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.