Introduction
Seema, 22, shared an account of her first brush with a urinary tract infection (UTI). “I kept getting UTIs,” she said. “I was treated with antibiotics, but nothing changed. Eventually, an ultrasound revealed the real culprit, three large kidney stones.”
Does this sound familiar? Are you dealing with recurring UTIs or kidney stones? Could one be causing the other? Let’s find out!
The urinary system consists of two ureters, two kidneys, a urethra, and a bladder. With similar symptoms, urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney stones may affect the urinary tract. Both cause pain in your urinary tract, making it challenging for you to tell if it is due to a kidney stone or a UTI. Hence, let’s discuss ‘can a kidney stone cause UTI?’, including their symptoms!
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard, solid masses or crystals that can form within the kidneys. When urine has a high level of certain substances, like minerals and salts, it clusters together and creates a stone. While some stones are too small to pass through your urinary tract unnoticed, others can be larger in size and cause discomfort.
Stones sitting in the kidney may not cause any issues. However, if they travel from the kidney into the ureter, they can block the urine flow, causing severe pain and complications. This blockage can be a cause of swelling in the kidney and spasm in the ureter, leading to severe pain, which may radiate from the back to the lower stomach and groin.
Some common symptoms of a kidney stone in urinary tract are:
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Pain in the side, back or belly
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Nausea and vomiting
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Pain while urinating
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Urge to urinate
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Blood in the urine
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Fever or chills
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Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
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Difficulty urinating
What is a UTI?
A UTI is a common infection which affects any part of the urinary tract, including the ureters, kidneys, urethra and bladder. While UTIs most commonly affect the bladder and urethra, kidneys and ureters are also involved. However, females are more likely to develop UTIs because of their anatomy, as they have shorter urethras than males and are close to the anus, which makes it easier for bacteria to travel from the rectum to the bladder and cause infection.
Some of the most common symptoms of a UTI are:
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A burning sensation or pain during urination
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Frequent urination
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An urge to urinate
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Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
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Fever and chills
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Pain in the lower abdomen
If you have an elderly patient in your life with problems of frequent urination or urinary incontinence, then be extra concerned about their health and safety. A small step towards incontinence products, like adult overnight diapers, dry pants or underpads, can help them feel encouraged.
Can Kidney Stones Cause UTI?
Are you still wondering ‘can a kidney stone cause UTI? So, let’s look at the detailed explanation below:
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Blockage:
A kidney stone can block the urinary tract, narrowing the flow of urine. Due to this blockage, urine comes back up into the kidneys and bladder, creating an environment for bacterial growth.
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Irritation:
Kidney stones with sharp edges can irritate the lining of the urinary tract, making it easier for bacteria to grow and lead to infection.
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Stagnation:
When the flow of urine is blocked, it can stagnate in the bladder. This stagnation allows bacteria to grow, leading to a UTI.
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Struvite Stones:
Struvite stones are a type of kidney stones which are related to chronic UTIs. These stones are linked with some bacteria that make urine more alkaline. Made of magnesium, ammonium, and phosphate, struvite stones are usually large and grow rapidly.
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Staghorn Stones:
Staghorn stones generally form due to repeated UTIs and certain types of bacteria. While they are usually large in size, they cause little to no pain.
Signs You May Have Both
Though both kidney stones and UTIs have similar symptoms, they have different causes and require distinct treatments. The following are the signs that may indicate both kidney stones and UTIs.
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Pain During Urination
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Cloudy or Foul-smelling Urine
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An Urge to Urinate
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Back Pain
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Blood in the urine
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Fever and chills
When to Visit a Doctor
If you experience the symptoms of kidney stones or UTIs, such as severe pain, fever, chills, or blood in your urine, then it is recommended to visit a doctor immediately. If left untreated, UTIs can cause kidney infections, and kidney stones can lead to severe complications, like blockage in the urinary system and infection.
Although not all kidney stones cause UTIs, the existence of a kidney stone in urinary tract can significantly increase the risk of developing blockage, irritation, and bacterial growth. If you experience any symptoms of kidney stones and UTIs mentioned above, then seek medical attention to get a proper analysis and treatment.
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FAQs
Q1. How to flush stones from the urinary tract?
Ans. In order to flush a kidney stone from the urinary tract, it is recommended to increase your fluid intake, mainly water. This will help dilute urine and pass the stone naturally.
Q2. What are the symptoms of kidney stones in the urinary tract?
Ans. The symptoms of kidney stones in the urinary tract include:
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Severe pain in the side, back or belly
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Nausea and vomiting
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Pain while urinating
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Urge to urinate
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Blood in the urine
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Fever or chills
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Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
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Difficulty urinating
Q3. Do kidney stones cause burning during urination?
Ans. When a kidney stone moves from the kidney into the ureter, it can irritate the lining of the urinary tract, leading to pain or a burning sensation during urination.
Q4. What’s the difference between UTI and kidney stone symptoms?
Ans. The main difference between UTI and kidney stone symptoms is that you usually get UTI pain in your lower abdominal area, while kidney stone pain generally occurs in your back, side or belly.
Q5. Can I pass a stone and an infection naturally?
Ans. In most cases, both kidney stones and UTIs can be managed naturally. For kidney stones, drinking plenty of water can help pass smaller stones naturally, while for UTIs, staying hydrated and considering home remedies like cranberry juice may be beneficial.
