Diuretics are a type of medication that promotes diuresis – sudden increased and uncontrollable urine production. They function by affecting the kidneys and chaotically changing the balance of fluids in the body. Diuretics are used most commonly to treat ailments such as hypertension or specific kidney disorders. When dealing with a disease, the specific choice of a diuretic and dosage will depend on the individual’s medical condition, overall health, and response to the medication.
It is worth noting that most people consume products, beverages in particular, that directly contain diuretics on a regular basis. One such example is coffee, which has a high amount of diuretic compounds along with tea and alcohol. Caffeine, which is present in coffee, may intensify urine production and promote the release of water out of the body. It works by promoting blood vessels widening in the nephron that can increase GFR per unit of time (Betts et al., 2017). However, the diuretic effects of caffeine are generally mild and temporary. Possible side effects should be considered if consumed periodically, such as electrolyte imbalance or increased urination frequency.
In addition to kidneys, there are various types of urinary system diseases. Kidney stones can serve as an example of the most common ones. They are the remains of hard organic substances and salt that form inside the kidneys. The stones range from the tiniest samples to larger and more firm formations. Generally, they affect the urinary system structure and function in different ways. Some of the most known consequences are urinary tract obstruction and even hematuria. The obstruction refers to urine backing up into the kidneys, potentially causing hydronephrosis and impairing kidney function. Hematuria is bleeding in the urinary tract that eventually results in blood in the urine itself (Betts et al., 2017). In general, symptoms of kidney stones can vary, but they commonly include severe pain in the back and frequent painful urination.
Reference
Betts, J.G., Desaix, P., Johnson, E., Johnson, J. E., Korol, O., Kruse, D., Poe, B., Wise, J. A., Womble, M., & Young, K. A. (2017). Anatomy and Physiology. OpenStax.