Definition
Disorders of the urinary tract system, which includes the kidneys, the ureter, and the urethras. Symptoms Symptoms vary, ranging from urinary tract infections, excessive need to urinate, pain that radiates along the urinary tract, difficulty urinating, and urinary incontinence (see Bedwetting). Cloudy, pus-filled, and blood-filled urine are other possible symptoms. Types: Nocturia is characterized by excessive urination during the night and can be an indication of early diabetes, kidney, heart, or liver disease. If not due to a serious disease, it is usually due to obstruction, such as an enlarged prostate gland (in men). Straining, changes in force of stream of the urine, and hesitancy are other types of urinary problems and usually indicate signs of bladder obstruction and are more common in middle-aged to older men. Dysuria, which is characterized by pain or burning sensations during urination, usually indicates inflammation or irritation of the bladder or the urethra from a bacterial infection. Incontinence, causes urination to occur without warning, often after sneezing, laughing, running, or coughing. Painful urination is characterized by pain anywhere in the urinary tract that can also radiate to different areas of the body, such as the low back, chest, pubic bone, and the abdomen. Causes Urinary problems can be due to a variety of factors. The most common causes are bladder obstruction, benign prostate hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), bacterial infections within the urinary tract, stretching or aging of the muscles of the pelvic floor, injuries from childbirth, cysts or fibroids on the uterus that push down on the bladder, excess stress, allergies, and a delayed reaction to recent infections of the respiratory tract, heart, skin, or kidney disease. All of these factors must be screened for and treated before long-term relieve of urinary problems can be achieved. Treatment |