What are renal and urinary disorders?
Renal and urinary disorders affect the kidneys and the bladder. The urinary system is the organs, tubes, muscles, and nerves that work together to create, store, and carry urine.
Problems in the urinary system can be caused by aging, illness or injury. The muscles in your uterus, bladder and urethra often lose strength as you age, making you more prone to infections and incontinence.
Symptoms of more serious disorders are often non-specific, or come with no symptoms at all.
How common are renal and urinary disorders?
Renal and urinary disorders range in severity from mild to life threatening, and can affect people of all ages. Common disorders are cystitis, kidney stones, renal failure, urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence and urinary retention. Women are more prone to urinary tract infections than men.
How can renal and urinary disorders be prevented?
Practising good hygiene can cut down on many urine infections. Cranberry juice contains powerful antioxidants which can flush your kidneys and urinary tract, so drinking it regularly will help prevent infections. Taking vitamin C also helps prevent infections, since it increases the acidity level of urine, killing bacteria.
It is also important to have your blood pressure checked regularly since high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney failure. In addition, stay alert for changes in your urine and see your doctor if you think something is wrong.
How are renal and urinary disorders treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition. Changes in diet may be recommended with a decrease in salt intake and avoiding food with a lot of potassium, protein and phosphate.
dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary for more serious conditions.
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