4.6 DISORDERS OF HUMAN URINARY SYSTEM

There are many types of illnesses that lead to renal diseases and renal failure. Urinary tract infections are common particularly in the female. The most common causes of kidney damage are diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, kidney stones and glomerular blockage.

4.6.1 Kidney Stones and Treatment

Stones may develop in any part of the urinary system. Kidney stones are usually composed of uric acid crystal or calcium oxalate etc.

The causes of kidney stone are: (1) Presence of high level of calcium in the blood because of other diseases. (2) Presence of higher level of oxalate in the blood results in the formation of calcium oxalate stones. (3) A decrease in water intake. (4) Age and family history. About $90\%$ of all kidney stones can pass through the urinary system by drinking plenty of water. The kidney stone may be removed by surgery. There is a non- surgical method of stone removal called lithotripsy. It is a technique to breakup stones that form in the kidney, and ureter by shock waves targeted from outside the body. If a kidney stone passes into a ureter it may stimulate severe pain in the kidney, abdomen, pelvis and legs accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

4.6.2 Kidney Failure

If one kidney fails to function, the person can still lead a normal life with another kidney. If both the kidneys fail to work, it is fatal. A general term for declined kidney function is called kidney failure. The rise in urea causes increase in blood pressure and anaemia etc. If kidney failure is not treated, death will result within a couple of weeks.

4.6.3 Causes of Kidney Failure

Kidney failure can be acute (sudden) or chronic (over time). Acute kidney failure, also known as acute kidney injury (AKI), can often be treated and the kidneys return to normal. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a permanent loss of kidney function.

Kidney failure can be caused by many different medical conditions. Following are the causes of kidney failure.

1. Diabetes: The most common cause of kidney failure is diabetes. It can damage the kidneys even if it is well managed.
2. High blood pressure: It is the second most common cause of kidney failure. High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys.
3. Autoimmune diseases: Such as lupus etc., disease can damage the kidneys.
4. Genetic diseases: Such as polycystic kidney disease, genetic diseases can cause kidney failure.
5. Urinary tract problems: Such as kidney stones etc., urinary tract problems can block the flow of urine and damage the kidneys.
6. Medications: Some drugs, such as lithium etc., can cause kidney failure.
7. Dehydration: Losing too much body fluid can cause kidney failure.
8. Kidney trauma: An injury to the kidney from an outside force, such as a fall, accident, or high- contact sport, can cause kidney damage.
9. Processed foods: A 2022 study found that eating a lot of processed foods can increase the risk of kidney disease.