Diseases of the Urinary System
The urinary system aids in removing liquid wastes from the body. Urine is produced as a result of the kidneys' ongoing filtering of blood to remove unnecessary chemicals and water. The urinary system filters blood and produces urine as a waste byproduct. The urinary system is vital because it eliminates wastes and surplus fluid from the circulation. The urinary system organs comprise the kidneys, ureters, bladder, sphincter muscles and urethra.
Kidneys: The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that are located near the middle of the back, right under the rib cage. These organs -- the size of a human fist -- remove wastes from the blood through structures that act as filters (nephrons). As blood passes through the kidney, the filters remove wastes and form urine.
Ureters: Once urine forms in the kidneys, it flows through small tubes (ureters) to the bladder. The ureters are typically between 8 and 10 inches in length. Muscles surrounding the ureters expand and contract to help urine flow to the bladder.
Bladder: The bladder is a muscular organ that functions like a balloon. Urine from the kidneys flows down the ureter and into the bladder where it is stored before it is removed from the body by way of the urethra. As the amount of urine in the bladder increases, the bladder will expand. The average bladder can hold up to 2 cups of urine for two to five hours.
Sphincter muscles: These muscles surround the opening of the bladder, which extends to the urethra. The sphincter muscles expand and contract to hold urine in the bladder and to release urine when needed.
Urethra: The urethra is the tube that connects the bladder to the genitals in order for urine to pass outside of the body. In men, the urethra travels through the penis and in women, the urethra ascends above the vaginal opening. When the bladder becomes full, nerves will send signals to the brain indicating that it is time to eliminate urine from the body.
Numerous illnesses might have an impact on the urinary system, infection, inflammation, and other conditions are among these illnesses.
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| Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones) |
Nephrolithiasis (Kidney Stones)Kidney stones (also called renal stones or urinary stones) are small, hard deposits that form in one or both kidneys; the stones are made up of minerals or other compounds found in urine.
Signs and Symptoms
Some kidney stones pass on their own when they are small before causing any symptoms. Larger stones block urine flow and cause painful symptoms such as:
Pain in the abdomen or lower back, which is intermittent and severe radiating to groin, and testis in males is the most striking feature
Pain worsens during movement
Blood in urine
Pus in urine
Fever
Difficulty in urination, feeling of urgency, frequent, painful, burning urination
Nausea, vomiting, chills and fever are seen in case of infection
Urinary retention
Causes:
Genetic changes can increase the risk of developing kidney stones, often acting in combination with a variety of environmental and lifestyle factors.
A key factor that contributes to the development of kidney stones is too little water in the body (dehydration). When a person is dehydrated, they excrete less water in their urine, so the urine becomes concentrated with minerals and compounds that can cluster to form stones.
Eating certain foods, such as animal proteins or foods high in sodium, can increase the likelihood of developing stones.
A diet deficient in calcium can increase levels of other substances that cause stone development in individuals who have a history of kidney stones.
Taking certain medications, such as diuretics.
Existing diseases can also cause kidney stones.
Prevention:
Stay hydrated or increase the intake of fluid
Eat more calcium-rich foods, such as legumes, dark green vegetables, nuts and milk.
Eat less sodium or reduce intake of salty food
Eat fewer oxalate-rich foods
Eat less animal protein
Talk to your doctor about the medications you’re currently taking
Talk to your doctor about preventative medications
Treatment
Smaller kidney stones pass spontaneously through urination and may not require treatment. In case of larger stones, where symptoms are seen, treatment is recommended to alleviate the symptoms as well as to get rid of the stones. Your doctor will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options:
Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) uses sound waves to break the stones into smaller pieces so that they can pass through urine easily.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, the surgical procedure performed to remove larger kidney stones.
You may also take prescription medications, such as analgesics, to help relieve pain; antiemetic, injected to treat nausea (feeling of sickness) or vomiting; and, alpha blockers or calcium channel blockers, used as part of medical expulsive therapy to facilitate the passage of stones.
