Differential Diagnosis for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is the most likely diagnosis given the presentation of symptoms such as dysuria, frequency, and urgency, which are classic for a UTI. The diagnosis can be confirmed with a urinalysis and urine culture.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Interstitial Cystitis: A condition that causes bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain, which can mimic the symptoms of a UTI.
- Overactive Bladder: Characterized by a sudden urge to urinate, which can be mistaken for the urgency associated with UTIs.
- Prostatitis (in men): Inflammation of the prostate gland, which can cause symptoms similar to those of a UTI, such as painful urination and frequent urination.
- Vaginitis (in women): Inflammation of the vagina, which can cause symptoms like dysuria and frequent urination, similar to a UTI.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pyelonephritis: An infection of the kidney, which can present with symptoms similar to a UTI but requires more aggressive treatment due to the risk of sepsis and kidney damage.
- Sepsis: A life-threatening condition that can arise from an untreated or severe UTI, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with compromised immune systems.
- Kidney Stones: While not an infection, kidney stones can cause severe pain and obstructive symptoms that might be confused with a UTI, and missing the diagnosis could lead to severe complications.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Tuberculosis of the Urinary Tract: A rare condition that can cause chronic symptoms similar to a UTI, including frequency, urgency, and hematuria.
- Schistosomiasis: A parasitic infection that can involve the urinary tract and cause symptoms similar to a UTI, more common in travelers to or residents of endemic areas.
- Malacoplakia: A rare inflammatory condition that can affect the urinary tract and cause symptoms similar to a UTI, often associated with chronic infection.