Differential Diagnosis for Cloudy Urine
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is the most common cause of cloudy urine, as bacteria can cause the urine to appear cloudy or murky due to the presence of pus and bacteria.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Kidney Stones: Kidney stones can cause cloudy urine if they are obstructing the flow of urine and causing an infection or if they are made of a material that dissolves in urine, such as uric acid stones.
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland can cause cloudy urine in men due to the release of white blood cells and other debris into the urine.
- Pyelonephritis: This is an infection of the kidney, which can cause cloudy urine due to the presence of bacteria and pus.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Sepsis: While sepsis is a less common cause of cloudy urine, it is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. Sepsis can cause cloudy urine if the infection is severe and has spread to the kidneys.
- Obstructive Uropathy: This is a condition where the flow of urine is blocked, which can cause cloudy urine due to the buildup of bacteria and other debris. If left untreated, obstructive uropathy can lead to kidney damage and other serious complications.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Multiple Myeloma: This is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, and can cause cloudy urine due to the presence of abnormal proteins.
- Amyloidosis: This is a condition where abnormal proteins are deposited in the kidneys, which can cause cloudy urine and other kidney problems.
- Cystinuria: This is a rare genetic disorder that affects the kidneys and can cause cloudy urine due to the presence of cystine stones.