ABSTRACT
The ‘internal environment’ is tightly controlled so that plasma concentrations of electrolytes remain within narrow limits despite substantial variations in dietary intake, as a result of renal processes that ensure that the amounts excreted balance those taken in. Fluid and electrolyte disturbances are important in many diseases (e.g. heart failure, see Chapter 31). In the present chapter, we consider general aspects of their management. This usually involves dietary restriction and the use of drugs that act on the kidney – especially various diuretics. Additionally, we consider briefly drugs that act on the bladder and other components of the genito-urinary system.
