Tips to Keep the Excretory System Healthy

Tips to keep the Excretory System Healthy

Your excretory system is responsible for removing waste from your body. There is more than one organ involved in the excretory system and they are your kidneys, sweat glands, lungs and liver. Your kidneys are the primary organs. Getting the waste out of your body is very important because it is poisonous and if the waste builds up and is not taken care of, serious problems can occur. In general, excretion is the process of removing unwanted products from your body and eliminating them. Keeping your excretory system healthy is vital.

Below are given a few tips to maintain a healthy excretory system.

Water

To keep your excretory system healthy, you should drink a lot of water to stay well hydrated or else it can lead to constipation. Water is the most important thing to help your excretory system remain healthy. However, one should keep in mind that too much water though can actually hurt your excretory system. In order to keep your excretory system healthy, it is recommended that you drink around eight glasses of water every day.

Keep Away from Toxins

The excretory system is a way for humans to get rid of chemical wastes, which plays a role in maintaining homeostasis. Many of the chemicals we rid from our bodies can be toxic if they are not removed. Some of the wastes we produce in our cells are carbon dioxide, urea, and salts. You should keep an eye on what you consume as there are some foods that the body is unable to process. Alcohol, smoking and doing drugs can increase the level of toxins in your body and it becomes difficult to get rid of them. When it comes to the creams that we apply externally, they are absorbed by the body and enter the bloodstream so the liver has to process these chemicals. In order to decrease the level of pesticide that we consume, it is recommended that we choose organic and natural foods.

Exercising

One tends to forget the role of the skin when it comes to the excretory system. Sweat is a way through which the skin gets rid of the toxins inside the boy and sweating makes a person thirsty, making the role of water vital in flushing out toxins. Exercising results in a good supply of oxygenated blood inside the body and one should exercise for thirty to sixty minutes at least three to four times a week. Another good idea would be to try to go to a sauna for an hour a couple of times a week. This works well for people who are disabled and cannot work out as the sauna will help open up your sweat glands.

A Healthy Diet

Eat a proper, nutritious diet. Stay away from foods that contain pesticides, hormones and antibiotics. Also try to steer clear of fatty, oily foods. Your kidneys have to filter out all of these things, so try to eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans and soy.

Causes of Urethral Discharge

The Causes of Urethral Discharge

There are a few causes of urethral discharge and tests may be done in order to determine the reason behind your specific case. The urethra is a tube that connects the urinary bladder to the urinary meatus to remove fluids from the body. In men, the urethra travels through the penis and carries semen as well as urine. The tests that are conducted are designed for men and male children.

Most often, a urethra test will be recommended by your doctor to check if there are existing symptoms which can lead to an infection in the genital tract. The following are the symptoms.

swelling or redness around the urethra
a sore throat
discharge from the urethra
swollen testicles
painful urination
increased urine frequency

The test for checking a urinary infection is performed to check for the presence of an infection and although the procedure is a quick one, it can be a bit uncomfortable and can also be slightly painful.

Below are few causes that may possibly result in urethral discharge.

Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra and is accompanied by pain when urinating. That’s the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Urethritis is commonly due to infection by bacteria and it can typically be cured with antibiotics.

Urinary Tract Infections are caused when the bladder is not completely emptied or something irritates the urinary tract. UTIs are the second most common type of infection in humans and The National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC) reports that UTIs account for over 8 million doctor visits annually.

Trichomoniasis is an infection caused by parasitic trichomonads, chiefly affecting the urinary tract, vagina, or digestive system and is a sexually transmitted disease. Symptoms usually appear between 5 to 28 days after being infected, although they can develop at any time. It is not unusual for symptoms to be sporadic.

Reactive Arthritis is a medical condition typically affecting young men, characterized by arthritis, conjunctivitis, and urethritis, and is caused by an unknown pathogen, possibly chlamydia. The following three conditions are combined:

(1) arthritis; (2) inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis); and (3) inflammation of the genital, urinary or gastrointestinal systems.

Chlamydia Infection – People suffering from chlamydia often show no external symptoms in the early stages which might make you think that you shouldn’t worry. However, chlamydia can cause health problems in the more advanced stages, including preventing women from getting pregnant or even endangering their ongoing pregnancy. Since it is a sexually transmitted disease, if you have unprotected sex with someone whose STI status you’re not certain of, get tested for chlamydia and other STIs as soon as possible.

