Types Causes Symptoms and Treatment of Excretory System Disorders
It is said that you need to drink water well. But have you ever wondered why? It’s because lack of water may lead to Disorders of the Excretory System - Kidney Failure, Kidney Stone, and Uraemia. These disorders can lead to your lifestyle changing completely and hence affect your overall health as well. Check out the Disorders of the Excretory System article for more details on Vedantu.
The excretory system is an essential biological structure responsible for removing excess or waste products from the human body to maintain homeostasis. These products are results of metabolism, and they leave the human body in the form of sweat, urine and faeces.
Even though several organs are associated with this process, the term excretory system is used for organs directly related to the expel procedure. It includes the Kidneys, sweat glands, liver and large intestine. Excretory system diseases occur when one or more excretory systems stop functioning properly. It is not an ideal situation at all. Due to this, an individual can suffer from various types of ailments.
Role of Various Excretory Systems
Kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products and excess water from the blood.
The liver breaks down spare amino acids and other toxins within the blood.
Additionally, the large intestine has the responsibility of eliminating solid wastes left after the digestion of food.
The sweat glands aids in getting rid of additional water and salt via sweat.
Last but not least, the lungs exhale carbon dioxide and water vapour.
As mentioned above, the improper function of these organs can lead to several diseases, and some of them can be fatal.
Disorders of the Excretory System
Here is a list of some prominent diseases of the excretory system –
Kidney Failure or Renal Failure
It is one of the most significant amongst urinary system diseases and disorders. It occurs when Kidneys struggle to filter urine via glomerular filtration. Renal failure is further classified into two types, acute and chronic.
Acute Kidney failure occurs when both the Kidney suddenly stopped working. The symptoms of ARF are swelling of hands, face and feet, internal bleeding, seizures and even coma.
On the other hand, chronic renal failure is when the Kidneys lose their capacity gradually over time. Some of the prominent symptoms of CRF are sudden weight loss, high blood pressure, cramps, easy bruising, etc.
Kidney transplant and dialysis are the treatments available for Kidney failure.
Kidney Stone
Also regarded as renal calculi, Kidney stones are a deposit of minerals and acid salts within the Kidney. The exact reason for this disease is hard to determine as it varies from one person to another. However, some of the prominent ones are excess body weight, certain medical conditions, and regular use of various supplements and medicines.
The symptoms of Kidney stone are severe pain on the sides of the abdomen, back pain and nausea. Even though it is a painful scenario, Kidney stones usually do not leave any permanent damages.
Drinking plenty of water and some prescribed drugs can cure this problem. However, in the case of bigger stones, medical procedures are required.
Uraemia
Uraemia is the third name on this excretory system diseases list. This disease is a result of an increase in the urea level in blood.
This condition occurs when the Kidney losses its capability of filtering waste. The symptoms of uraemia are nausea, fatigue, loss of appetite, mental confusion and a metallic taste in the mouth.
Haemodialysis is the common treatment for this condition.
Nephritis
It is another significant excretory system disease. Here nephrons, the functional elements of the Kidney, becomes inflamed. This situation is also called glomerulonephritis. The exact cause of this disorder is hard to determine, and it can develop with time.
Some prominent symptoms of nephritis are foamy urine, blood in urine, change of urine colour, etc. Regular medication and dialysis, if needed, can cure this disease.
Other notable disorders of the excretory system are renin secretion, oedema, urethritis, anuria, polyuria, etc.
The significance of a well-functioning excretory system cannot be stressed enough. It keeps an individual healthy and devoid of several major health issues.
If you want to learn more about excretory system diseases or any other topic of Biology, you can browse through our study materials available in both our website and App. You can also join our live online classes that are guaranteed to help you ace your exams.
FAQs on Disorders of the Excretory System in Humans
1. What is the excretory system?
The excretory system is the body system that removes metabolic waste products and maintains fluid and chemical balance in the body. It primarily eliminates nitrogenous wastes such as urea, along with excess water and salts.
- Main organs include the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.
- It helps regulate water balance, electrolyte levels, and pH.
- It prevents toxic buildup in the bloodstream.
2. What are the main disorders of the excretory system?
The main disorders of the excretory system include kidney and urinary tract conditions that affect waste removal and fluid balance.
- Kidney stones – hard mineral deposits in the kidneys.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) – infections of the urinary system.
- Nephritis – inflammation of the kidneys.
- Renal failure – partial or complete loss of kidney function.
- Glomerulonephritis – inflammation of the glomeruli.
3. What causes kidney stones?
Kidney stones are caused by the crystallization of minerals and salts in the urine when their concentration becomes too high. Common causes include:
- Low water intake leading to concentrated urine.
- Excess calcium, oxalate, or uric acid in urine.
- Certain metabolic disorders.
- High-protein or high-salt diet.
4. What is renal failure?
Renal failure is the condition in which the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste products from the blood effectively. It can be:
- Acute renal failure – sudden and often reversible.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) – gradual and long-term loss of function.
5. What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection affecting any part of the urinary system, especially the bladder and urethra. It is commonly caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli).
- Causes burning sensation during urination.
- Frequent urge to urinate.
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine.
6. What is nephritis?
Nephritis is inflammation of the kidneys, particularly affecting the filtering units called nephrons. It may result from infections, autoimmune reactions, or toxins.
- Causes swelling due to fluid retention.
- May lead to blood or protein in urine.
- Can reduce the glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
7. What is the difference between acute and chronic kidney disease?
The main difference between acute and chronic kidney disease is the speed and duration of kidney function loss.
- Acute kidney injury (AKI) develops suddenly and may be reversible.
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops slowly over months or years and is usually irreversible.
8. How does glomerulonephritis affect the excretory system?
Glomerulonephritis affects the excretory system by damaging the glomeruli, reducing their ability to filter blood properly. This results in:
- Presence of blood (hematuria) in urine.
- Protein loss in urine (proteinuria).
- Reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
9. What are the symptoms of kidney disorders?
Common symptoms of kidney disorders include changes in urination and signs of toxin buildup in the body. These may include:
- Swelling in legs or face due to fluid retention.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Decreased or painful urination.
- Blood in urine.
10. How can disorders of the excretory system be prevented?
Disorders of the excretory system can be prevented by maintaining healthy kidney function and proper urinary hygiene. Key preventive measures include:
- Drinking adequate water to dilute urine.
- Maintaining a balanced diet low in excess salt and protein.
- Practicing proper personal hygiene to prevent UTIs.
- Regular health checkups to monitor kidney function.
