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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.

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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