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Differential Diagnosis for Burning at End of Urination

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is the most common cause of dysuria (painful urination), which includes burning at the end of urination. UTIs are more common in women due to their shorter urethra, which facilitates bacterial entry into the bladder.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra, often due to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea, can cause burning during urination.
  • Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland, which can be acute or chronic, may cause burning during urination, especially at the end, along with other symptoms like frequent urination and pelvic pain.
  • Interstitial Cystitis: A condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. The symptoms can worsen as the bladder fills and may improve with urination, but can also cause a burning sensation.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Kidney Stones: While not always associated with burning at the end of urination, kidney stones can cause severe pain and other urinary symptoms. Missing this diagnosis could lead to severe complications, including obstruction and infection.
  • Tuberculosis of the Urinary Tract: A rare but serious condition that can cause chronic symptoms, including burning during urination, frequent urination, and hematuria (blood in the urine).
  • Cancer of the Urinary Tract: Though rare, cancers of the bladder, ureters, or kidneys can cause a variety of urinary symptoms, including painful urination.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can cause dryness in the eyes, mouth, and other areas that require moisture, including the urinary tract, potentially leading to burning sensations during urination.
  • Behçet's Disease: A rare disorder that causes blood vessel inflammation throughout the body, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, including urinary symptoms like dysuria.
  • Chemical Cystitis: Exposure to certain chemicals (e.g., those in some types of chemotherapy) can cause inflammation of the bladder, leading to symptoms like burning during urination.

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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