CARE OF THE URINARY SYSTEM

CARE OF THE URINARY SYSTEM 

Your kidneys do not require "flushing," "stimulation," or any of the things that patent medicines may claim to achieve. Kidney disorder may produce low back pain, and this symptom, together with any changes in the urine, should always be reported immediately to your doctor. 

Contrary to claims made for certain "kidney medicines," they cannot cure 232 / Preventive Body Care chronic pain in the back, which is seldom caused by a kidney disorder. Don't take any medication for your kidneys except on a doctor's orders. Some causes of kidney stones (renal calculi) are beyond control.

 But prevention or prompt treatment of infection is helpful in avoiding stone formation. Another important preventive measure is maintenance of adequate urine flow. When the urine becomes highly concentrated be- cause of excessive perspiration during hot weather or exertion, there is increased tendency to form stones and to develop infection. Drink plenty of water if you perspire heavily.

 A floating (movable) kidney is usually not serious, although it may cause discomfort. Bright's disease (also called nephritis) is a potentially serious illness (page 601). Whenever the urine appears bloody, wine- colored, smoky, or at all unusual, it may be a sign of Bright's disease which, as a rule, causes no pain. Always see your doctor immediately if you notice any such urine changes. 

See him immediately, too, if the urine should appear to be cloudy or pus-laden. Inflammation of the kidneys is called pyelitis. If treated early, this and many other kidney disorders can be completely cured. If not cured, kidney infections can slowly damage these vital organs, leading to high blood pressure and uremic poisoning. 

The bladder is subject to infection (cystitis) and inflammation. These conditions usually yield to treatment with a suitable antibiotic prescribed by your physician.

 Never use a "bladder pacifier" or other home remedy. Infections can be the cause of incontinence, the inability to control urination. Frequency of urination can be a symptom of a disorder such as diabetes. Difficult urination may be caused by a urethral stricture or narrowing. Always consult a physician if you experience frequent, difficult, or painful urination; don't attempt to treat the condition yourself. It often is traceable to an easily cured inflammation, but it may stern from a dis- ease such as prostate gland enlargement in men (page 639). Stones can also form in the urinary bladder; never take any home remedy to "dis- solve" them. If necessary, stones can be removed by surgery.