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| UTI or Urinary Tract Infection |
UTI or Urinary Tract Infection
UTIs can be an infection in any part of the urinary tract system- kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. It is the result of pathogenic bacteria that invade the urinary tract and cause the infection. Urinary tract infections are common in women, although men can suffer from them too.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms vary between different types of UTIs. Some of the commonly noted symptoms include:
Burning sensation during urination
Frequent urination
Frequent urge to urinate, but incomplete voiding
Pain or pressure in the back or lower abdomen
Pelvic pain
Blood in urine
Cloudy, dark, or strange or strong-smelling urine, mixed with blood in some cases
Tiredness
Fever and/or chills
Nausea and/or vomiting
Causes:
UTIs generally result from normal gut bacteria such as Escherichia coli (E. coli).
UTIs, particularly urethritis, can result from sexually transmitted diseases as well. UTI are not contagious and does not spread from person to person, unless it is caused by a sexually transmitted disease
Multiple sexual partners
Abnormalities in the urinary tract
Medical conditions such as diabetes, multiple sclerosis, stroke, spinal cord injury
Weakened immune system
Certain birth control methods, for example, diaphragms
Kidney stones
Prevention:
Wipe front to back
Drink plenty of fluids
Avoid holding your pee
Urinate before and after sex
Clean your genitals before and after intercourse
Avoid scented products
Explore birth control options
Take probiotics
Treatment
Antibiotics are the first line of treatment because it fights bacteria. Type of antibiotic, its dosage and duration depend on the type of organism and severity of infection. Intravenous administration of antibiotics is recommended in severe cases. You can do self-care by completing the prescribed course of antibiotics, drinking plenty of water to flush out the germs, and using heating pads to get relief from back pain.
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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged prostate)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (Enlarged prostate)
It is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland and is the most common benign tumor found in men.
This condition causes the flow of urine to be blocked due to the enlargement of the prostate gland.
It is common for ages 60 and older and family history may increase likelihood of getting the disease.
Signs and Symptoms
BPH symptoms can be divided into those caused directly by urethral obstruction and those
due to secondary changes in the bladder.
Typical obstructive symptoms are:
Difficulty starting to urinate despite pushing and straining
A weak stream of urine; several interruptions in the stream
Dribbling at the end of urination
Bladder changes cause:
A sudden strong desire to urinate (urgency)
Frequent urination
The sensation that the bladder is not empty after urination is completed
Frequent awakening at night to urinate (nocturia)
Causes:
The exact cause is unknown. Hormonal changes in older men may play a role in the enlargement of prostate glands
thereby blocking the urethra, the tube which carries urine from bladder and passes through the center of prostate glands.
Risk factors include:
Age: men over the age of 60 years may experience an enlarged prostate
Continued growth of the prostate
Changes in sex hormones
Family history
Diabetes
Heart problems
Obesity
Prostate cancer
Prevention:
There are no specific preventive measures. The overall active lifestyle with adequate exercise is recommended.
To help control the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, try to:
Limit beverages in the evening.
Don't drink anything for an hour or two before bedtime to avoid middle-of-the-night trips to the toilet.
Limit caffeine and alcohol.
They can increase urine production, irritate the bladder and worsen symptoms.
Limit decongestants or antihistamines.
These drugs tighten the band of muscles around the urethra that control urine flow, making it harder to urinate.
Go when you first feel the urge. Waiting too long might overstretch the bladder muscle and cause damage.
Schedule bathroom visits. Try to urinate at regular times — such as every four to six hours during the day —
to "retrain" the bladder.
This can be especially useful if you have severe frequency and urgency.
Follow a healthy diet. Obesity is associated with enlarged prostate.
Stay active. Inactivity contributes to urine retention.
Even a small amount of exercise can help reduce urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate.
Urinate — and then urinate again a few moments later. This practice is known as double voiding.
Keep warm. Colder temperatures can cause urine retention and increase the urgency to urinate.
