What Can Mimic A Urinary Tract Infection

Other Symptoms Of Utis

If the person has a sudden and unexplained change in their behaviour, such as increased confusion, agitation, or withdrawal, this may be because of a UTI.

These pages explain what a UTI is, the different types of UTIs, their symptoms and treatments, and gives tips on how they may be prevented.

Symptoms Of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can range in size from a single grain of sand up to a golf ball. However, most kidney stones are about the size of a chickpea. Especially small stones may pass without you even noticing, but those larger in size can produce notable symptoms, including:

• Feeling the urge to urinate more often

• Being unable to urinate regularly

• Foul-smelling urine

• Feeling severe pain in your lower back or sides that may come and go

• Experiencing nausea and vomiting

Kidney stones don’t typically create permanent damage to your urinary system, and you may not need medical intervention for them to pass through. However, you should see your doctor if your symptoms become more severe.

Immediate medical attention is recommended if you have the following symptoms:

• Pain along with nausea, vomiting, fever, or chills

• Pain that makes it impossible to find a comfortable position

• Difficulty urinating

Not every person with kidney stones will experience all the above signs, but it is helpful to be aware of such symptoms, especially if you notice changes in your urine.

What Is Upper Urinary Tract Cancer

Cancer is when cells in the body grow out of control, often forming a mass or tumor. In upper urinary tract cancer, abnormal cells are found in the:

Cancers of the upper urinary tract are relatively rare. The most common of all upper urinary tract cancers are those found in the renal pelvis and renal calyces. Cancer in the ureters makes up about a quarter of all upper urinary tract cancers.

Tumors of the renal calyces, renal pelvis and ureters start in the layer of tissue that lines the bladder and the upper urinary tract, called the urothelium. Cancer that starts in the urothelium is called urothelial cancer. This is the most common type of cancer found in the bladder, as well. Because many of the organs in the urinary system share common cells, cancers found in these organs often look and act alike.

The urothelium is special in the way that it swells and shrinks to push urine through the urinary tract. Because it is in direct contact with the urine, this lining is exposed to chemicals filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. These chemicals can cause cells to change and grow out of control as cancer.

Because the bladder stores urine, it may be at greater risk for cancer than other parts of the upper tract. Its cells are exposed to harmful substances for a longer time. When urine has a high percent of harmful chemicals, cancer may also grow in the kidney or ureters.

Also Check: Artificial Sphincter For Urinary Incontinence

The Definition Of A Positive Urine Culture

The definition of a positive urine culture depends on the presence of symptoms and the method of urinary specimen collection, as follows and as depicted in Figure 1. For the diagnosis of cystitis or pyelonephritis in women, a midstream urine count 105 cfu/mL is considered diagnostic of UTI.59 However, in diabetic women with good metabolic control and without long-term complications who present with acute uncomplicated cystitis, quantitative counts < 105 colony-forming units /mL are isolated from 20%25% of premenopausal women and about 10% of postmenopausal women.8 Only 5% of patients with acute pyelonephritis have lower quantitative counts isolated.8 Lower bacterial counts are more often encountered in patients already on antimicrobials and are thought to result from impaired renal concentrating ability or diuresis, which limits the dwell time of urine in the bladder.8,60 Thus, in symptomatic women with pyuria and lower midstream urine counts , a diagnosis of UTI should be suspected.

Flow chart for the diagnosis of urinary tract infection in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Abbreviations: cfu, colony-forming units UTI, urinary tract infection.

For the diagnosis of UTI in men, a midstream urine colony count of 104 cfu/mL is indicative. However, when coli-form bacteria are isolated, lower colony counts might also represent significant bacteriuria.61

Increasing Worsening Or Changing Symptoms

If any of your symptoms increase, worsen or change from the normal UTI symptoms, it might be an STD instead. If symptoms start to include ones like discharge or smell, its far more likely to be one of the most common STDs instead.

