Health Conditions Affecting the Kidneys, Bladder, and Urinary Tract

Many people say having kidney stones is one of the most intense forms of pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, kidney stones may cause sharp, severe pain below your ribs, which seems to spread down to your abdomen and groin. According to Healthline, you can form kidney stones from stress buildup. Although constipation with kidney stones is not typical if a stone blocks the bowel, it can cause an obstruction.

It’s essential to get prompt treatment for this condition, since some instances of kidney stones removal singapore need to be done via surgery. You may wonder, “How are stones formed?” According to the Mayo Clinic, kidney stones form when your urine has more stone-forming substances than your urine can dilute. Those substances (including uric acid, oxalate, and calcium) are normally formed, but healthy people are typically able to balance their concentration.

How are stones formed?

According to VeryWell Health, there are four kidney stone stages, beginning with stone formation. The next stage is when the stone passes from the kidney downward through the ureter, where it causes pressure (stage three). The fourth and final stage is when the stone leaves the body—by natural passing by the client or via surgery.

There are four kidney stone stages

 

Irrigation / urethral trays

There are a variety of health conditions that affect the kidneys, bladder, and urinary tract. In some cases, these may be intermittent, while in others, they may be chronic and require surgery or other types of intervention.

Urinary Catheters

It’s interesting to note that urinary catheters have been used for over 3,500 years. Currently, there are different types of catheters used to assist individuals with emptying urine from their bladder. Foley catheters, for example, are used when someone is undergoing surgery or during a hospital stay. Approximately 15% to 25% of hospitalizations, for example, will require an indwelling, or Foley, catheter.

Urinary Incontinence

Incontinence increases with age. For individuals within the 65 to 69 year age bracket, approximately 14% will experience urinary incontinence. When individuals are 85 or older, however, 45% will experience urinary incontinence.

In order to address urinary incontinence, there are a variety of devices and products available. These primarily include the use of urinary catheters and different types of pads.

Urinary Tract Infections

As a result of needing catheterization, many individuals are affected by catheter associated urinary tract infections. These are considered to be the most common healthcare-associated infections that are reported by acute care hospitals. Recent data shows that these infections amount to 30% of healthcare-associated infections. Almost all of these infections are caused by the insertion of urinary catheters.

Kidney Disease

When someone had kidney disease, their kidney function tends to decline. When it has reached the point that they have less than 10% to 15% kidney function, they will need either dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Painful Bladder Syndrome and Interstitial Cystitis

When someone has painful bladder syndrome and interstitial cystitis, or PBS/IC, there are 2 primary treatments for this condition. The first is oral medication, and the second, a bladder instillation. When a bladder instillation is indicated, a catheter is inserted directly into this organ in order to administer the necessary medication.

Urology Supplies

When patients have been released from the hospital, many will need a variety of urology supplies. In some cases, home care nurses will be taking care of these individuals. In other instances, they will be able to attend to these needs themselves.

If someone has a leg bag, for example, they will need to empty it at least twice per day or when it is half-full.
These bags need to be cleaned on a daily basis, and replaced according to physician’s orders. This will usually be twice a week. However, in some cases, a physician may recommend doing this once a week.

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