Symptoms: How to Differentiate Between Kidney Stones and UTIs

Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones often present with severe symptoms, which can include:

• Severe Pain: Often described as sharp and cramping, pain typically occurs in the side and back, below the ribs. This pain may radiate to the lower abdomen and groin.
• Hematuria: Blood in the urine is a common symptom.
• Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms can accompany the pain.
• Frequent Urination: An increased urge to urinate or painful urination may occur if the stone is near the bladder.

Symptoms of UTIs

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection can be milder but include:

• Burning Sensation: A burning feeling during urination is common.
• Frequent Urge to Urinate: Individuals may feel the need to urinate often, even if little urine is produced.
• Cloudy or Strong-Smelling Urine: Changes in urine appearance and smell may occur.
• Abdominal Pain: Discomfort in the lower abdomen may be present.

Key Differences in Symptoms

While both conditions can cause urinary symptoms, the intensity and nature of the pain are key differentiators. Kidney stones typically cause severe, localized pain, whereas UTIs may cause a burning sensation and general discomfort without the intense pain associated with stones.

Diagnosis and Imaging Techniques for Kidney Stones and UTIs

Diagnosis of Kidney Stones

The diagnosis of kidney stones often involves:

• Medical History and Physical Exam: Patients are asked about symptoms, dietary habits, and family history.
• Imaging Tests: Non-contrast CT scans are the gold standard for detecting kidney stones, providing detailed images of stone size and location. Ultrasound may also be used, especially in pregnant women (Gauhar et al., 2025).
• Urinalysis: Testing urine can reveal crystals, blood, and signs of infection.

Diagnosis of UTIs

Diagnosing a urinary tract infection typically includes:

• Medical History and Symptoms: Patients are questioned about urinary symptoms and any previous UTIs.
• Urinalysis: A urine sample is tested for bacteria, white blood cells, and red blood cells to confirm infection.
• Urine Culture: This test identifies the specific bacteria causing the infection and determines antibiotic sensitivity.

Treatment Options: Managing Kidney Stones and Urinary Tract Infections

Treatment Options for Kidney Stones

The treatment for kidney stones depends on the size and type of stones, as well as the symptoms experienced:

• Conservative Management: Smaller stones may pass naturally. Patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids and manage pain with over-the-counter medications.
• Medications: Pain relievers and medications that help to relax the ureters may be prescribed.
• Surgical Interventions: Larger stones may require procedures such as:
  • Ureteroscopy: A small scope is used to remove the stone.
  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive procedure uses sound waves to break stones into smaller pieces that can be passed more easily.
  • Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): A surgical procedure to remove large stones directly from the kidney.

Treatment Options for UTIs

Treating a urinary tract infection typically involves:

• Antibiotics: The first line of treatment for UTIs is a course of antibiotics, with the choice based on urine culture results.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers may help alleviate symptoms.
• Drinking Plenty of Fluids: Increased fluid intake can help flush out the bacteria.
• Preventive Measures: In recurrent cases, preventive antibiotics or lifestyle changes may be recommended, such as post-coital urination or increased fluid intake.

Reference

1. Gauhar, V., Somani, B. K., Castellani, D., Fong, K. Y., Gadzhiev, N., Persaud, S., Hamri, S. B., Chai, C. A., Tursunkulov, A., Tanidir, Y., Soebhali, B., Shrestha, A., Ragoori, D., Elshazly, M., Gokce, M. I., Malkhasyan, V., Farahat, Y. (2025). The utility of flexible and navigable suction access sheath (FANS) in patients undergoing same session flexible ureteroscopy for bilateral renal calculi: a global prospective multicenter analysis by EAU endourology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00345-025-05477-9
2. Stamm, W. E., & Norrby, S. R. (2001). Urinary tract infections: disease panorama and challenges. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 183(1), 1-4. https://doi.org/10.1086/316842
3. Romero, V., Akpinar, H., & Assimos, D. G. (2010). Kidney stones: a global picture of prevalence, incidence, and associated risk factors. Reviews in Urology, 12(2-3), e86-e96.
4. Liu, M., Wang, H. H., & Zhang, J. (2018). Epidemiology of urolithiasis in children: a systematic review. Journal of Pediatric Urology, 14(1), 1-11.
5. Saigal, C. S., & Hanley, J. M. (2005). The economic burden of nephrolithiasis. Urology, 65(6), 1009-1015.
6. Bichler, K. H., & Gschwend, J. E. (2002). Urolithiasis: diagnosis and management. European Urology, 42(5), 489-493.
7. Geerlings, S. E. (2016). Clinical significance of bacteriuria: a review. European Journal of Clinical Microbiology & Infectious Diseases, 35(3), 327-335.
8. Wang, Z., Chen, J., Zhang, X., et al. (2024). Bacterial spectrum of urinary tract infection in patients with urinary stones: a systematic review. Infection and Drug Resistance, 17, 1125-1135.
9. Nicolle, L. E. (2006). Urinary tract infections in adults: an overview. Canadian Medical Association Journal, 175(3), 319-325.
10. Zanetti, S. P., & Stasinou, T. (2017). The role of gut microbiota in urinary tract infection: a review. Microbial Pathogenesis, 111, 62-67.

FAQ

What are the main differences between kidney stones and UTIs?

Kidney stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain, while UTIs are infections in any part of the urinary system and are typically caused by bacteri How can I differentiate between kidney stone pain and UTI pain?

Kidney stone pain is often intense and localized in the back or side, while UTI pain is usually a burning sensation during urination and may involve lower abdominal discomfort.

What are the best treatments for kidney stones?

Treatment options for kidney stones include conservative management for small stones, medications, and surgical interventions like ureteroscopy, ESWL, or PCNL for larger stones.

How are UTIs treated?

UTIs are primarily treated with antibiotics, and supportive measures include increased fluid intake and over-the-counter pain relief.

Can kidney stones lead to UTIs?

Yes, kidney stones can increase the risk of developing UTIs due to the obstruction they cause, which can lead to bacterial growth.