The urinary system eliminates waste from the body as urine. It includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. This system can develop a variety of problems, due to infection, injury, age, toxin or disease. Urinary problems can cause symptoms that range from annoying to painful to life-threatening. Urological problems are treated by general practitioners, urologists and nephrologists.
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi. They are more common in females. Frequently, the offending organism is bacteria from the anus that reaches the urethra during intercourse or improper wiping while toileting. Symptoms include pain or burning during urination and frequent voiding. Typical treatment for a urinary tract infection involves a course of antibiotics and a mild pain reliever.
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones, also called renal calculi, develop inside one or both kidneys and frequently travel through the urinary tract, causing pain and inflammation. Symptoms include flank pain, nausea and blood in the urine. Typical treatment includes pain medication until the stone passes. Some stones must be broken up with shock waves or removed surgically, explains the text, "Medical-Surgical Nursing."
Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary passage of urine. It is more common in women and the elderly. Incontinence may be intermittent or chronic. The main symptom is passing urine without control. Typical treatments include pelvic floor exercises, bladder retraining, medication and surgery.
Kidney Failure
Kidney failure is a serious condition in which the kidneys fail to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. It can be acute, meaning that it develops quickly, or chronic, meaning that kidney function worsens over time. Acute kidney failure can occur at any age and have many causes, including heart failure, hemorrhaging, infection and toxins. Chronic kidney failure is more common in the elderly and those with long-standing diabetes or poorly treated high blood pressure. Symptoms include decreased urine output, nausea, sleepiness, itchy skin, swollen ankles, muscle cramps, tiredness and confusion. Typical treatment of kidney failure includes dialysis. Some sufferers are candidates for a kidney transplant.
Bladder Cancer
Bladder cancer is a serious condition that is more common in the elderly, explains MayoClinic.com. Symptoms include pain in the abdomen or back and blood in the urine. It is typically treated surgically; radiation and medications are employed in some cases.
References
- "Medical-Surgical Nursing"; Donna Ignatavicius, M.S., R.N. and Linda Workman, Ph.D., R.N.; 2002
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Your Urinary System and How It Works
- UrologyHealth.org: Adult Conditions: Kidney Failure
- MayoClinic.com: Bladder Cancer