Urethral stricture – is a medical condition that mainly affects men. According to research studies, very few women get urethral strictures and very few individuals are born with this condition. Urethral stricture occurs specifically in the urethra. The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder so that it can be expelled from the body. In healthy men, the urethra is wide enough for urine to flow freely through it. Urethral stricture occurs when there is a narrowing of the urethra and the urinary flow can be slightly or severely restricted.

Urinary Tract Infections in Cats and Dogs

Urinary tract infections are painful whenever they occur and can also infect animals, like cats and dogs. Dogs and cats can also be affected. Ensure that the animal’s immune system is sustained to ensure that UTIs do not occur. If left untreated, the urinary infection can result in health complications or in severe cases, death. The good news is that this infection is treatable and with early intervention, can save your pet’s life.

The Causes of Urinary Tract Infections in Cats and Dogs

The reason why urinary infections occur in cats and dogs is because of E.coli which is a particular kind of bacteria and it stays near the urethra and enters it when the pet’s immunity is compromised and then reaches the urinary tract and the bladder. The problems that are caused because of this bacteria are kidney stones, stress, bladder abnormalities, diabetes, bladder cancer, abnormalities of the spinal cord and bladder tumors to name a few. For dogs, a prostate disease can result in this infection. It is necessary that your pet’s diet and intake of water is taken care of as that goes a long way in boosting the health of the urinary tract.

Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms in Cats and Dogs

A lower urinary bladder infection can result in licking around the urinary opening, bad smelling or cloudy urine, and difficulty while urinating. Other symptoms include blood in the cat’s or dog’s urine, if there are accidents in the house or there is urine leakage. When it comes to cats, they will cry out or scream when they try to urinate. In cases of upper urinary tract infection, cats and dogs may show a lack of interest in eating, weight loss and vomiting. Serious symptoms can show lethargy, fever and abdomen tenderness. It is necessary that when such symptoms are present in your pet that you take them to a veterinary immediately. Even if there are no symptoms present, it is necessary to take your pet to a vet on a regular basis.

How to Treat a UTI in Cats and Dogs

The vet will run a few tests to check the severity of the urinary tract infection and depending on the results will either put them on antibiotics or in some cases, increase water intake, diet or prescribe herbal remedies which will help treat the infection. In cases that are more severe, urinary catheterization or surgery will be required.

The vet may suggest treating an underlying disease, like diabetes, which could be causing the urinary tract infection. All these measures will go a long way in treating the infection. It is recommended that you keep the animal’s surroundings clean, the litter boxes should be made available to cats, there should clean drinking water and a well balanced diet should also be implicated.

Urinary Tract Infections in Teens and Adults

A urinary tract infection, commonly referred to as a UTI, is an infection that affects the organs and structures in the body that are responsible for the passing of urine, such as the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra. Lower UTIs involve the bladder and may also be called simple cystitis. Upper UTIs involve the kidneys and are also known as pyelonephritis. While a UTI can happen to anyone, there are some things that can increase your risk of contracting one.

Causes

UTIs are caused by bacteria. They enter the urinary tract system through the urethra and travel upward to the bladder and kidneys. The most common organism that causes a UTI is escherichia coli bacteria (E.Coli). It is normally found in the colon but can sometimes find its way into the urinary tract.

Anything that obstructs the normal flow of urine from the kidneys and the bladder to the outside of the body can increase the risk of a UTI. Things like kidney stones, an enlarged prostate gland in men, urinary catheters, and genetic abnormalities in the urinary tract can interfere with urine flow. Women have more UTIs than men, and as women get older, the risk gets higher. There are a few different approaches to this as some believe that since women have a shorter urethra, bacteria can enter the urinary tract and travel up to the bladder more quickly. Others think that it is triggered by sexual intercourse or an increase of the amount of bacteria in the vagina. Since the opening of the urethra is very close to the vagina, bacteria have a short distance to travel. Pregnancy can also increase the risk, since all the extra weight puts pressure on the bladder and kidneys, making it easier for bacteria to set up shop. Last but not least, women who use diaphragms or spermicides for birth control are more likely to get a UTI.

Treatment

Good hygiene and simple self-help methods are critical for maintaining optimal urinary health. Both men and women should wash themselves regularly, and keep the vaginal or penile areas clean after urinating or after a bowel movement.

