The Urinary System

The urinary system, as described by Colbert, Ankney & Lee (2013), is the system in our body that produces urine through the processes of filtration, reabsorption and secretion. The production of urine helps to control the body’s fluid and electrolyte balance, eliminates waste products and removes salts and excess fluids from the blood. When this system is functioning properly, unnecessary waste is eliminated from the body, and the substances needed by the body are reabsorbed back in to the blood stream for future use. There are various pathologies that affect the urinary system due to malfunctioning anatomical structures. In the case of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD), the pathology is genetic (Colbert, Ankney & Lee (2013). Polycystic Kidney

Colbert et al (2013) explain that there is a vicious cycle between how the kidneys function and blood pressure. In patients suffering from kidney disease, the blood flow to the kidneys is decreased. To make up for this decreased blood flow, the kidneys release renin to increase the patient’s blood pressure and improve circulation to the kidneys. In patients with PKD, the damaged kidneys do not benefit from this process. The kidneys continue to increase the blood pressure, but are unable to improve their function. As the blood pressure rises, the kidneys become more damaged, and as the kidneys become more damaged they continue to increase the blood pressure, causing hypertension (Colbert et al.,

PKD causes pain and a feeling of heaviness in the back and sides because as more cysts develop, the kidneys can grow to become quite large (Colbert et al., 2013). In order to confirm a diagnosis of PKD, according to the Mayo Clinic Staff (2014), a physician may use ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to detect the number of cysts and their size. These types of test will also help the physician determine how much healthy kidney tissue is present. Additionally, Colbert et al (2013) note that genetic testing can also be used to diagnose this pathology. There is no cure for PKD aside from a kidney transplant, but a patient’s symptoms can be treated in order to eliminate some of the pain and discomfort. A patient’s high blood pressure can be treated through medication and lifestyle changes such as decreasing the amount of sodium in their diet and increasing the amount of exercise they get. Patients can take acetaminophen to reduce pain, but in severe cases, physicians may surgically remove the cysts in order to reduce the pressure and pain they are causing. Other treatments include prompt treatment of any infections, increased fluid intake to dilute urine in cases where patients notice blood in their urine and dialysis (Mayo Clinic Staff,