For any repeated urinary tract infections that appear to keep coming back, see your doctor: There are many things that can cause repeated UTIs. The same is true for any symptoms that can point to more than just an STD: Again, see your doctor.

Read Also: What Food Is Good For Urinary Tract Infection

What Can Be Mistaken For Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are a relatively common condition characterized by minerals building up inside the kidneys to form solid masses. These masses, or stones, can result in numerous unpleasant symptoms, especially when they move from the kidney to the ureter, the tube that connects your kidneys to your bladder.

Kidney stones can be made up of several different types of substances, but the most common is calcium oxalate. Some stones can be passed on their own if you drink plenty of fluids and take painkillers, but others require medical interventions to resolve.

Some conditions produce effects similar to kidney stones, but they may require completely different treatments to help them resolve. Thats why its important to learn about the symptoms of kidney stones and other conditions that can mimic kidney stone pain.

Have you considered clinical trials for Kidney disease?

We make it easy for you to participate in a clinical trial for Kidney disease, and get access to the latest treatments not yet widely available – and be a part of finding a cure.

What Is Painful Bladder Syndrome

Painful Bladder Syndrome

Painful bladder syndrome is a condition that causes bladder pain, pressure, or discomfort. Some people feel the need to urinate frequently or rush to get to the bathroom. The symptoms range from mild to severe and can happen sometimes or all the time. PBS is not caused by an infection, but it can feel like a urinary tract infection or UTI. Painful bladder syndrome is also referred to as bladder pain syndrome and interstitial cystitis. In the past, doctors thought PBS was rare and difficult to treat. We now know that PBS affects many women and men and treatments are helpful.

What causes PBS?

No one knows for sure, but we think PBS happens when the inner lining of the bladder is not working properly. This means that nerves in the wall of the bladder become hypersensitive so the normal feeling of the bladder filling can be painful. There may also be inflammation or allergic reaction responses in the bladder. Some people report developing PBS after an injury to the bladder such as a severe bladder infection or major trauma, but this is not always the case. PBS is more common in people who have irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, or other chronic pain conditions. It is not clear why these problems happen together.

What are the symptoms of PBS?

How is PBS diagnosed?

Do I need a cystoscopy?

How is PBS treated?

Simple changes to diet or routines can help some people with bladder pain. Steps might include

Don’t Miss: Do Urinary Tract Infection Go Away On Their Own

Uti Signs And Symptoms In Childrenare Different

UTIs are the second most common type of infection in children, behind ear infections. Unfortunately, early symptoms of UTI in young children are not always apparent. And sometimes there are no UTI symptoms at all, or your child is simply unable to articulate the UTI symptoms he or she is experiencing. When it comes to babies under 2 years old, parents need to tune in to these signs of a urinary tract infection:

• Fever A fever of 104°F or higher may be the sole symptom in babies. Its also the most common symptom of UTI during babys first two years.
• Jaundice Up to 18 percent of babies with prolonged or worsening jaundice also have UTIs. When jaundice occurs one full year after birth, its a strong indicator of UTI.
• Poor feeding or failure to thrive
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Crying while urinating

Meanwhile, older children generally have similar symptoms to adults, including urgency, cloudy urine, and pain during urination. For children whove already been toilet trained, bed-wetting is also a sign of a UTI.

What Could Be Mistaken For A Uti

There are several conditions whose symptoms mimic UTIs. Sexually transmitted infections cause symptoms also common in UTIs, such as painful urination and discharge.

Vaginitis, caused by bacteria or yeast, can result in a burning sensation when urinating and similar discomfort that may mimic a UTI.

Often mistaken for a UTI, interstitial cystitis , or painful bladder condition, is a chronic condition affecting the bladder that does not improve with antibiotic treatment. Symptoms of IC include increased urgency and more frequent urination as well as pain in the pelvic area.

Other conditions to rule out are overactive bladder, pregnancy, prostatitis, diabetes, cancer, and kidney stones.

