According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, nearly half a million Americans were treated for urinary disorders in 2006. Disorders in the urinary system lead to build up of toxic waste in the body. Urinary system disorders may develop due to age, injury or illness. With advancing age, the strength of the urethra, the tube that carries the urine out of the body, decreases. Moreover, certain health conditions and injuries affect the functioning of the kidneys. In either case, the normal functioning of urinary system deteriorates giving rise to various disorders.
Cystitis
Cystitis causes irritation of the lining and the wall of the urinary bladder. It occurs due to bacterial infection or due to mechanical abrasion. Cystitis is characterized by bloody or cloudy urine and pain in the lower abdomen. The urine also emits an unpleasant odor. According to Medline Plus, a website of the National Institutes of Health, this condition affects more women than men. This is primarily due to the fact that the urethra of women is much shorter than that of men. Escherichia coli, also known as E. coli, bacterium primarily is responsible for this condition.
Nephritis
Inflammation of the kidney is medically termed "nephritis." Prolonged use of acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and aspirin can sometimes result in nephritis. It can also be a side effect of other medications such as antibiotics. Symptoms of nephritis include protein in the urine, urine suppression and convulsion. In cases of chronic nephritis, there is a danger of the kidney being damaged permanently. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nephritis accounted for approximately 45,000 deaths in the U.S. in 2008.
Enuresis
Enuresis is a condition in which a person has little control over urination. Loss of control over bladder muscles is the primary cause. Neurologic disease, weakening of the bladder due to childbirth, injury or bladder obstruction can cause enuresis. Other causes of enuresis include stress, hormonal and genetic factors, and urinary tract infections. Malfunctions in the spinal cord and small bladder can also lead to this condition. A urologist can treat and sometimes cure this disorder with medication or surgery.
Kidney Stones
Calcium oxalate salts and uric acid results in formation of deposits or stones in the kidneys. These stones have a nucleus which can harbor bacteria, foreign bodies or blood clumps. Intake of excess calcium leads to formation of kidney stones. These stones develop inside or near the kidney, the ureter or the bladder. Passing these stones through the ureter results in severe pain. In few cases, kidney stones need to be removed surgically.
Urethritis
Bacterial infection can lead to urethritis. This disease is more predominant in males than females. Urethritis is characterized by symptoms such as burning sensation while passing urine or semen during ejaculation. A discharge from the tip of the penis is also observed in some cases. Urethritis can be treated with antibiotics. It is a sexually transmitted disease, thus abstaining from unprotected sex will lower the risk of contracting urethritis.