Treatment
A wide variety of treatments are available for enlarged prostate, including medication,
minimally invasive therapies and surgery. The best treatment choice for you depends on several factors,
including the size of your prostate, your age, your overall health, and the amount of discomfort or bother
you are experiencing. Medications include alpha blockers, to relax the bladder neck muscles
and prostate muscles for easier urination, 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, to prevent hormonal
changes and shrink the prostate. Combination drug therapy: your doctor might recommend taking an
alpha blocker and a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor at the same time if either medication alone isn't effective.
Procedures
Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): Whole except the outer part of the prostate is removed.
Transurethral incision of the prostate (TUIP): One or two cuts are made in the prostate.
Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT): Inner portion of the prostate is destroyed by inserting an electrode.
Transurethral needle ablation (TUNA): Excess prostate tissue blocking urine flow is destroyed by radio waves.
Laser therapy: Laser beams are used to destroy the overgrown prostate.
Prostate lift: Sides of prostate are compressed using special tags.
Embolization: Size of prostate is decreased by blocking the blood supply.
Open or robot-assisted prostatectomy: Prostate is removed by making an incision on lower
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| Prostate Cancer |
Prostate Cancer
A cancer of the prostate gland. Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control. The prostate is a gland found only in males. It makes some of the fluid that is part of semen. Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas. These cancers develop from the gland cells (the cells that make the prostate fluid that is added to the semen).
Other types of cancer that can start in the prostate include:
Small cell carcinomas
Neuroendocrine tumors (other than small cell carcinomas)
Transitional cell carcinomas
Sarcomas
These other types of prostate cancer are rare. If you are told you have prostate cancer, it is almost certain to be an adenocarcinoma. Some prostate cancers grow and spread quickly, but most grow slowly. In fact, autopsy studies show that many older men (and even some younger men) who died of other causes also had prostate cancer that never affected them during their lives. In many cases, neither they nor their doctors even knew they had it.
Signs and Symptoms
Most prostate cancers are found early, through screening. Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. More advanced prostate cancers can sometimes cause symptoms, such as:
Problems urinating, including a slow or weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more often, especially at night
Blood in the urine or semen
Trouble getting an erection (erectile dysfunction or ED)
Pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs), or other areas from cancer that has spread to bones
Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet, or even loss of bladder or bowel control from cancer pressing on the spinal cord
Causes:
Researchers do not know exactly what causes prostate cancer. But they have found some risk factors and are trying to learn just how these factors might cause prostate cells to become cancer cells. Cancer can be caused by DNA mutations (or other types of changes) that keep oncogenes turned on, or that turn off tumor suppressor genes. These types of gene changes can lead to cells growing out of control. Inherited gene changes are thought to play a role in about 10% of prostate cancers. They include BRCA1 and BRCA2, CHEK2, ATM, PALB2, and RAD51D, DNA mismatch repair genes (such as MSH2, MSH6, MLH1, and PMS2), RNASEL (formerly HPC1), and HOXB13.
Risk factors:
Increasing age
Family history
Obesity
Prevention:
There are no definite measures to prevent prostate cancer. The risk can be reduced by following certain precautionary measures such as:
Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Cut down on fatty foods
Have a regular exercise regimen
Remain physically active
Maintain a recommended weight
Avoid smoking and alcohol
Treatment:
The choice of treatment is based on type and stage of cancer, and the overall health of the patient. Low-risk prostate cancer may not need immediate treatment, but regular follow-up is advised. Take care of yourself by taking medications as prescribed, follow up regularly, and remain physically active.
Medication
Hormone therapy - Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LH-RH) agonists: Drugs to prevent production of the hormone testosterone.
Anti-androgens - Drugs to prevent testosterone from reaching cancer cells.
Chemotherapy - Drugs to kill cancer cells.
Procedures
Radical prostatectomy - Removal of prostate gland, surrounding tissues, and lymph nodes by making small incisions in the lower abdomen.
Orchiectomy - Removing the testicles to reduce testosterone levels in the body.
Cryoablation - Freezing the prostate tissue to kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy - Uses high energy rays to kill cancer cells.
