What is asymptomatic bacteriuria?

Asymptomatic bacteriuria (ABU) is the abnormally high number of bacteria in the urine without any symptoms associated with an urinary tract infection. Normally urine is sterile, meaning that there are no microbes in it, until it reaches the distal urethra. Here bacteria attached to the urethral lining pass out with the urine. Overall this small number of bacteria is not significant and does not usually indicate a potential health risk. In asymptomatic bacteriuria, the number of bacteria in the urine exceeds 100,000 organisms (cfu ~ colony-forming units) per milliliter (mL).

Bacteria are the most common infectious agents of a urinary tract infection. The term urinary tract infection denotes a symptomatic state usually characterized by burning upon urination, frequent urination, strong smelling urine, urethral discharge and discoloration of the urine. Other symptoms such as a fever, lower abdominal and pelvic pain, and/or flank pain are also present to varying degrees but are non-specific for a UTI. With asymptomatic bacteriuria, these symptoms are absent despite the large number of bacteria in the urine. However, about 30% of such cases may become a symptomatic infection (urinary tract infection) usually within one year.

continue reading Asymptomatic Bacteriuria (Bacteria in Urine, No Symptoms)

The kidneys are important organs that have several functions in the body. The primary function is the filtration of waste products from the blood, but in the process, the kidneys also regulate the water and electrolyte levels in the body. The latter therefore impacts on blood volume and blood pressure. It can influence heart, nerve and muscle functioning and therefore cause a host of physiological effects in every organ in the body.

There are a number of different types of kidney diseases that either affect certain parts of the kidney, the kidney as a whole or disrupt the function of the kidney despite there being no anatomical or physiological abnormality in the kidney itself. Globally, chronic kidney disease accounts for hundreds of millions of death globally. Kidney disease when severe may result in acute or chronic kidney failure, also referred to as renal failure.

continue reading Acute Kidney Failure (Acute Renal Failure, ARF)

The organs of urinary system includes the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder and urethra. Collectively, these organs produce urine, store it and pass it out of the body. The process, however, has far reaching consequences in the body and an integral role in maintaining homeostasis. Since the kidney controls the fluid volume and electrolyte levels in the body, it can impact on blood pressure, heart function and even influence nerve and muscle activity  to some degree.

The urinary tract can be divided broadly into upper and lower parts. The kidneys and most of the upper part of the ureters comprise the upper urinary tract, while the distal parts of the ureters, urinary bladder and urethra make up the lower urinary tract. Other neighboring organs and structures which may not be part of the urinary system also impact on urinary function, in particular the genitalia, and therefore the term genitourinary system is often preferred anatomically.

continue reading Urinary Tract Anatomy, Location, Parts and Pictures

The urinary system is responsible for the production, storage and expulsion of urine from the body. Urine is a combination of waste products, excess fluid and electrolytes, as well as toxins and other metabolites. The kidneys therefore serve to filter the blood of these substances and maintain homeostasis. In the process, blood volume, salt-water levels and blood pressure is regulated. The urinary system comprises the two kidneys and ureters on either side, the bladder and urethra. Sometimes the diluted substances within the urine precipitate and accumulate to form a hard mass known as a stone. It can then become lodged in any part of the urinary system or as is often the case, passed out with either no symptoms or after causing significant discomfort.

continue reading Urinary Stones (Calculi) Location, Types, Causes and Symptoms

The kidneys are important filters for waste products in the bloodstream located on either side of the upper abdomen. The basic functional unit of the kidney is the nephron which receives filtered fluid from the blood at the glomerulus and the reabsorbs or secretes wastes, toxins, electrolytes and water along the course of its tubule. The end product is urine which is then passed into the renal pelvis and then drains into the ureter. From here it then empties into the bladder and is passed out through the urethra when the setting is appropriate. The functional processes of the kidney also regulate the blood pressure, blood volume and water-salt levels in the body.

continue reading Nephritis (Kidney Inflammation) Types, Symptoms, Complications