Kidney Disease and Urinary Tract Disorders Sourcebook, 4th 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, cancers, kidney stones, and kidney failure. According to 2023 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 7 U.S. adults—about 35.5 million people, or 14%—are estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD). Alarmingly, as many as 9 in 10 adults with CKD are unaware of their condition, and about 1 in 3 adults with severe CKD do not know they have it. Although kidney disease and urinary tract disorders can significantly affect physical, emotional, and social well-being, recent medical advances offer promising treatments, helping those affected manage related challenges more effectively. By understanding the risk factors associated with these disorders, people can make lifestyle adjustments and take preventive measures to preserve their urological health.

Kidney Disease and Urinary Tract Disorders Sourcebook, Fourth Edition provides comprehensive information about the urinary system and its components, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. It covers the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of various conditions affecting the kidneys and urinary tract, such as acute kidney injury, chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, and urinary tract infections. It also discusses genetic and congenital kidney disorders, cancers of the urinary system, and bladder and prostate issues. The book details diagnostic tests, including blood and urine tests, kidney biopsies, and imaging techniques used to detect kidney diseases. It explains treatment options such as dialysis and kidney transplantation and provides information on financial assistance available for kidney failure treatments. The book concludes with a glossary of related terms and a directory of resources offering support and information for patients with kidney disease and urinary tract disorders.

 Part 1: Understanding the Urinary System provides detailed information about the urinary system, including kidney functions and common risk factors for kidney disease such as diabetes, hypertension, and familial predispositions. This part also explores the effect of race and ethnicity on kidney disease incidence.

Part 2: Disorders and Diseases of the Kidneys delves into various kidney disorders including acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease, detailing their causes, progression, and management strategies. It also covers specific pediatric kidney conditions and autoimmune-related kidney disorders.

Part 3: Disorders of the Urinary Tract discusses conditions affecting the urinary tract including urinary tract infections across different demographics, and details on managing conditions such as kidney stones and congenital urinary tract disorders. This part also addresses the challenges of urethral cancer.

Part 4: Disorders of the Bladder and Prostate examines issues related to bladder function such as incontinence and retention, as well as bladder and prostate cancers. It highlights symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options for bladder control problems and neurological conditions affecting the urinary system.

Part 5: Diagnostic Tests for Kidney Disease outlines various tests used to diagnose kidney disease, including blood and urine tests, imaging techniques, and biopsy procedures. It provides insights into how these tests help assess kidney function and detect abnormalities early.

Part 6: Kidney Failure: End-Stage Renal Disease covers the advanced stages of kidney disease, focusing on treatments such as dialysis and kidney transplantation. It also discusses the financial and supportive care aspects of managing end-stage renal disease.

Part 7: Additional Help and Information includes a glossary of terms related to kidney and urinary tract disorders and a directory of resources that offer additional information and support for people affected by these conditions.