--- {"type":"list","title":"Can You Tell If You Have UTI or Kidney Stones?","listId":107121,"canonicalUrl":"https://listium.com/@rebeccateo/107121/can-you-tell-if-you-have-uti-or-kidney-stones","visibleItemTotal":7,"creator":{"id":"rebeccateo","name":"Rebecca Teo","url":"https://listium.com/@rebeccateo"},"stats":{"views":162,"likes":0,"followers":0},"category":"health & fitness / disorders","publishedAt":"2024-05-09T06:21:44.164Z","updatedAt":"2024-05-09T06:24:01.953Z","fields":[{"id":0,"name":"Name","type":"PrimaryText"},{"id":1,"name":"Notes","type":"Text","format":"long"}]} --- # Can You Tell If You Have UTI or Kidney Stones? By [Rebecca Teo (@rebeccateo)](https://listium.com/@rebeccateo) 162 views · 0 likes · 0 followers Published 9 May 2024 · Updated 9 May 2024 Category: health & fitness / disorders Kidney stones and urinary tract infections share several symptoms, making it difficult to determine through self-observation. Let us look into these symptoms and whether there is a way to distinguish before you consult your urologist here in Singapore. ## Items ### 1. [\[empty primary field\]](https://listium.com/@rebeccateo/107121/can-you-tell-if-you-have-uti-or-kidney-stones/0/) Item ID: `0` - Notes: > UTI and kidney stones are both urinary health issues that can cause much pain and discomfort. They also share many symptoms. This makes it difficult to determine which condition you suffer from unless you visit your \[urologist in Singapore.\](https://www.nexussurgical.sg/doctors/dr-lee-yee-mun-urologist/) > > However, we can have a better idea of what disease we could have by observing ourselves and our symptoms more closely. So let us learn a little more about each condition so we can have a more fruitful discussion with our medical providers. ### 2. [The Exact Differences Between UTIs and Kidney Stones](https://listium.com/@rebeccateo/107121/can-you-tell-if-you-have-uti-or-kidney-stones/2/the-exact-differences-between-utis-and-kidney-stones) Item ID: `2` - Notes: > UTIs or urinary tract infections refer to infections in any part of the urinary system -- including the kidneys. They typically affect our bladder and urethra as these areas are more likely to get contaminated by bacteria outside the body. > > Meanwhile, kidney stones are deposits made from minerals that accumulate in the kidney, such as calcium or uric acid. If they grow larger, the kidneys will struggle to dissolve them naturally. ### 3. [What Symptoms Do UTI and Kidney Stones Share?](https://listium.com/@rebeccateo/107121/can-you-tell-if-you-have-uti-or-kidney-stones/6/what-symptoms-do-uti-and-kidney-stones-share) Item ID: `6` - Notes: > Urinary tract infections and kidney stones share several symptoms, such as: > > \* You may feel a persistent urge to urinate, even though only small amounts come out. > \* You feel a burning sensation while urinating. > \* Your urine may appear cloudy and have foul odours. Blood may also come out with it. > > If the infection or stone grows more severe, symptoms may also include nausea, vomiting, and fever. > > ### The Pain Location Can Be an Identifier > > Both diseases can be painful, but the pain's origin can differ. Discerning this can clue you into the problem. > > If you have kidney stones, the pain usually starts in the lower back. You can experience abdominal pain when the stone lodges itself in the ureter, the passage between the kidneys and bladder. On the other hand, pain from UTIs is more likely to begin in your abdomen. If the infection reaches the kidneys, the pain can also spread to your back. > > ### Kidney Stones Can Also Lead to UTI > > There is also the possibility that you have both diseases. Kidney stones can cause UTIs when the stone blocks the urinary tract. When urine is trapped, bacteria can accumulate and infect your system. ### 4. [Testing Can Determine the Diagnosis](https://listium.com/@rebeccateo/107121/can-you-tell-if-you-have-uti-or-kidney-stones/7/testing-can-determine-the-diagnosis) Item ID: `7` - Notes: > Do not ignore your pain or discomfort as these can indicate your condition is worsening. Consult your urologist at your Singapore health clinic so they can properly assess you. > > Since it can be difficult to diagnose through symptoms alone, the doctor can recommend tests for them to evaluate. These include: > > \* A urinalysis to check your urine for bacteria > \* Imaging tests such as CT scans and X-rays to see if you have kidney stones and, if so, where they are located > \* Blood tests to see if the UTI has not yet spread to the bloodstream or to find the cause of the stone. > \* Once the urologist diagnoses you, they can prescribe appropriate treatments for your UTI or kidney stone. ### 5. [How to Prevent UTIs and Kidney Stones](https://listium.com/@rebeccateo/107121/can-you-tell-if-you-have-uti-or-kidney-stones/8/how-to-prevent-utis-and-kidney-stones) Item ID: `8` - Notes: > Fortunately, we can prevent both urinary tract infections and kidney stones by adopting healthier habits, including: > > \* Drinking more water to flush out more waste and keep stones from forming. > \* Going to the bathroom if you need to, as holding your urine for too long can eventually cause infections. > \* Avoiding foods that contain too much salt, which contributes to stone formation. > \* Washing your intimate areas regularly to minimise bacteria buildup. ### 6. [See Your Urologist to Deal With Urinary Problems](https://listium.com/@rebeccateo/107121/can-you-tell-if-you-have-uti-or-kidney-stones/9/see-your-urologist-to-deal-with-urinary-problems) Item ID: `9` - Notes: > Educating ourselves on UTIs and \[kidney stones\](https://www.nexussurgical.sg/urology/urinary-stone/) can help us distinguish what we have and what we can do to treat or prevent it. But do speak with your urologist here in Singapore. They specialise in such matters and can work with you promptly to treat your condition. > > An expert's assistance can make all the difference in how effectively we can heal, so never hesitate to ask for help. ### 7. [References:](https://listium.com/@rebeccateo/107121/can-you-tell-if-you-have-uti-or-kidney-stones/10/references) Item ID: `10` - Notes: > \* \[https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/uti\](https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/uti) > \* \[https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones\](https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones) > \* \[https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/urinary-tract-infections\](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/urinary-tract-infections) > \* \[https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/kidney-stones\](https://www.singhealth.com.sg/patient-care/conditions-treatments/kidney-stones)