What is the differential diagnosis for a 16-year-old male presenting with urinary urgency, frequency, and lower back pain for 2 months?

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Differential Diagnosis for a 16-year-old boy with urinary urgency, frequency, and lower back pain

  • Single most likely diagnosis
    • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is a common condition that can cause urinary urgency, frequency, and lower back pain, especially in individuals with poor hygiene or incomplete bladder emptying.
  • Other Likely diagnoses
    • Overactive Bladder: A condition characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate, often accompanied by frequency and nocturia.
    • Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, which can cause urinary symptoms and lower back pain in males.
    • Kidney Stones: Small, hard mineral deposits that can cause severe pain, urinary frequency, and urgency.
  • Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
    • Testicular Torsion: A medical emergency that can cause lower back pain and urinary symptoms if the torsion affects the nerves and blood supply to the testes and surrounding areas.
    • Spinal Cord Injury or Tumor: Although rare, these conditions can cause urinary retention, frequency, or incontinence, along with lower back pain.
    • Pyelonephritis: A type of kidney infection that can cause severe lower back pain, urinary frequency, and urgency, and can lead to sepsis if left untreated.
  • Rare diagnoses
    • Interstitial Cystitis: A chronic condition that causes bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain, which can be accompanied by urinary frequency and urgency.
    • Neurogenic Bladder: A condition where a person has trouble with bladder control due to a brain, spinal cord, or nerve problem, which can cause urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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