Women should wipe from front to back after a bowel movement or after urinating, to avoid sweeping bacteria from the anus forward into the urethra where it may proliferate and cause an infection.

Drinking plenty of fluids and urinating immediately after sexual intercourse can help flush out bacteria that could lead to a UTI.

If you get recurrent UTIs, are sexually active, and want to use contraception, consider using oral contraception rather than a diaphragm, contraceptive foam, or condoms. Using oral contraceptives reduces the amount of bacteria in the vagina that can cause urinary tract infections.

Wear cotton rather than nylon underwear, and stockings rather than tights or pantyhose to discourage bacterial growth that could lead to a UTI.

UTIs During Pregnancy

Urinary Tract Infections During Pregnancy

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is also known as acute cystitis or bladder infection and is an infection that affects part of the urinary tract. When it affects the lower urinary tract, it is known as simple cystitis, a bladder infection, and when it affects the upper urinary tract it is known as pyelonephritis, a kidney infection. The urinary tract system, also known as the renal system, consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and the urethra. These organs produce, collect and expel urine from the body.

When the urinary tract gets infected the following are three types of infection that can occur.

Cystitis is a bacterial infection causes your bladder to become inflamed. It happens when bacteria enter your bladder through your urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body. Cystitis is a common type of lower urinary tract infection.
Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra. That’s the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside the body. Pain when urinating is the main symptom of urethritis.
Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of the kidney tissue, calyces, and renal pelvis. It is commonly caused by a bacterial infection that has spread to the urinary tract or travelled through the bloodstream to the kidneys.

Pregnancy and UTIs

UTIs are more common during pregnancy because of changes in the urinary tract. The uterus sits directly on top of the bladder and as the uterus grows, its increased weight can block the drainage of urine from the bladder, causing an infection.

Symptoms of a UTI

Pain, burning or discomfort when urinating
The need to urinate more often than usual
A feeling of urgency when you urinate
Blood or mucus in the urine
Cramps or pain in the lower abdomen
Pain during sexual intercourse
Chills, fever, sweats, and leaking of urine
Waking up to urinate during the night
Change in the amount of urine, either more or less
Urine that looks cloudy, smells foul or unusually strong
Pain, pressure, or tenderness in the bladder area
When the bacteria spread to the kidneys you may experience back pain, chills, fever, nausea, and vomiting.

Having a UTI with no Symptoms

In pregnant women, hormones cause changes in the urinary tract, which predispose women to infections. In addition, a growing uterus presses on the bladder, preventing the urine from being completely expelled. This stagnant urine is a likely source of infection and if left untreated, the infection may lead to kidney infection. There are times when a UTI can go undetected and a urine sample will be taken to diagnose as well as determine the severity of the infection. If the test is positive, then a course of antibiotics will be administered to clear the infection.

If it is only a bladder infection, then the antibiotics are enough to clear the infection, but if you have a kidney infection hospitalization and intravenous fluids are given along with the antibiotics.

How to Prevent a UTI

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids daily. Water can help flush bacteria from your system, prevent new infections and perhaps even flush the beginnings of an infection from your system.

Take vitamins to help prevent infection as the right blend of vitamins can also boost your immune system, which can help your body fight off UTIs and other infections. Ask your doctor which vitamins are safe to use during pregnancy to ensure they won’t interact negatively with any medication you are taking.

Choose whole foods instead of overly refined or processed foods, or foods that contain a lot of sugar. Sugar can inhibit white blood cells in the body from fighting off bacteria, including the bacteria that cause UTIs.

Keep your genital area clean. Avoid using strong soap, cream, douches, powders and sprays. These products may increase the chances of contracting a UTI during pregnancy.

Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the urge. Holding your urine in keeps bacteria in your bladder longer and gives it a greater chance of developing into an infection.

Go to the bathroom before and after sexual intercourse.

Wear loosely fitting pants and skirts. Tight, restrictive clothing may make it more difficult to completely empty your bladder, which will cause your urine to back up your urinary tract and cause infection.

UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) in Children

Urinary infections in children usually go away quickly if you treat them right away. If your child keeps getting infections, your doctor may suggest some medical tests to rule out more serious problems. Urinary infections can lead to a serious infection throughout the body called sepsis. Problems from a urinary infection are more likely to happen in babies born prematurely, newborns, and infants who have something blocking the flow of their urine.

