Kidney stones are a common health issue that can cause extreme pain and other symptoms. But did you know that there are some conditions that can be mistaken for kidney stones?
Kidney stones are hard masses that form in the kidneys, typically made up of calcium, oxalate, or uric acid. They can range in size from as small as a grain of sand to as large as a golf ball. When they become lodged in the ureter, they can block the flow of urine and cause severe pain.
But there are other conditions that can cause similar symptoms and be mistaken for kidney stones. One of the most common is a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are bacterial infections of the urinary tract, and can cause pain and burning during urination, frequent urge to urinate, and cloudy or bloody urine. If left untreated, a UTI can lead to a kidney infection, which is more serious.
Another condition that can be mistaken for kidney stones is a bladder infection. Also known as cystitis, bladder infections can cause similar symptoms to a UTI, including pain and burning during urination, frequent urge to urinate, and cloudy or bloody urine. It’s important to seek medical help if you suspect you may have either a UTI or a bladder infection as both can lead to more serious complications.
Kidney stones can also be mistaken for other types of kidney diseases, such as polycystic kidney disease or chronic kidney disease. Both of these conditions can cause symptoms such as pain in the side, back, or belly, blood in the urine, and increased urge to urinate. It’s important to seek medical help if you experience any of these symptoms, as they can be signs of something more serious than just kidney stones.
Finally, kidney stones can be mistaken for gallstones, which are hard stones that form in the gallbladder. Gallstones can cause similar symptoms to kidney stones, including pain in the side, back, or belly, nausea, and vomiting. However, gallstones can also cause jaundice, dark urine, and clay-colored stool, which are not symptoms of kidney stones.
If you’re experiencing pain or other symptoms that you think may be related to kidney stones, it’s important to seek medical help. A doctor can diagnose you and determine what treatment is best for you.