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| Urethritis |
Urethritis
Urethritis is a condition in which the urethra, or the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body, becomes inflamed and irritated. Urethritis is not the same as a urinary tract infection (UTI). Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra, while a UTI is an infection of the urinary tract. They may have similar symptoms but require different methods of treatment depending on the underlying cause of the urethritis. Urethritis affects people of all ages. Both males and females can develop the condition. However, females have a greater chance of developing the condition than males. This is partly because men’s urethras, which are the length of the penis, are much longer than women. A woman’s urethra is typically one and a half inches long. That makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urethra.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms in men
burning sensation while urinating
itching or burning near the opening of the penis
presence of blood in the semen or urine
discharge from the penis
Symptoms in women
Some symptoms of urethritis in women include:
more frequent urge to urinate
discomfort during urination
burning or irritation at the urethral opening
abnormal discharge from the vagina may also be present along with the urinary symptoms
People who have urethritis may also not have any noticeable symptoms. This is especially true for women. In men, symptoms may not be apparent if the urethritis developed as a result of chlamydia or occasionally trichomoniasis infection.
Causes
This is an infection caused by a bacterium or a virus. But most commonly a bacterial infection. Bacteria found naturally in the genital area may also cause urethritis if they enter the urinary tract. Bacteria enter the urethra from the skin around the urethra's opening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, bacteria associated with urethritis include:
E. coli
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Chlamydia trachomatis
Mycoplasma genitalium
Gonococcus
There are also viruses that can lead to the development of urethritis. These include:
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
Cytomegalovirus (CMV).
The risk factors include:
Unprotected sex
Living in an unhygienic environment
Multiple sexual partners
Prevention
Many of the bacteria that cause urethritis can pass to another person through sexual contact. Because of this, practicing safe sex is an important preventive measure. The tips below can help reduce your risk:
Avoid having intercourse with multiple partners.
Use condoms every time you have sex.
Get tested regularly.
Protect others. If you find out you have an STI, inform others who are also at risk of an infection.
Aside from safer sex practices, there are other ways to promote good urinary tract health. This can lower your risk of urethritis and some other conditions that affect this part of the body. Drink plenty of fluids and make sure to urinate shortly after intercourse. Avoid acidic foods. Also, avoid exposure to spermicides, particularly if you already know they irritate your urethra.
Treatment
Treatment for urethritis involves dealing with the underlying cause, which can include infections as well as injury or trauma. Many cases of urethritis are caused by infections, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Treatment for this type of urethritis involves:
Eliminating the infection
Providing relief from symptoms
Preventing transmission of the infection to sexual partners
Encouraging less risky behavior to prevent recurrence of infection
Identifying and treating sexual partners
The STIs that cause urethritis can also co-occur with other infections, such as HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B. These secondary infections must also be treated. Medications include:
Antibiotics: Antibiotics, such as azithromycin (Zithromax) or cefixime (Suprax) can treat the underlying infection. When applicable, a patient's partner must also be treated for the same infection.
Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter pain medications can help someone deal with any discomfort caused by the urethritis. If symptoms are severe enough, a medication such as phenazopyridine (Pyridium) may also be prescribed.
If urethritis is not caused by an infection, it is likely the result of an injury or a chemical irritant. Treatment for this type of urethritis involves eliminating the source of injury or irritation. This can include:
Switching to a new kind of catheter, if one is being used
Using soaps and lubricants that are fragrance free
Avoiding spermicides
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| Diuresis |
Diuresis
Diuresis is defined as a condition in which an excessive volume of bodily fluids passes through the kidneys, resulting in both filtration of bodily fluids and filling of the bladder. Diuresis can be a short-term condition caused by the body attempting to rid itself of a waste substance like medication or an ingested toxin. In some cases, particularly when there is no explainable cause for the kidneys to engage in diuresis, it can be the symptom of a more serious health condition. Diuresis, regardless of its origin, often results in the loss of salts, ions, and other important chemical components. After a diuretic event, the body must replenish its supply of electrolytes, salts, and ions.
