Differential Diagnosis for Burning with Urination and Foul Smell Urine
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is the most common cause of dysuria (burning with urination) and foul-smelling urine, especially in women. The symptoms presented, such as burning with urination and foul smell urine for 3-4 days, are classic for a UTI.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis can cause dysuria and changes in urine odor. Given the symptoms, it's essential to consider STIs, especially if the patient is sexually active.
- Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra can cause burning during urination and could be due to infectious or non-infectious causes.
- Prostatitis: In men, prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) can cause dysuria, among other symptoms like pelvic pain.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Pyelonephritis: An infection of the kidney, which can present with symptoms similar to a UTI but may also include flank pain, fever, and chills. Missing this diagnosis could lead to severe complications, including sepsis.
- Kidney Stones: While often presenting with severe flank pain, kidney stones can also cause dysuria and changes in urine. The pain can sometimes be confused with UTI symptoms.
- Sepsis: In severe cases, untreated UTIs can lead to sepsis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Rare Diagnoses
- Interstitial Cystitis: A chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. The symptoms can overlap with those of a UTI but are typically more chronic.
- Bladder Cancer: Though rare, bladder cancer can cause changes in urination, including pain and changes in urine smell, especially in older adults or those with risk factors like smoking.
- Tuberculosis of the Urinary Tract: A rare condition in many parts of the world, but it can cause chronic symptoms similar to a UTI, including dysuria and changes in urine.