Urinary system diseases 

In the human body, the urinary system is composed of the two kidneys, the ureters, the bladder and the urethra. The main function of the urinary system is to maintain homeostasis or the state of balance in our body. This balance is vital for the proper functioning of the human body. The urinary system maintains a constant internal environment of the body by regulating the body's fluid and electrolyte balance ensuring body waste is removed. Diseases of the urinary system interfere with the way the urinary system works and this creates chaos. Some of the most common diseases of the urinary system are discussed below.

Urinary tract infections

Urinary tract infections in the human body are most commonly caused by bacteria that affect part of the urinary tract. When it affects the lower urinary tract, the medical condition is known as simple cystitis. An upper UTI is potentially more dangerous than a lower UTI. Symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection include painful urination and frequent urination. The symptoms of an upper UTI include fever and pain in the lower abdomen. Urinary tract infections are more common in women than in men. Risk factors for the disease include female anatomy, sexual intercourse and family history

 

Signs of urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infections are common excretory system diseases occurring in both men and women. These infections can be painful and uncomfortable but in the majority of instances, they are self-limiting. To help the recovery rate, a short course of antibiotics can be taken. Statistically, urinary tract infections are more common in women than in men. It is actually estimated that half of all women in the world will have a UTI at least once in their life while as far as men are concerned, in any given year, only one out of every 2,000 healthy men is likely to contract a UTI. If you develop a UTI, you will most probably feel:

1. A burning sensation or pain when you pass out urine
   
2. The urge to urinate more frequently
   
3. Pain in your lower abdomen

 

 

Acute Renal Failure

 

 

What is acute renal failure?

Acute renal failure (also called acute kidney injury) means that your kidneys have suddenly stopped working. Your kidneys remove waste products and help balance water and salt and other minerals (electrolytes) in your blood. When your kidneys stop working, waste products, fluids, and electrolytes build up in your body. This can cause problems that can be deadly.

What causes acute renal failure?

Acute renal failure has three main causes:

• A sudden, serious drop in blood flow to the kidneys. Heavy blood loss, an injury, or a bad infection called sepsis can reduce blood flow to the kidneys. Not enough fluid in the body (dehydration) also can harm the kidneys.
• Damage from some medicines, poisons, or infections. Most people don't have any kidney problems from taking medicines. But people who have serious, long-term health problems are more likely than other people to have a kidney problem from medicines. Examples of medicines that can sometimes harm the kidneys include:
  • Antibiotics, such as gentamicin and streptomycin.
  • Pain medicines, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
  • Some blood pressure medicines, such as ACE inhibitors.
  • The dyes used in some X-ray tests.
• A sudden blockage that stops urine from flowing out of the kidneys. Kidney stones, a tumor, an injury, or an enlarged prostate gland can cause a blockage.

You have a greater chance of getting acute renal failure if:

• You are an older adult.
• You have a long-term health problem such as kidney or liver disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, or obesity.
• You are already very ill and are in the hospital or intensive care (ICU). Heart or belly surgery or a bone marrow transplant can make you more likely to have kidney failure.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of acute renal failure may include:

• Little or no urine when you urinate.
• Swelling, especially in your legs and feet.
• Not feeling like eating.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Feeling confused, anxious and restless, or sleepy.
• Pain in the back just below the rib cage. This is called flank pain.

Some people may not have any symptoms. And for people who are already quite ill, the problem that's causing the kidney failure may be causing other symptoms.

How is acute renal failure diagnosed?

Acute renal failure is most often diagnosed during a hospital stay for another cause. If you are already in the hospital, tests done for other problems may find your kidney failure.
If you're not in the hospital but have symptoms of kidney failure, your doctor will ask about your symptoms, what medicines you take, and what tests you have had. Your symptoms can help point to the cause of your kidney problem.
 

 

Urinary incontinence

Urinary incontinence is a medical condition that describes involuntary leakage of urine. The disease may have a profound impact on quality of life. It almost always results from an underlying treatable medical condition.