Symptoms of Diuresis
The primary symptom is an increase in urination (both in amount and in frequency of 'having to go'). Other symptoms can include discomfort with a constant feeling of needing to urinate, increased thirst due to the loss of fluids, and poor sleep due to frequent trips to the bathroom. Also possible is fatigue due to the loss of essential nutrients and salts from the body, elevated calcium levels in the blood, and possible heart failure
Causes of diuresis
While diabetes is a common cause of diuresis, it can be caused by many different health events. Some of them are listed below:
Pregnancy
Giving birth
Swelling of tissues (medically known as edema)
High blood pressure (medically known as hypertension)
Immersion in water
Excess of calcium in the blood (medically known as hypercalcemia)
Environmental altitude changes to a higher altitude
Environmental drop in temperature
After a urinary blockage is cleared (medically known as post obstructive diuresis)
Dietary changes, such as consuming more caffeine or protein than normal
Prevention
Avoid caffeine and alcohol
Drink more water to stop dehydration
Stop using diuretics if you don’t need them
Treatment of diuresis
To treat diuresis, you’ll need to treat the underlying cause. That may involve:
managing a condition, such as diabetes
switching your medications
avoiding the consumption of natural diuretics
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Kidney failure |
Kidney failure
Kidney failure (renal failure) means one or both of your kidneys no longer function well on their own. Kidney failure is sometimes temporary and develops quickly (acute). Other times it’s a chronic (long-term) condition that slowly gets worse.
Symptoms
Symptoms of kidney failure may include:
Itchy skin or rashes
Muscle cramps
Feeling sick to your stomach or throwing up
Not feeling hungry than normal
Swelling in your feet and ankles
Urinating (peeing) more or less than normal
Foamy, frothy or bubbly-looking urine
Trouble catching your breath
Trouble falling or staying asleep
Causes
Kidney failure is usually caused by other health problems that have damaged your kidneys little by little throughout many years, including:
Diabetes, which is the most common cause
High blood pressure, which is the second most common cause
Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and IgA nephropathy
Genetic diseases (diseases passed down from one or both parents), such as polycystic kidney disease
Nephrotic syndrome
Problems in your urinary tract (organs that make urine and remove it from your body), such as kidney stones
Smoking tobacco
Drinking too much alcohol (no more than 1 drink a day for women, and no more than 2 drinks a day for men)
Prevention
Because high blood pressure and diabetes are the most common causes of kidney failure, many of the prevention tips are related to managing these two conditions.
1. Manage your blood sugar
Diabetes increases your risk for heart disease and kidney failure. That’s just one reason to manage your blood sugar.
2. Manage your blood pressure
High blood pressure can increase your risk for heart disease as well as kidney failure.
3. Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity can increase your risk for conditions associated with kidney failure, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
4. Eat a heart-healthy diet
A heart-healthy diet — one low in sugar and cholesterol and high in fiber, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables — helps prevent weight gain.
5. Reduce salt intake
Eating too much salt is associated with high blood pressure.
6. Drink enough water
Dehydration reduces blood flow to your kidneys, which can damage them. Ask your doctor how much water you should drink per day.
7. Limit alcohol
Alcohol increases your blood pressure. The extra calories in it can make you gain weight, too.
8. Don’t smoke
Smoking reduces blood flow to your kidneys. It damages kidney function in people with or without kidney disease.
9. Limit over-the-counter pain medication
In high doses, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, reduce the amount of blood flow to your kidneys, which can harm them.
10. Reduce stress
Reducing stress and anxiety can lower your blood pressure, which is good for your kidneys.
11. Exercise regularly
Exercise, such as swimming, walking, and running, can help reduce stress, manage diabetes and high blood pressure, and maintain a healthy weight.
If you think you might have kidney disease, it’s important to see your doctor for evaluation. Getting an early diagnosis and treatment can help slow the progression to kidney failure.
If you know you have kidney disease, regularly see your doctor to monitor your kidney function. While chronic kidney disease can’t be reversed, its progression can be slowed with appropriate treatment.
Treatment
Kidney failure treatment depends on the cause and extent of the problem.
