Differential Diagnosis for Mucus in Urine
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is the most common cause of mucus in urine, as the body's response to infection often includes the production of mucus to trap pathogens.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Kidney Stones: The presence of stones can irritate the urinary tract, leading to inflammation and increased mucus production.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Enlargement of the prostate can cause urinary retention, leading to stasis of urine and subsequent infection or irritation that results in mucus production.
- Interstitial Cystitis: A condition characterized by bladder inflammation, which can cause a range of symptoms including the presence of mucus in the urine.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Bladder Cancer: Although less common, bladder cancer can cause changes in urine, including the presence of mucus, and is critical to diagnose early for effective treatment.
- Tuberculosis of the Urinary Tract: A serious infection that can cause significant morbidity if not treated promptly, and may present with mucus in the urine among other symptoms.
- Rare diagnoses
- Schistosomiasis: A parasitic infection that can affect the urinary tract, leading to symptoms including hematuria and the presence of mucus in urine, more common in specific geographic regions.
- Malacoplakia: A rare condition characterized by the formation of plaques in the urinary tract, which can cause a range of urinary symptoms including the presence of mucus.