Germs that live in the large intestine and in stool can get in the urethra. This is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Then germs can get into the bladder and kidneys. Keep in mind that babies and young children may not have the most common symptoms, such as pain or burning when they urinate.

Symptoms

A child with a UTI may not have any symptoms. When symptoms are present, they can range from mild to severe. UTI symptoms can include:

fever
pain or burning during urination
few drops of urine at a time
irritability
lack of apetite
nausea
diarrhea
vomiting
cloudy, dark, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
urinating often
pain in the back or side below the ribs
urine leakage or bedding in older children

Tests

If it seems that a baby or child may have a urine infection, the urine will need to be examined under a microscope and a culture will be done. A culture is performed bacteria is grown in special gel. This is how it will be possible to tell what the germ is and which antibiotics will get rid of it. This may take a day or so, and the doctor may not be able to start treatment until the results of this test have been determined.

Another way is to dip test strips in the urine and these will show if a urine infection is present. However, these are usually not enough to be sure, unless the child has had infections before. The test strip results may be normal even if a child has an infection. Collecting clean urine for this test from young children can be difficult and a special bag may be used. Sometimes the urine is collected in other ways, such as using a catheter. If a urine infection is found, more tests will usually be performed to see if the bladder, ureters, urethra and kidneys are infected as well. Usually, the first test done will be an ultrasound.

Treatment

Most children with urinary tract infections will need antibiotics. These may be given orally if the child is not too unwell, but sometimes they need to be given by injection.

If the child many and recurring infections and the urinary tract is malformed, an operation may be recommended. Before this is done, the baby or child is likely to be given a low dose of antibiotics, usually once a day, to prevent further infections after the surgery.

Having a urinary tract infection is painful. The urine becomes acidic and causes a burning pain when the child passes urine, and there can be pain in the lower abdomen and a need to pass urine often. It may be useful to give the child medication which neutralises the acid and several types are available at pharmacies. The doctor will be able to help you figure out the ones that are suitable for a child.

Causes and Treatment of UTIs

The Causes and Treatment of a UTI

Acute cystitis or bladder infection, commonly known as urinary tract infection, affects parts of the urinary tract. The urinary system, also known as the renal system, consists of the urethra, bladder, ureters and kidneys. These organs produce, collect and eliminate urine from the body. When infected, it can cause a bladder infection and in severe cases, a kidney infection.

When the urinary tract gets infected, the following are the three types of infection that can occur.

Cystitis is a bacterial infection that causes your bladder to become inflamed. It happens when bacteria enter your bladder through your urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body.
Urethritis is inflammation of the urethra. Pain when urinating is the main symptom of urethritis.
Pyelonephritis is an inflammation of the kidney tissue, calyces, and renal pelvis. It is commonly caused by bacterial infection that has spread up the urinary tract or travelled through the bloodstream to the kidneys.

Symptoms of UTIs

These are the symptoms one should look out for:

wanting to urinate more often and urgently, if only a few drops
burning pain or a scalding sensation when urinating
a feeling that the bladder is still full after urinating
pain above the pubic bone
blood in the urine

To find out if you have a UTI, your doctor will need to test a clean sample of your urine. The doctor or nurse will give you a clean plastic cup and a special wipe. Wash your hands before opening the cup. When you open the cup, don’t touch the inside of the lid or the inside of the cup. Put the cup in easy reach. Separate the labia, the outer lips of the vagina, with one hand and with your other hand, clean the genital area with the wipe. Wipe from front to back and do not touch or wipe the anus. While still holding the labia open, pass a little bit of urine into the toilet. Then, catch the rest in the cup. This is called a “clean-catch” sample. Let the rest of the urine fall regularly into the toilet.

If you are prone to UTIs, your doctor may want to x-ray or ultrasound your urinary tract. These can help show swelling, stones, or blockage. Your doctor also may want to look inside your bladder using a cystoscope, which is a small tube that’s put into the urethra to see inside of it and the bladder.

Treatment

Often, symptoms clear up within a few days of treatment. You may need to continue antibiotics for a week or more and be sure to take the entire course of antibiotics, as prescribed. For an uncomplicated UTI that occurs when you’re otherwise healthy, your doctor may recommend a shorter course of treatment, such as taking an antibiotic for one to three days. Whether this short course of treatment is enough to treat your infection depends on your particular symptoms and medical history. It is advisable that one consults a doctor when in discomfort to prevent an infection from worsening or spreading.