Urination Disorders

A normal urinary system removes fluids from the blood in the form of urine, which is composed of water and dissolved waste products. However, sometimes the urinary system doesn't work well, causing pain and discomfort to people. According to a recent HealthSquare.com article, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most popular reason for doctor appointments, with about 10 million visits to clinics annually. Women are at higher risk for urinary tract disorders than men or children, with their odds increasing when they go through menopause.

Identification

• Healthy and normal urine, made up of fluids, waste products and salts, is sterile and free of viruses, bacteria and fungi. Urination disorders or urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria and other harmful substances invade the urinary tract. Escherichia Coli is the most common bacteria, along with gonorrhea and chlamydia.

Types of Urination Disorders

• Cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder, is the most common type of urination disorder. Also known as acute uncomplicated UTI, cystitis takes place in the bladder and urethra in the lower urinary tract. Usually, the infection is short-lived, affecting only the surface area of the bladder. Others types include complicated urinary tract infections, uncomplicated urinary tract infections, recurrent urinary tract infections, acute urethral syndrome and asymptomatic urinary tract infection.

Incontinence

• Incontinence, which is not being able to control urination, is a disorder often seen in elderly people. It has several causes, such as a urinary tract abnormality, infection, loss of estrogen following menopause, neuromuscular disorder or sagging pelvic muscles. It can be either temporary or long-standing. Usually, bladder infections are the most frequent cause for transient or temporary incontinence. Serious infections such as pneumonia are other causes for incontinence, in addition to impaired mobility because of a hip or leg fracture. Other reasons include drinking too much alcohol or drinks containing caffeine or ingredients that can irritate the bladder or urethra. Conditions such as severe constipation or atrophic vaginitis are other conditions that can cause incontinence.

Symptoms

• Frequent urination or feeling the urge to urinate is a common symptom of an urination disorder. The urge to urinate often at night, known as nocturia, is another symptom. Other signs and symptoms include burning feelings with urination, pus in the urine (pyuria), urethra discharge and blood in the urine (hermaturia). Bladder infections may cause lower back pain, extreme fatigue and shakiness.

Treatments

• There are various ways for treating urination disorders. Treatments may include herbal therapy, naturopathy, aromatherapy, juice therapy and reflexology. A few dietary changes may include eliminating spicy foods and citrus fruits, reducing consumption of refined sugars and starches, onions, vegetable fats and chocolate. Juice therapies allow patients to drink cranberry juice daily, resulting in a reduction in bacteria in the urine.

Warnings

• Frequent urination may be a sign of diabetes mellitus. A metabolic disorder, diabetes mellitus is characterized by having high blood sugar, besides other signs. Also, some medicines and antidepressants can cause the bladder to relax too much, causing urination problems.