Symptoms:

Some people can have no symptoms from reflux nephropathy. There may be no symptoms if only one kidney is affected. If symptoms do occur, they might be similar to those of a urinary tract infection, nephrotic syndrome, or chronic kidney failure.

Symptoms include:

• Blood in the urine
• Burning or stinging with urination
• Dark or foamy urine
• Feeling that the bladder isn't fully emptying
• Flank pain, back pain, or abdominal pain
• Need to urinate at night
• Repeated urinary tract infections in a female
• Single urinary tract infection in a male
• Urinary frequency/urgency

Other symptoms that can occur with this disease include the following:

• Chills
• Fever
• Nail abnormalities
• Nausea and vomiting
• Urinary hesitancy

Signs and tests:

The blood pressure may be raised, and there may be signs and symptoms of chronic kidney failure.

Other tests include:

• Abdominal CT scan or ultrasound of the kidneys
• Creatinine clearance
• IVP
• Kidney ultrasound
• Radionuclide cystogram
• Serum BUN
• Serum creatinine
• Urinalysis or 24-hour urine studies
• Urine culture
• Voiding cystourethrogram