The excretory system, which is also referred to as the urinary system, includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. The main function of the excretory system is to maintain fluid balance in the body through filtration and excretion of waste products by the kidneys. Other important excretory system functions include salt balance and hormone production. Diseases that affect the excretory system may be minor or have the potential to cause serious complications.
Interstitial Nephritis
Interstitial nephritis is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the spaces between the tubules of the kidneys. When these spaces become inflamed, the kidneys cannot function effectively and waste is improperly filtered. Interstitial nephritis can be one of two types: acute or chronic. Acute interstitial nephritis is more common and usually occurs as a side effect of certain medications. Chronic interstitial nephritis is more serious and usually occurs as a result of chronic medication use or kidney damage.
Symptoms of interstitial nephritis include decreased urine output, fever, drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting, rash, generalized body swelling and weight gain, according to Medline Plus. Treatment for interstitial nephritis usually involves avoiding the cause of the inflammation. Doctors may also recommend corticosteroids and anti-inflammatory medications to decrease swelling quickly. Patients should follow a salt- and fluid-restricted diet as well.
Cystitis
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder most often caused by a bacterial infection that enters the body through the urethra and travels upward into the bladder. Less commonly, cystitis may be caused by certain drugs, radiation or chemical irritants, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of cystitis include a strong urge to urinate, burning during urination, blood in the urine, urine with a strong odor, discomfort and pressure in the abdomen and pelvis and a low fever. Treatment for bacterial cystitis consists of antibiotics that patients either take orally or receive as injections directly into the bladder. Treatment for cystitis that is caused by other factors focuses on treating the underlying cause.
Urethritis
The urethra is the narrow tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Urethritis is a condition in which the lining of the urethra becomes inflamed. Urethritis is caused by a bacterial infection that may also affect the bladder and reproductive organs, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Usually patients experience no symptoms with urethritis, but when symptoms do occur they include burning and pain during urination, pus or discharge from the penis or vagina and burning and itching around the vaginal or penile opening. Urethritis is treated with a series of antibiotics. Patients should abstain from sex throughout the entire course of treatment until symptoms resolve completely.