Read Also: Urinary Tract Infection In Female Dogs Home Remedies

Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms

For younger people a UTI typically comes with very clear-cut physical symptoms that logically coordinate to the urinary tract:

• Painful urination that feels like burning and/or cramping
• A constant feeling of needing to urinate
• Lower back pain
• Urine with an abnormal odor
• Fever and/or chills

For seniors, these physical symptoms are minimalized or overshadowed by a quick onslaught of behavioral changes that concerningly mimic that of serious cognitive issues such as Alzheimers and dementia. Further, UTI symptoms tend to be more severe in seniors who already have deteriorating cognitive illness.

Caregivers should take notice of the following UTI related signs and symptoms in seniors, especially if they develop quickly, often in a matter of just two to three days:

• Sudden change in behavior or inability to perform tasks that were easily done days before
• Agitation, restlessness, anger or other emotional inconsistencies
• Confusion, not knowing what day it is, mixing up names and people and general brain fog
• Memory loss and hallucinations ranging from mild to severe
• Incontinence and inability to recognize the need to urinate or urinary retention

What To Do About Changes When You Urinate

Narrator:What to do about changes when you urinate caused by radiation therapy.

Having problems when you urinate? Listen to solutions from other people undergoing radiation therapy. Also, hear advice from Dr. Ross. Then talk with your own doctor or nurse to learn more.

Miguel:Tip number 1: Drink lots of liquids each day.Its good for your urine to be clear or a pale yellow color. My doctor says that tells you youre getting enough liquids. Most people find drinking about 8 cups of liquid a day does the trick. Of course, check to make sure thats the best amount for you, too.

Cara:Tip number 2: Water is wonderful, but you may want more zip in your sip.I like water, but found it was hard to get enough water each day. I was glad to learn that Jell-O and soups also count as liquids. To add some zip to what I drink, I have water with a little lemon and watered-down juices.

Rodney:Tip number 3: Lose the booze.My doctor told me that wine, liquor, or even beer could really bother my bladder. So now I limit these liquids. Some people may need to stay away from wine, liquor, and beer altogether to avoid irritating their bladder.

My doctor also told me to stay away from caffeine in coffee, colas, or teas. They could make my bladder problems worse. I now choose flavored decaf coffees and tasty herbal teas.

Dr. Ross:Hi, Im Dr. Ross and you just heard 3 great tips to keep bladder problems under control.

Related Resources

You May Like: Staphylococcus Aureus Urinary Tract Infection Treatment

What Can Mimic A Uti

So, if it’s not a UTI, what else could it be? Several other infectious and non-infectious disease processes can cause symptoms that mimic a UTI. These include conditions such as vaginitis, overactive bladder, and kidney stones some sexually transmitted infections and diseases such as bladder cancer. Due to the potentially serious consequences of many of these alternate diagnoses, it is important that recurrent UTI-like symptoms are thoroughly investigated.

Things That Can Cause Symptoms That Feel Like A Uti And What To Do About It

There’s pain, bloating, and burning when you pee. Staying near the toilet all day feels like a necessity because even if you just went, it feels as if you have to go again. And yet, the urine test at your doctor’s office comes back negative for a urinary tract infection.

Plenty of women each year are faced with this conundrum. It’s frustrating and obviously uncomfortable, causing you to lose faith in your gyno. However, one thing that doctors often fail to tell their patients is that there are a number of other conditions that sometimes mimic certain symptoms of a UTI. It’s easy to jump to something like “kidney failure,” but here are the most common conditions you could be dealing with.

Recommended Reading: Myasthenia Gravis And Urinary Incontinence

Treatment And Home Remedies

UTIs and yeast infections require different treatments.

UTI treatment usually involves antibiotics, which clear up bacterial infections. The class and dosage of antibiotic treatment depend on the type of infection and the persons medical history.

Although symptoms usually go away shortly after a person starts taking antibiotics, they should complete the entire course of medication that the doctor prescribed.

