Kidney Disease and Urinary Tract Disorders Sourcebook, 3rd Ed.

Millions of Americans experience difficulties involving the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra—the components of the urinary system. Problems can be caused by illness, injury, genetics, or aging and include disorders such as urinary incontinence, urinary tract infections and cancers, kidney stones, kidney disease, and kidney failure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 15 percent of U.S. adults—37 million people—are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD) and most of them (9 in 10) do not know they have it. Although kidney disease and urinary tract disorders can have a significant impact on a person’s physical, emotional, and social well-being, recent medical advances offer the promise of more effective treatments and they provide the means by which those affected can learn to cope more successfully with related challenges. Additionally, by understanding the risk factors associated with these types of disorders, people can make lifestyle adjustments and take preventive measures to preserve urological health.

Kidney Disease and Urinary Tract Disorders Sourcebook, Third Edition provides information about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of problems that impact the body’s urinary system, including bladder control problems, kidney stones, cancers, infections, prostate enlargement, glomerular diseases, and kidney failure. It describes risk factors, offers statistical information, explains the different types of dialysis, and provides facts about kidney transplantation. A glossary of related terms, and a directory of additional resources are also included.

This book is divided into parts and chapters. Parts focus on broad areas of interest. Chapters are devoted to single topics within a part.

Part 1: Understanding the Urinary System describes the organs, tubes, and muscles that work together to make, move, store, and release urine—processes vital for keeping the body healthy. It explains the risk factors for kidney and urologic disorders and includes facts about racial and ethnic groups with disproportionately high incidences of related diseases. Information on how high blood pressure, obesity, age, and medications can affect kidney health is also included. 

Part 2: Disorders of the Kidneys focuses on diseases and disorders affecting the kidneys, including genetic, congenital, and acquired disorders. Facts about symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options are included.

Part 3: Urinary Tract Infections and Bladder Disorders explains the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of urinary tract infections. It includes chapters covering issues specific to urinary tract infections in pregnancy and in children. Other bladder disorders, including bladder stones, fallen bladder, and conditions which result from injuries or trauma are also discussed.

Part 4: Urinary Incontinence explains the loss of bladder control and related underlying medical conditions. Causes, diagnosis, and treatment options for incontinence are discussed. Individual chapters focus on issues specific to children, men, and women.

Part 5: Disorders of the Ureters, Urethra, and Genitals pays particular attention to problems of the genitals and urinary tract which may be present before birth (congenital), inherited from a parent, or caused later in life by infection, injury, or trauma. Symptoms, diagnostic tests, and available treatments are discussed. Prostate problems and treatments are also discussed.

Part 6: Cancers of the Kidneys and Urinary Tract describes the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of various cancers that can affect the different components of the urinary system, including bladder cancer, urethral cancer, and prostate cancer. Tests used in the staging process (the careful attempt to determine where and how a cancer has spread) are also explained.

Part 7: Kidney Failure: End-Stage Renal Disease explains treatments used to replace the work of failed kidneys and related ongoing health maintenance issues, including diet, nutrition, exercise, and working with a dietitian. The advantages and disadvantages of the types of dialysis are presented, along with detailed information on kidney transplantation and financial help for the treatment of kidney failure.

Part 8: Additional Help and Information offers a glossary of important terms and a directory of government agencies and private organizations that provide help and information to patients with urinary tract and kidney diseases and disorders.