Excretory System Ailments and Prevention Strategies

11 Diseases of the Excretory System

When the excretory organs malfunction, poisonous substances are stored within the body. The most frequent causes of diseases in the excretory pathways are due to functional alterations or the presence of certain microorganisms. These diseases include:

Renal Colic

It is produced by the accumulation of stones or calculi of different minerals. The stones may remain in the kidney or travel down the urinary tract. The condition is very painful, especially when urinating, when calculi become lodged in the ureter, as they cause a blockage. The main causes are metabolic disturbances, low water intake, and eating certain foods.

Cystitis

This is inflammation of the wall of the bladder or a urinary tract infection caused by certain microorganisms. It is more common in women due to the reduced length of the urethra, which is closest to the anus, facilitating the entry of bacteria. This disease is accompanied by incontinence because the bladder is unable to hold urine and eliminates it involuntarily.

Prevention

To prevent the occurrence of diseases in the excretory system, it is necessary to maintain a set of habits, most notably:

Keep Clean

• It is important for urinary tract health to maintain adequate hygiene, wiping after urinating, in order to prevent microorganisms from entering.
• We must also keep the skin in good condition as it protects us from injury and acts as a barrier to many harmful microorganisms.
• Wash your skin daily with soap and water; this also avoids clogging the pores through which sweat is expelled.

Have Adequate Food

• Consuming fewer foods rich in uric acid, like seafood or game meat, avoids the occurrence of renal colic.
• Likewise, consumption of acidic fruits (strawberries, oranges, lemons, etc.) helps acidify the urine, creating an environment unsuitable for the development of microorganisms.

Drink Plenty of Water

Experts advise taking at least 2.5 liters of water a day. Heavy drinking facilitates the functioning of the kidneys, enabling the elimination of potentially toxic waste products through urine. When water intake is low, a person can become dehydrated, which causes tissues to stop functioning properly. The kidney attempts to conserve water and excretes a highly concentrated urine.