Differential Diagnosis for Burning Pain while Passing Urine with Normal Urine Test
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urethral Syndrome: This condition is characterized by symptoms of urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) without evidence of infection, which aligns with the normal urine test result. The burning pain during urination is a hallmark symptom.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Interstitial Cystitis: A condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. The symptoms can include a burning sensation while urinating, and some cases may not show abnormalities in a standard urine test.
- Vulvodynia: For women, this condition involves chronic pain in the vulva, which can be exacerbated by urination, leading to a burning sensation.
- Prostatitis: In men, inflammation of the prostate gland can cause burning pain during urination, among other symptoms. A normal urine test does not rule out this condition, especially if the inflammation is not causing an infection.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Certain STIs like gonorrhea or chlamydia can cause burning pain during urination. Even if the urine test is normal, these infections can have serious consequences if not treated promptly.
- Kidney Stones: Although a normal urine test might not show evidence of stones, the pain associated with passing a stone can sometimes be felt as a burning sensation during urination.
- Bladder Cancer: Though rare, bladder cancer can cause symptoms similar to a urinary tract infection, including pain during urination. It's crucial not to miss this diagnosis due to its severe implications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Sjögren's Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can affect the bladder, leading to symptoms like burning during urination.
- Eosinophilic Cystitis: A rare condition characterized by an eosinophilic infiltration of the bladder wall, which can cause a range of urinary symptoms, including pain during urination.
- Cystitis due to Radiation: In individuals who have undergone pelvic radiation, the bladder can become inflamed, leading to symptoms of cystitis, including burning pain during urination.