Differential Diagnosis for Dysuria
Dysuria, or painful urination, can be caused by a variety of conditions. Here is a differential diagnosis organized into categories:
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is the most common cause of dysuria, especially in women. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause an infection, leading to symptoms such as burning during urination, frequent urination, and abdominal pain.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): STIs such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and herpes can cause dysuria. These infections are often accompanied by other symptoms such as discharge, itching, and pain during intercourse.
- Urethritis: Inflammation of the urethra can cause dysuria, and is often caused by STIs or other infections.
- Vaginitis: Inflammation of the vagina can cause dysuria in women, and is often caused by yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis.
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate gland can cause dysuria in men, and is often caused by bacterial infections.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Kidney Stones: While not the most common cause of dysuria, kidney stones can cause severe pain and require urgent medical attention. They often present with sudden, severe pain and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine.
- Appendicitis: In some cases, appendicitis can present with dysuria, especially if the appendix is located near the urinary tract. Appendicitis is a medical emergency that requires prompt surgical attention.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the colon can cause dysuria, especially if the diverticula are located near the urinary tract. Diverticulitis can lead to serious complications such as abscesses and perforation if left untreated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Interstitial Cystitis: A chronic condition that causes bladder pain and dysuria, often accompanied by frequency and urgency. The exact cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to bladder lining defects and immune system problems.
- Tuberculosis: A rare cause of dysuria, tuberculosis can infect the urinary tract and cause symptoms such as pain, frequency, and hematuria.
- Cancer: In rare cases, cancer of the urinary tract, such as bladder or kidney cancer, can cause dysuria. These conditions often present with other symptoms such as hematuria, weight loss, and abdominal pain.