Condition Lookup
Category:
Urologic and Renal Disorders
Number of Conditions: 8
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Urologic and Renal Disorders
Symptoms:
frequent urination; burning sensation during urination; cloudy or strong-smelling urine; pelvic pain; hematuria (blood in urine); fever (in severe cases)
Root Cause:
Infection caused by bacteria (commonly E. coli) entering the urinary tract, often affecting the bladder or kidneys.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Urinalysis (to check for white blood cells, bacteria, and blood), urine culture (to identify the causative bacteria), and sometimes imaging if recurrent UTIs occur.
Treatment:
Antibiotics are typically prescribed to treat the infection. Hydration and pain management may also be recommended.
Medications:
Antibiotics such as nitrofurantoin , trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, or fosfomycin are commonly prescribed. In recurrent infections, a longer course of antibiotics or prophylactic antibiotics may be recommended. These are classified as antimicrobial agents.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
UTIs are one of the most common infections, with older adults being at higher risk due to factors such as decreased immunity and urinary retention.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Female gender, urinary catheter use, diabetes, a weakened immune system, poor hydration, and a history of UTIs.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Most UTIs are easily treated with antibiotics. However, in older adults, infections can be more severe and may require hospital treatment, especially if it progresses to a kidney infection (pyelonephritis).
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Kidney damage, sepsis, and recurrent infections, especially in older adults with comorbidities.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Urologic and Renal Disorders
Symptoms:
frequent urination; difficulty starting urination; weak urine stream; dribbling after urination; increased nighttime urination (nocturia); feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
Root Cause:
Enlargement of the prostate gland, which leads to compression of the urethra and obstruction of urinary flow.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Physical exam (including digital rectal exam), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, urinalysis, ultrasound, and urodynamic testing.
Treatment:
Lifestyle changes (e.g., reducing fluid intake before bed, avoiding bladder irritants), medications, or surgery (in severe cases).
Medications:
Alpha blockers (e.g., tamsulosin ) to relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride ) to shrink the prostate. In some cases, combination therapy may be used. These medications help to alleviate symptoms and reduce the size of the prostate.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects more than 50% of men over the age of 60, with the prevalence increasing with age.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, family history, obesity, lack of physical activity, and certain lifestyle factors.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Generally manageable with treatment, but symptoms may worsen over time if untreated. Surgical intervention may be necessary in advanced cases.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Urinary retention, bladder stones, kidney damage, and bladder infections if left untreated.
Acute Kidney Injury (in elderly patients)
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Urologic and Renal Disorders
Symptoms:
decreased urine output; swelling in legs or ankles; fatigue; shortness of breath; confusion; nausea and vomiting; severe fatigue or weakness
Root Cause:
Acute kidney injury (AKI) in elderly patients is typically caused by factors such as dehydration, medication toxicity, infections, or obstruction of the urinary tract. The kidneys suddenly lose their ability to filter waste from the blood.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
AKI is diagnosed through blood tests (elevated creatinine levels and BUN), urine tests (urinalysis for protein, blood, and other abnormalities), and imaging studies (ultrasound to assess for obstructions). In some cases, kidney biopsy may be performed.
Treatment:
Treatment includes identifying and addressing the underlying cause (e.g., rehydration, stopping harmful medications, treating infections), medications to support kidney function, and possibly dialysis if kidney function does not recover.
Medications:
Medications may include diuretics to manage fluid overload, vasopressors for blood pressure support, and antibiotics if an infection is present. In cases of electrolyte imbalances, medications like potassium binders or phosphate binders may be required.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
AKI is common in elderly patients, particularly those who are hospitalized or have multiple comorbid conditions. The incidence increases with age, affecting up to 20-30% of hospitalized elderly individuals.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age, dehydration, underlying chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, use of nephrotoxic medications (e.g., NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors), infections, and surgery.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
The prognosis for AKI depends on the underlying cause, the extent of kidney damage, and the patient's overall health. Some elderly patients recover full kidney function, while others may develop chronic kidney disease or experience long-term kidney dysfunction.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Complications include electrolyte imbalances, fluid overload, infections, and progression to chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease if not managed promptly.
Stress Incontinence
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Urologic and Renal Disorders
Sub-category: Urinary Incontinence
Symptoms:
leakage of urine with physical activity (e.g., coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting); involuntary loss of urine; weak pelvic floor muscles
Root Cause:
Weakening of the pelvic floor muscles or sphincter, often due to aging, childbirth, or other factors. The bladder is unable to prevent urine leakage during moments of physical stress.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Patient history and physical examination. Urinalysis to rule out other causes. Urodynamics to assess bladder function. Cystoscopy or pelvic ultrasound in some cases.
Treatment:
Pelvic floor exercises (Kegel exercises). Behavioral therapy (bladder training). Lifestyle modifications (e.g., weight loss, caffeine reduction). Surgery (e.g., sling procedure, bladder neck suspension). Pessaries to support the bladder.