Treatment for a chronic medical condition can slow down the progression of kidney disease. If your kidneys gradually stop working, a healthcare provider may use a few different methods to track your health and maintain kidney function as long as possible. These methods may include:
Regular blood tests.
Blood pressure checks.
Medication.
If you’re in kidney failure, you need treatment to keep you alive. There are two main treatments for kidney failure.
Dialysis
Dialysis helps your body filter blood. There are two types of dialysis:
Hemodialysis. In hemodialysis, a machine regularly cleans your blood for you. Most people get hemodialysis three to four days a week at a hospital or dialysis clinic.
Peritoneal dialysis. In peritoneal dialysis, a provider attaches a bag with a dialysis solution to a catheter in your abdominal lining. The solution flows from the bag into your abdominal lining, absorbs waste products and extra fluids and drains back into the bag. Sometimes people can receive peritoneal dialysis at home.
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| Polycystic kidney disease |
Polycystic kidney disease
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited disorder in which clusters of cysts develop primarily within your kidneys, causing your kidneys to enlarge and lose function over time. Cysts are noncancerous round sacs containing fluid. The cysts vary in size, and they can grow very large. Having many cysts or large cysts can damage your kidneys.
Symptoms
Polycystic kidney disease symptoms can include:
High blood pressure
Back or side pain
Blood in your urine
A feeling of fullness in your abdomen
Increased size of your abdomen due to enlarged kidneys
Headaches
Kidney stones
Kidney failure
Urinary tract or kidney infections
Causes
Abnormal genes cause polycystic kidney disease, which means that in most cases, the disease runs in families. Sometimes, a genetic mutation occurs on its own (spontaneous), so that neither parent has a copy of the mutated gene.
Both parents must have abnormal genes to pass on this form of the disease. If both parents carry a gene for this disorder, each child has a 25% chance of getting the disease.
Prevention
If you have polycystic kidney disease and you're considering having children, a genetic counselor can help you assess your risk of passing the disease to your offspring.
Keeping your kidneys as healthy as possible may help prevent some of the complications of this disease. One of the most important ways you can protect your kidneys is by managing your blood pressure.
Here are some tips for keeping your blood pressure in check:
Take the blood pressure medications prescribed by your doctor as directed.
Eat a low-salt diet containing plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Maintain a healthy weight. Ask your doctor what the right weight is for you.
If you smoke, quit.
Exercise regularly. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
Limit alcohol use.
Treatment
The severity of polycystic kidney disease varies from person to person — even among members of the same family. Often, people with PKD reach end-stage kidney disease between ages 55 to 65. But some
Treating polycystic kidney disease involves dealing with the following signs, symptoms and complications in their early stages:
Kidney cyst growth. Tolvaptan therapy may be recommended for adults at risk of rapidly progressive ADPKD. Tolvaptan (Jynarque, Samsca) is a pill that you take by mouth that works to slow the rate of kidney cyst growth and the decline in how well your kidneys work.
There's a risk of serious liver injury when taking tolvaptan, and it can interact with other medicines you take. It's best to see a doctor who specializes in kidney health (nephrologist) when taking tolvaptan, so that you can be monitored for side effects and possible complications.
High blood pressure. Controlling high blood pressure can delay the progression of the disease and slow further kidney damage. Combining a low-sodium, low-fat diet that's moderate in protein and calorie content with not smoking, increasing exercise and reducing stress may help control high blood pressure.
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| Pyelonephritis |
PyelonephritisAcute pyelonephritis is a bacterial infection causing inflammation of the kidneys. Pyelonephritis occurs as a complication of an ascending urinary tract infection which spreads from the bladder to the kidneys.
Symptoms
Symptoms usually include fever, flank pain, nausea, vomiting, burning with urination, increased frequency, and urgency.
Causes
The main cause of acute pyelonephritis is gram-negative bacteria, the most common being Escherichia coli. Other gram-negative bacteria which cause acute pyelonephritis include Proteus, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter.