People can treat yeast infections in several different ways. Mild yeast infections may respond to over-the-counter antifungal medications, which are available in the following forms:

OTC antifungal medications are available to purchase in stores or online.

Severe yeast infections might require a prescription-strength antifungal oral tablet called fluconazole.

Although OTC and prescription medications can successfully treat UTIs and yeast infections, some people may choose alternative or natural therapies instead.

Eating natural, unsweetened yogurt that contains Lactobacillus acidophilus may help prevent yeast infections.

Unsweetened cranberry juice is a common home remedy for UTIs. However, in a 2013 article, researchers reviewed 24 studies and concluded that cranberry juice is less effective than earlier research indicated and that it demonstrates a limited ability to prevent UTIs.

Mild UTIs and yeast infections are easily treatable and may even resolve on their own. However, people should still consult a doctor before attempting to treat either infection at home.

What Is The Difference Between Cystitis And Uti

A UTI can occur in any part of the urinary tract: the urethra, ureters, kidneys, or bladder. If the infection stays in the urethra, its considered urethritis. The urethra is a tube that allows the body to expel urine and is connected to the bladder. If the infection occurs in the lower urinary tract and bladder, its considered cystitis. The ureters, two narrow tubes, drain urine from the kidneys into the bladder. Kidneys are responsible for removing waste and excess water from the body. If the infection moves to the upper urinary tract and kidneys, its considered pyelonephritis.

You May Like: Women’s Urinary Tract Health

Can Utis Increase The Risk Of Bladder Cancer

Several studies have investigated whether UTIs may be a risk factor for bladder cancer.

• Epidemiological studies that have examined evidence of an association between UTIs and urothelial carcinoma have to date produced varying results.3,13,14 Some data indicates there may be an increased risk in individuals who experience previous UTIs,3,14 whereas other findings suggest that previous UTIs could have a protective effect against bladder cancer, possibly due to an anti-cancer effect of the antibiotics used in their treatment.3,13,14
• Colibactin, a bacterial toxin that can damage DNA, is suspected to play a role in some types of cancer. Researchers have recently detected colibactin production in E. coli isolated from the urine of patients with UTIs.15 Furthermore, in the urinary tracts of mice infected with colibactin-producing E. coli, DNA damage in bladder cells was observed .
• Preliminary data appears to support a link between recurrent UTIs and increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder.16 However, as squamous cell carcinoma is a rare type of bladder cancer , the overall impact of this potential association would be relatively minor.

It may be concluded that the extent of any direct relationship between UTIs and bladder cancer is yet to be fully determined. However, it is clear that a major bladder cancer risk associated with recurrent UTIs in women is that of delayed diagnosis, caused by the extensive overlap in symptoms between the two conditions.

Is It Possible To Have A Uti Without Any Symptoms

Yes. Symptoms of a UTI can vary, and it’s not entirely uncommon for someone to experience no symptoms of a urinary tract infection. Its estimated that 1 to 5 percent of younger women experience asymptomatic bacteriuria , which is a UTI without the classic symptoms. While its unclear why the bacteria involved with urinary tract infections sometimes don’t cause symptoms for these people, we do know that instances of symptom-free UTIs increase with age. Up to 16 percent of women older than 65 have been found to have ASB, and that number grows to almost 20 percent for women over 80. Other factors that increase your chances of an asymptomatic UTI are:

• Urinary catheter use

You May Like: Can Urinary Tract Infection Cause Blood In Urine

Is It A Urinary Tract Infection Or Something Else

The pain in your pelvic area tells you something is definitely wrong. You also have sudden, strong urges to urinate, even when you don’t have much urine to pass. And you find yourself going to the bathroom a lot more often than usual.

What’s going on? Your first guess might be a urinary tract infection , and that often turns out to be correct. But in other cases, you might have a painful bladder condition called interstitial cystitis . Here’s how to tell the two apart.