Differential Diagnosis for Overactive Bladder vs Interstitial Nephritis
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Overactive bladder: This is the most likely diagnosis if the patient presents with symptoms of urgency, frequency, and nocturia without evidence of urinary tract infection or other underlying conditions that could cause interstitial nephritis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Urinary tract infection: A common cause of symptoms similar to overactive bladder, which can be differentiated through urinalysis and culture.
- Interstitial nephritis: An inflammation of the kidney tissue, which can cause symptoms similar to overactive bladder, such as frequency and urgency, and can be diagnosed through imaging studies and biopsy.
- Detrusor overactivity: A condition characterized by an overactive bladder muscle, leading to symptoms of urgency, frequency, and incontinence.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Diabetic nephropathy: A serious complication of diabetes that can cause symptoms similar to overactive bladder and interstitial nephritis, and if missed, can lead to end-stage renal disease.
- Obstructive uropathy: A condition caused by obstruction of the urinary tract, which can cause symptoms similar to overactive bladder and interstitial nephritis, and if missed, can lead to severe kidney damage.
- Bladder cancer: A rare but serious condition that can cause symptoms similar to overactive bladder, and if missed, can lead to severe consequences.
Rare Diagnoses
- Sarcoidosis: A rare autoimmune disease that can cause interstitial nephritis and symptoms similar to overactive bladder.
- Tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis syndrome (TINU): A rare condition characterized by interstitial nephritis and uveitis, which can cause symptoms similar to overactive bladder.
- Eosinophilic cystitis: A rare condition characterized by an eosinophilic infiltration of the bladder wall, which can cause symptoms similar to overactive bladder.