Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
How Different Are Symptoms Of UTI And Kidney Stones?
Question: i think i have a uti or kidney stone
Brief Answer:
would help if there is a urinary tract infection
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
A uti would present with pain on urination, frequency of urination, urgency to urinate, change in the odor or appearance of the urine, fever , abdominal pain, blood in the urine.
Not all of these may be present but at least the pain on urination, frequency and urgency would be there.
A stone would present with abdominal pain which is normally very severe (from the loin/back to groin typically), may be cramping, blood in the urine, possibly pain on urination, nausea.
If you are having severe cramping pain then it is likely a stone and antibiotics are not needed.
A stone is treated by pain killers and increasing fluid intake. Copious fluid may flush it out if it is small. IF it is a large stone then medical intervention may be needed.
Large stones do not pass on their own.
If it is an infection then the antibiotics would be needed along with fluids to help flush out the bacteria.
If your symptoms are more in keeping with an infection then you can use the antibiotics provided that you have no history of allergic reaction to them.
If you are not sure, then you can use them but remember if it is a stone and it is large you may need to see a doctor
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
would help if there is a urinary tract infection
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
A uti would present with pain on urination, frequency of urination, urgency to urinate, change in the odor or appearance of the urine, fever , abdominal pain, blood in the urine.
Not all of these may be present but at least the pain on urination, frequency and urgency would be there.
A stone would present with abdominal pain which is normally very severe (from the loin/back to groin typically), may be cramping, blood in the urine, possibly pain on urination, nausea.
If you are having severe cramping pain then it is likely a stone and antibiotics are not needed.
A stone is treated by pain killers and increasing fluid intake. Copious fluid may flush it out if it is small. IF it is a large stone then medical intervention may be needed.
Large stones do not pass on their own.
If it is an infection then the antibiotics would be needed along with fluids to help flush out the bacteria.
If your symptoms are more in keeping with an infection then you can use the antibiotics provided that you have no history of allergic reaction to them.
If you are not sure, then you can use them but remember if it is a stone and it is large you may need to see a doctor
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
The Problem is only at the tip of my penis, when i pee. There is no obvious discoloration or puss at the penis head. Should i just take the antibiotics? Its like razors when i start to pee
Brief Answer:
may be inflammation of urethra opening or glans , not typical of stones
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the late reply
If the problem is only at the tip then it may be due to inflammation/infection of the meatus (the external opening of the urethra ) or glans.
Not likely due to a stone.
The antibiotics may still help so you can take them.
If you can obtain a topical mild steroid cream such a hydrocortisone and also a topical antibiotic from your local pharmacy then this also help because may soothe as they would be directly applied to the area.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
may be inflammation of urethra opening or glans , not typical of stones
Detailed Answer:
HI
Sorry about the late reply
If the problem is only at the tip then it may be due to inflammation/infection of the meatus (the external opening of the urethra ) or glans.
Not likely due to a stone.
The antibiotics may still help so you can take them.
If you can obtain a topical mild steroid cream such a hydrocortisone and also a topical antibiotic from your local pharmacy then this also help because may soothe as they would be directly applied to the area.
Please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