Medications:
Medications may include anticholinergics (e.g., oxybutynin ) to reduce bladder spasms and alpha-agonists (e.g., pseudoephedrine ) for increasing urethral tone. These are used in cases with mixed incontinence or if there is concurrent urge incontinence.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects approximately 25% of women, with the incidence increasing with age.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Pregnancy and childbirth. Obesity. Older age. Menopause. Pelvic surgery.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Can be effectively managed with lifestyle changes, pelvic exercises, and in some cases surgery. Symptoms may worsen over time if untreated.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Social embarrassment and mental health issues. Skin irritation or infections from chronic wetness. Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Urge Incontinence
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Urologic and Renal Disorders
Sub-category: Urinary Incontinence
Symptoms:
sudden, intense urge to urinate; involuntary leakage of urine; frequent urination, especially at night
Root Cause:
Overactive bladder muscles that contract uncontrollably, leading to the urgent need to urinate and potential involuntary leakage.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detailed patient history. Urinalysis and urine culture to rule out infection. Urodynamics to assess bladder and muscle function.
Treatment:
Bladder training and scheduled voiding. Medications (e.g., anticholinergics like tolterodine, oxybutynin) to relax the bladder muscles. Behavioral therapy. Surgery (in severe cases, botox injections or bladder augmentation).
Medications:
The most common medications are anticholinergics (e.g., oxybutynin , tolterodine ) which block the neurotransmitters that cause bladder spasms, and beta-3 agonists (e.g., mirabegron ) to relax the bladder muscle.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects around 16% of the general population, with a higher prevalence in older adults.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Age (more common in older adults). Neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, Parkinson's disease). Diabetes. Obesity. Women after menopause.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Can be managed with medications, bladder retraining, and lifestyle changes, though it can be chronic.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Increased risk of falls due to frequent bathroom visits. Skin irritation or infections. Emotional and social impact due to the urgency and unpredictability of symptoms.
Overflow Incontinence
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Urologic and Renal Disorders
Sub-category: Urinary Incontinence
Symptoms:
frequent dribbling or leakage of urine; inability to completely empty the bladder; feeling of fullness in the bladder
Root Cause:
Bladder becomes overfull and leaks because it cannot fully empty due to obstruction (e.g., enlarged prostate) or poor bladder muscle contraction.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Patient history and physical exam. Post-void residual urine measurement (using ultrasound or catheter). Urodynamic testing. Cystoscopy for potential obstructions.
Treatment:
Treatment of the underlying cause (e.g., prostate surgery for men). Intermittent catheterization. Medications for bladder muscle function (e.g., bethanechol in some cases). Surgery (in cases of obstruction or neurological causes).
Medications:
Medications like cholinergic agents (e.g., bethanechol ) can sometimes be used to stimulate bladder contractions if the issue is due to underactive bladder muscles.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
More common in older adults, particularly men with prostate issues.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Diabetes and other neuropathies. Spinal cord injury. Medications that affect bladder function (e.g., alpha-blockers).
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Can be managed with treatment of the underlying cause, though it may require long-term management.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs). Bladder damage from long-term retention of urine. Social and psychological impact.
Functional Incontinence
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Urologic and Renal Disorders
Sub-category: Urinary Incontinence
Symptoms:
inability to reach the bathroom in time due to physical or cognitive limitations; frequent accidents due to immobility or mental confusion
Root Cause:
Physical or cognitive impairments (e.g., arthritis, dementia) that prevent the individual from accessing the bathroom or recognizing the need to urinate in time.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Detailed patient history to identify physical or cognitive impairments. Physical and cognitive assessments. Observation of urinary patterns.
Treatment:
Environmental modifications (e.g., accessible toilets, grab bars). Assistance with toileting. Behavioral strategies. Management of underlying conditions (e.g., cognitive therapy for dementia).
Medications:
Medications typically focus on the underlying condition, such as antidepressants (e.g., duloxetine ) for associated depression or antipsychotics for dementia-related incontinence.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Common in older adults, especially those with cognitive decline or mobility limitations.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia, Alzheimer’s disease). Physical disability or immobility. Depression.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Varies depending on the severity of the underlying physical or cognitive condition; can improve with proper interventions and support.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Skin breakdown or infections due to chronic wetness. Social withdrawal and emotional distress.
Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
Specialty: Senior Health and Geriatrics
Category: Urologic and Renal Disorders
Symptoms:
chronic pelvic pain; frequent urination; urgency to urinate; pain during or after urination; pain during intercourse
Root Cause:
A chronic bladder condition characterized by inflammation, irritation, or injury to the bladder lining, leading to pain and urinary symptoms. The exact cause is unknown but may involve autoimmune reactions or bladder tissue damage.
How it's Diagnosed: videos
Diagnosis is often based on symptoms and exclusion of other conditions. Cystoscopy with hydrodistention and urine tests may also be used to rule out other causes.
Treatment:
Treatment focuses on symptom management through lifestyle changes, bladder training, physical therapy, and medications. In some cases, bladder instillations or surgical treatments may be considered.
Medications:
Oral medications such as amitriptyline (a tricyclic antidepressant), pentosan polysulfate sodium (for bladder lining protection), and antihistamines may be used. These medications are classified as analgesics, antidepressants, and bladder protectants.
Prevalence:
How common the health condition is within a specific population.
Affects an estimated 3 to 8 million people in the U.S., with women being more commonly affected.
Risk Factors:
Factors or behaviors that increase the likelihood of developing the condition.
Gender (more common in women), age (often occurs in middle-aged individuals), a history of urinary tract infections, and certain autoimmune conditions.
Prognosis:
The expected outcome or course of the condition over time.
Symptoms can be managed, but the condition is chronic and may have periods of flare-ups and remission. Complete resolution is uncommon.
Complications:
Additional problems or conditions that may arise as a result of the original condition.
Bladder scarring, reduced bladder capacity, and the impact of chronic pain on quality of life.