Are you suffering from kidney stones or urinary tract infection (UTI)? You know how painful they are, but are kidney stones related to UTIs, and can kidney stones cause UTI? Let’s see the connection between these two.
Some research suggests that kidney stones can make one susceptible to UTI because these stones can breed bacteria. In addition, the blockage can prevent urine from flowing freely; this can build up bacteria that can lead to infection.
The connection between kidney stones and UTIs
Most people think there is no much connection between kidney stones and urinary tract infections; however, the two are closely related. So, how are they connected? They are painful, small, hard structures formed in the kidneys.
These stones make the person feel so much pain when passing out urine. However, UTIs can be any kind of infection of the renal system. It includes the kidneys, the bladder, the ureters, and the urethra. These infections are mostly contracted by bacteria that enter the urinary system.
Can kidney stones cause UTI?
Now, here’s where things get interesting—kidney stones can cause UTIs. When a kidney stone blocks the urine from flowing, it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, hence resulting to infection..
UTIs are also likely to contribute to the development of kidney stones. The irritation in the urinary tract can lead to changes in the composition of urine, it thereby makes way for minerals, salts to crystallize and form stones.
Symptoms of kidney stones
Intense pain
The most obvious signs of this condition are severe lower back or side pain. This sharp pain can come on suddenly and can lead to nausea or vomiting.
Blood in urine
If the color of the urine is pink, red, or brown, then the person may be suffering from kidney stones. The presence of blood in your urine is a signal that there is problem, you should not ignore.
Frequent urination
Some kidney stones may also inflame the bladder. If you are experiencing frequent urges to pee than before, that can be an indication of kidney stones.
Difficulty urinating
Sometimes, kidney stones can obstruct the urinary system, and it will be difficult to pass urine which can be painful. If you feel some sort of discomfort every time you urinate, particularly pain or a burning feeling, you should visit a doctor.
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Kidney stones cause infection or inflammation of the urinary tract; urine becomes cloudy or even has an unpleasant smell. Report any abnormal color or bad urine smell to the doctor.
Risk factors for the formation of kidney stones
Diet
One of the causes of kidney stones is a poor diet and eating unhealthy foods. Consumption of sodium, protein, and sugar raises the level of calcium in the urinary system and may cause the formation of kidney stones.
To reduce the risks, take foods with little processing and foods rich in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables and whole grain products.
Dehydration
If you do not take enough, you are at higher risk of developing kidney stones. When there is insufficient water in the body, the urine you pass out becomes very dark, and this makes it easier for crystals to form in your kidneys. To prevent the stones from forming, it is advisable to drink a lot of water during the day.
Obesity
Obesity can cause a lot of stress in the kidneys and this increases one’s chances of developing kidney stones. Fortunately, one can control it through diet and exercise.
Medical conditions
Certain diseases like urinary tract infections, renal tubular acidosis, and cystinuria may lead kidney stones. Consult your healthcare provider if you have any of these infections.
Age and gender
Kidney stones are more common among men than women, and as people age, their chances of getting a kidney stone rise. Men or people over 40 years of age should know the things that can cause kidney stones and avoid them.
Read also: Does Coffee Cause Kidney Stones?
Causes of UTIs
Here are some common causes:
- Poor hygiene
Failure to wipe from front to back after using the washroom will deposit bacteria from the rectum into the urethra, leading to a UTI.
2. Dehydration
Dehydration limits the flow of urine, and when the urine concentration is high, bacteria will grow easily in the urinary tract.
3. Holding urine for too long
Not urinating on time will give bacteria time to reproduce in the bladder, thus causing an infection.
4. Wearing tight clothing
It is vital not to wear tight clothing, for this retains heat, and the warmth, together with the dampness the clothes provide, is favorable to bacterial growth and hence to UTI formation.
Symptoms of UTIs
Sudden urge to pee: Constant visit to the bathroom is one of the signs of UTI. Once you notice it, visit the hospital for proper treatment.
Pain or burning sensation when urinating
Discomfort or a sharp burning sensation during and after peeing is another clear sign that you have contracted a UTI. Do not disregard this sign; speak to your health care provider.
Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
Anytime you notice that your urine has an offensive smell, this could be an early sign of UTI. It is better see the doctor to commence treatment immediately.
Pain in the lower abdomen or back
UTIs may also come with symptoms like pain in the lower abdomen or the back. This pain or discomfort may be minor or severe.
Fatigue or fever
In some people with severe UTI symptoms, they may experience fatigue or fever. If you have these along with other signs, visit a doctor as soon as possible.
How kidney stones lead to UTIs
UTIs most likely occur when kidney stones act as a barrier in the urinary system.
If the kidney stones block the urine passage, bacteria can build up and lead to an infection of the bladder or the tube that carries the urine.
Holding urine causes the formation of stagnant urine, which accommodates bacteria. The result is the painful experience.
UTIs may also make kidney stones even more difficult to treat, as they may need separate treatment.
How To Diagnose Kidney Stones and UTIs
- Imaging tests: During the diagnosis, your doctor may use images such as ultrasound or computerized tomographic (CT) scans to get a clear view of the kidneys and the urinary system to determine whether or not there are kidney stones.
- Urine tests: Another way to diagnose kidney stones and UTIs is through urine tests to detect the presence of bacteria or white blood cells in your urine.
- Blood tests: At times, blood tests can also be conducted to ensure that levels of some chemicals that tend to point to kidney stones are high.
Treatment options for kidney stones and UTIs
- Drink enough water: Consuming a lot of water can help flush out kidney stones and bacteria causing UTIs.
- Medication: For kidney stones and UTI treatment, your doctor will prescribe a pain reliever or antibiotics to soothe the signs and pain.
- Dietary changes: Restriction of oxalate-containing foods may help prevent the formation of kidney stones, and restriction of caffeine- and alcohol-containing foods may help prevent UTIs in adults.
- Medical procedures: At other times, surgery or some operations, such as lithotripsy, may be required to extract the kidney stones or to drain the abscesses resulting from UTIs.
How to tell the difference between a kidney infection and a UTI?
Location of pain
UTIs often cause pain in the bladder area, while a kidney infection will cause pain in the back, in the side, or the groin.
Severity of symptoms
Kidney infections usually come with more severe symptoms, such as fever, chills, and nausea, in addition to the usual UTI symptoms.
Urine color and smell
Preventive measures such as getting to the hospital early when you experience any of the following symptoms: cloudy urine or a strong smell, production of bloody or pus-filled urine, and UTIs may lead to other complications such as kidney infection.
Duration of symptoms
Most of these symptoms are cured within days of receiving treatment for UTI, while those of kidney infection take longer to subside and need serious care.
If you are having pains as a result of kidney stones, you may be wondering if they could cause UTI symptoms. The truth is that kidney stones can increase your risk of developing a UTI. So, don’t ignore the signs—seek medical attention if you suspect you may have both conditions.
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