regular check-ups showed steady improvement. Ultrasounds revealed that the swelling in Huyền's kidney was diminishing, and urine tests remained clean. By the time she was discharged from specialist care, her kidneys were functioning as expected, and she no longer needed daily medication.

Dr Mattias Larsson. Photo courtesy of Family Medical Practice

Huyền's parents were relieved - and wiser. They learned the importance of early, accurate diagnoses, the consequences of overusing antibiotics, and the value of simple hygiene practices to protect their daughter from infections. Their little lady was healthy again, enjoying being a carefree first-grader once more.

~~~

Dr Mattias Larsson, a paediatrician at FMP and Karolinska Institutet associate professor, oversaw Huyền's case. He has worked with Oxford University Clinical Research Unit and the Ministry of Health of Việt Nam.

Visit Family Medical Practice Hanoi 24/7 at 298I Kim Mã Street, Kim Mã Ward, Ba Đình District.

To book an appointment, please call us at (024).3843.0784 or via Whatsapp, Viber, or Zalo on +84.944.43.1919 or email [email protected].

FMP's downtown locations in Hồ Chí Minh City are in Diamond Plaza, 34 Lê Duẩn St, Bến Nghé Ward, District 1, and 95 Thảo Điền St, District 2. Book appointments there via [email protected].

Medical professionals often have a wealth of knowledge and experience in various fields, such as Dr. Mattias Larsson, a pediatrician at Family Medical Practice (FMP) and an associate professor at the Karolinska Institutet.
Dr. Larsson has collaborated with esteemed organizations like Oxford University Clinical Research Unit and the Ministry of Health of Việt Nam.
Little Huyền, age six, was a vibrant and cheerful child who loved school and spending time with friends.
One day, she started experiencing a burning pain while urinating, which caused her parents to worry.
They took her to a nearby clinic, where she was initially diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI) and given antibiotics.
Following an initial improvement, the discomfort returned just three days later, prompting another visit to the clinic.
However, the second round of antibiotics didn't help, and Huyền developed a fever and lower back pain.
Her parents then sought help at Family Medical Practice (FMP).
The pediatrician at FMP thoroughly examined Huyền and found that her pain was consistent with pyelonephritis, a kidney infection.
A urine test confirmed the presence of a UTI, while blood tests suggested that the infection had spread to her kidneys.
To determine the bacterial cause and the best course of treatment, the doctor sent a urine sample for research and culture.
The doctor also inquired about Huyền's antibiotic history, as overusing antibiotics can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, causing recurring and harder-to-treat infections.
An ultrasound revealed hydronephrosis, a condition where the kidney swells due to blocked urine drainage.
This could be due to a blockage, vesicoureteral reflux, a ureterocele, or kidney stones.
Given the severity of her infection, Huyền was admitted for hospital care, receiving intravenous antibiotics for two days.
The culture results identified the bacterial cause and confirmed an effective treatment.
Huyền was discharged with medications and probiotics to aid digestion.
Before leaving, the doctor spoke with Huyền's parents about prevention measures, emphasizing the importance of simple hygiene practices and limiting unnecessary antibiotic use.
These steps included teaching Huyền to wipe from front to back after using the toilet.
A few weeks later, Huyền had fully recovered, and follow-up tests confirmed an improvement in her condition.
Additional tests were conducted to check for underlying medical conditions, such as vesicoureteral reflux and kidney function.
Huyền's kidneys were eventually functioning as expected, and she no longer needed daily medication.
Huyền's parents gained valuable knowledge from this experience, learning about the importance of early and accurate diagnoses, the consequences of overusing antibiotics, and the role of hygiene practices in protecting their child from infections.
Today, Huyě̂n is a healthy and carefree first-grader once more.
Dr. Mattias Larsson takes a proactive approach to patient care, advocating for aware practices such as frequent follow-ups and open communication with patients and their families.
FMP offers various services beyond pediatrics, such as cardiology, dermatology, neurology, and mental health services.
FMP's focus on research and staying updated on the latest developments in the medical industry sets them apart, ensuring patients receive top-tier care.
In addition to their hospital in Hanoi, FMP has locations in Hồ Chí Minh City, making healthcare more accessible forVietnamese residents.
FMP offers consultations, medical services, and treatments for a wide range of medical conditions, from chronic diseases and cancers to respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, and hearing problems.
FMP's mission is to improve health and wellness for individuals, families, and communities, fostering a culture of health by addressing various aspects of health, including fitness, exercise, nutrition, and mental health.
FMP is dedicated to advancing medical science through research, evidence-based practices, and collaboration with universities and research institutions both locally and internationally.
As part of their commitment to workplace wellness, FMP encourages services like yoga classes, health screenings, and seminars on topics like stress management, financial planning, and work-life balance.
FMP views healthcare as a collaborative effort, working closely with patients, their families, and other medical professionals to ensure comprehensive and personalized care.
With their expertise, state-of-the-art facilities, and passion for advancing healthcare, FMP is an essential resource for maintaining and improving the health and wellness ofVietnamese residents.

Battling Persistent Urinary Tract Infections and Kidney Dilation

Battling Persistent Urinary Tract Infections and Kidney Dilation

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