Urinary Tract Infections

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INTRODUCTION

In the human body, there are systems that provide different functions and help the body to operate more efficiently. The urinary system is one in particular designed to help the body remain free of excess that we no longer need. “The urinary tract is the drainage system used for removing wastes and extra water. The urinary tract includes two kidneys, two ureters, a bladder, and a urethra. The kidneys are a pair of “bean-shaped” organs, each about the size of a fist. The kidneys are located below the ribs, one on each side of the spine, towards the middle of the back.” (NIDDK, 2013) Every several minutes, your kidneys filter around three ounces of blood, also then removing wastes and extra water. That extra water and waste makes up the estimated one to two quarts of urine produced each day as output. The urine travels from the kidneys down two narrow tubes, called the ureters. The urine is then kept in a balloon like organ, called the bladder, and emptied through the urethra which is a tube located at the bottom of the bladder. The urinary tract could develop an infection due to bacteria being introduced into the ureters. There are two general types of urinary tract infections, commonly called “UTIs”. The two types of UTIs are referred to as a bladder infection or kidney infection. When the infection involves the bladder it can cause inflammation, swelling and pain in the bladder, called cystitis. If the bacteria were to travel up from the bladder through the ureters and then reach and infect the kidneys, the kidney infection is then called pyelonephritis. Kidney infections are more serious than bladder infections, and can cause possible kidney damage especially when occurred in young children.

SIGNS/ SYMPTOM...

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...and hence increased urine flow will also flush the infection out of the body. In some children who are prone to getting urinary infections, it may be difficult to prevent recurrent infections and low dose preventive antibiotics are useful. In women, men, and children, urinary tract infections need to be observed and watched very carefully. Treatment right away, upon first sign of symptoms, is the key to a safe recovery from an infection in the urinary tract/ bladder, or kidneys.

Works Cited

A service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), N. I. (n.d.). National Kidney and Urologic Diseases.(2013) Retrieved from NIDDK: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/uti_ez/#1

A.D.A.M. (n.d.). Urinary tract infection - adults. (2013) Retrieved from Medline PLUS: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000521.htm

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