The excretory system, which is also referred to as the urinary system, is the body system responsible for maintaining fluid and chemical balance by extracting nutrients and removing waste. The excretory system consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Diseases and disorders of the excretory system can be a result of injury, infection, illness, or aging, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse.
Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection is an infection that can affect any part of the excretory system, but most often affects the bladder and the urethra, according to Mayo Clinic. A urinary tract infection most often develops when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and travel to the bladder where they multiply. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include a strong urge to urinate, burning during urination, cloudy urine, blood in the urine, strong odor of the urine and pelvic pain. A urinary tract infection can usually be successfully treated with a series of oral antibiotics. Severe cases, in which the infection travels to the kidneys, may require hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are small hard deposits that develop in the kidneys as a result of the presence of excess uric acid, calcium, oxalate, phosphate or carbonate in the urine. Dehydration is the number one risk factor for development of kidney stones, according to Medline Plus. Kidney stones usually do not cause symptoms until they move out of the kidney and into the ureter. When symptoms do appear, they include severe pain in the stomach or back, abnormal urine color, blood in the urine, fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. Kidney stones usually pass on their own and do not require any treatment. It is usually advised to drink six to eight glasses of water per day to help pass kidney stones more easily. Surgery to remove the stone may be required if the stone is too large to pass on its own, or if it is blocking urine flow and causing an infection.
Pyelonephritis
Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection that is usually a result of the spread of bacteria into the bladder. The bacteria can enter the body because of catheter use, urinary tract surgery, kidney stones, enlarged prostate or abnormalities in the urinary tract that block the flow of urine, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. Symptoms of pyelonephritis include pain in the back, side or groin, frequent urination, burning during urination, fever, nausea, vomiting and blood in the urine. Pyleonephritis can be treated with a series of antibiotics and pain medications to ease symptoms.
