13.3 - Health Issues Related to the Urinary System

Kidney Failure

• Kidney failure can be caused by illness, bacterial infection or accidents.
• Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of kidney failure, followed by high blood pressure.
• Diabetes mellitus and high blood pressure damage the glomerulus.

Kidney Stones

• Kidney stones are hard masses made of uric acid, calcium oxalate or crystalline calcium phosphate.
• Kidney stones can block the ureter and reduce urine production.
• Drinking plenty of water every day reduces the likelihood of kidney-stone formation.