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Differential Diagnosis for Urinary Frequency and Urgency with Suprapubic Pressure

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is the most common cause of urinary frequency and urgency, especially in women. The presence of suprapubic pressure further supports this diagnosis, as it is a typical symptom of cystitis, which is an infection of the bladder.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Overactive Bladder: A condition characterized by a sudden, intense urge to urinate, sometimes accompanied by unintentional urination. It can cause significant discomfort and disruption to daily life.
  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): In men, an enlarged prostate can press against the urethra, causing urinary frequency, urgency, and difficulty starting urination.
  • Interstitial Cystitis: A chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. The symptoms can worsen as the bladder fills and may improve with urination.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Kidney Stones: While not the most common cause, kidney stones can cause severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and urinary urgency. Missing this diagnosis could lead to severe complications, including infection and kidney damage.
  • Bladder Cancer: Though rare, bladder cancer can present with urinary frequency, urgency, and suprapubic pressure, especially in older adults or those with a history of smoking.
  • Pyelonephritis: An infection of the kidney, which can cause severe back pain, fever, and chills, in addition to urinary symptoms. It requires prompt treatment to prevent kidney damage.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Neurogenic Bladder: A condition resulting from a lack of bladder control due to a brain, spinal cord, or nerve problem. It can cause a range of urinary symptoms, including frequency and urgency.
  • Urethral Stricture: A narrowing of the urethra, which can cause difficulty urinating, urinary frequency, and urgency, more commonly seen in men.
  • Bladder Fistula: An abnormal connection between the bladder and another organ, such as the intestine or vagina, which can cause continuous urinary leakage and other urinary symptoms.

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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