Prevention
Drink plenty of fluids to increase urination and remove bacteria from the urethra.
Urinate after sex to help flush out bacteria.
Wipe from front to back.
Avoid using products that can irritate the urethra, such as douches or feminine sprays
Treating pyelonephritis
Antibiotics
Antibiotics are the first course of action against acute pyelonephritis. However, the type of antibiotic your doctor chooses depends on whether or not the bacteria can be identified. If not, a broad-spectrum antibiotic is used.
Although drugs can cure the infection within 2 to 3 days, the medication must be taken for the entire prescription period (usually 10 to 14 days). This is true even if you feel better.
The antibiotic options are:
levofloxacin
ciprofloxacin
co-trimoxazole
ampicillin
Hospital admission
In some cases, drug therapy is ineffective. For a severe kidney infection, your doctor may admit you to the hospital. The length of your stay depends on the severity of your condition and how well you respond to treatment.
Treatment may include intravenous hydration and antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours. While you’re in the hospital, doctors will monitor your blood and urine to track the infection. You’ll likely receive 10 to 14 days’ worth of oral antibiotics to take after you’re released from the hospital.
Surgery
Recurrent kidney infections may result from an underlying medical problem. In those cases,
surgery may be required to remove any obstructions or to correct any structural problems in the kidneys.
Surgery may also be necessary to drain an abscess that doesn’t respond to antibiotics.
In cases of severe infection, a nephrectomy may be necessary. In this procedure, a surgeon removes
part of the kidney.
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| Glomerulonephritis |
Glomerulonephritis (gloe-MER-u-loe-nuh-FRY-tis) is inflammation of the tiny filters in the kidneys (glomeruli).
The excess fluid and waste that glomeruli (gloe-MER-u-lie) remove from the bloodstream exit the body as urine.
Glomerulonephritis can come on suddenly (acute) or gradually (chronic).
Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of glomerulonephritis may vary depending on whether you have the
acute or chronic form and the cause. You may notice no symptoms of chronic disease.
Your first indication that something is wrong might come from the results of routine urine test (urinalysis).
Glomerulonephritis signs and symptoms may include:
- Pink or cola-colored urine from red blood cells in your urine (hematuria)
- Foamy or bubbly urine due to excess protein in the urine (proteinuria)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Fluid retention (edema) with swelling evident in your face, hands, feet and abdomen
- Urinating less than usual
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
Causes
Many conditions can cause glomerulonephritis. Sometimes the disease runs in families and
sometimes the cause is unknown. Factors that can lead to inflammation of the glomeruli include the
following conditions:
Infections
Infectious diseases can directly or indirectly lead to glomerulonephritis.
Autoimmune diseases
Autoimmune diseases are illnesses caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissues.
Vasculitis
Vasculitis is inflammation of blood vessels.
Sclerotic conditions
Some diseases or conditions cause scarring of the glomeruli that results in poor and declining
kidney function.
Other causes
Infrequently, chronic glomerulonephritis runs in families. One inherited form,
Alport syndrome, also might impair hearing or vision.
Glomerulonephritis is associated with certain cancers, such as gastric cancer, lung cancer and
chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Prevention
There may be no way to prevent some forms of glomerulonephritis. However, here are some steps that might be beneficial:
Seek prompt treatment of a strep infection with a sore throat or impetigo.
To prevent infections that can lead to some forms of glomerulonephritis, such as HIV and hepatitis,
follow safe-sex guidelines and avoid intravenous drug use.
Control high blood pressure, which lessens the likelihood of damage to your kidneys from hypertension.
Control your blood sugar to help prevent diabetic nephropathy.
Treatment
Some cases of acute glomerulonephritis, especially those that follow an infection with streptococcal bacteria,
might improve on their own and require no treatment.
If there's an underlying cause — such as high blood pressure, an infection or an autoimmune disease — treatment
will be directed to the underlying cause.
In general, the goal of treatment is to protect your kidneys from further damage and to preserve kidney function.
References
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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). (n.d.). Johns Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved October 13, 2022,
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