Common Excretory System Diseases

The main function of the excretory system, also referred to as the urinary system, is to maintain a proper balance of body fluids through the excretion of waste products. Other functions include salt balance in the body and blood and the production of important hormones. The excretory system consists of the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. Common excretory diseases can affect any part of the system and cause serious complications if left untreated.

Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are hard masses that form in the urinary tract from crystals that have separated from the urine. The most common type of kidney stone is formed from calcium, but other types include a struvite stone or uric acid stone, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The exact cause of kidney stones is unknown, but those with certain genetic disorders, kidney disorders and recurrent urinary tract infections are more likely to develop kidney stones. Symptoms of kidney stones include extreme pain, cramping in the back and lower abdomen, nausea and vomiting. Most kidney stones can be passed by increasing daily fluid intake to two to three quarts of water per day. If stones are too large to pass with an increase in water consumption, surgery may be needed to break the stones.

Urethritis

Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra caused by a bacterial or viral infection 1. The infection can be caused by the same microbes that cause urinary tract infections, gonorrhea, chlamydia and herpes simplex. Symptoms of urethritis vary between the sexes 1. Symptoms in women include:

• abdominal pain
  
• pain during urination
  
• fever
  
• chills
  
• frequent urination
  
• pain in the pelvis
  
• vaginal discharge
  
• according to Medline Plus 1

Treatment for urethritis includes antibiotics or anti-viral medication 1. Pain medications may also be prescribed to reduce symptoms associated with urethritis 1. During treatment, sexual intercourse should be avoided.

Pyelonephritis

Pyelonephritis is a type of urinary tract infection that travels to the kidneys from the urethra or bladder 2. The infection occurs when bacteria enter the body through the urinary tract. Symptoms of pyelonephritis include:

• fever
  
• pain in the groin
  
• abdominal pain
  
• frequent urination
  
• persistent urge to urinate
  
• burning during urination
  
• blood in the urine
  
• according to MayoClinic.com

Treatment for pyelonephritis usually consists of oral antibiotics. If the infection is severe, antibiotics may be need to be administered intravenously during a hospital stay. If left untreated, pyelonephritis can lead to permanent kidney damage or infections of the blood 2.