“Can kidney stones cause a urinary tract infection?”
I found out that I have two kidney stones, but I was told that they were small enough to pass and that I wouldn't need them surgically removed. But now it hurts when I pee. I think this could be an infection... is it possible for kidney stones to cause a UTI?
9 Answers
Yes.
Kidney stones can cause urinary tract infections. Particularly if the stones is causing obstruction. Likewise certain urinary infections/bacteria can cause kidney stones. The most common of these are infections associated with a bacteria known as "Proteus Mirabilis" that can cause large to a variety of size kidney stones commonly refferred to as "staghorn Calculus."
Regardless, it is best to see a urologist in order to be properly diagnosed and treated. Complete removal of the stone is imperitive to prevent reoccurrence.
Regardless, it is best to see a urologist in order to be properly diagnosed and treated. Complete removal of the stone is imperitive to prevent reoccurrence.
Small kidney stones can possibly pass spontaneously. Has your doctor diagnosed a urinary infection? Small kidney stones can pass spontaneously in most cases. Drink enough fluids. I strongly believe the pain when voiding is due to infection. There are over-the-counter pills to take care of some pain & burning.
Kidney stones can lead to infection as they can serve as a media for bacteria to adhere to and multiply. If the urine is sterile, that shouldn’t be the case. Also, if a kidney stone causes obstruction and there is stasis of urine, that can also lead to infection. In either case, kidney stones are easily treated with ESWL as a simple outpatient procedure.
History is important. Do you have a burning sensation with urination and frequency? Sometimes a small stone may give some discomfort when it passes down. I suggest you see a urologist to repeat US and urine analysis and culture.
It may be an infection, but perhaps the kidney stones have made it to your bladder, and are trying to pass through into the toilet! They are pretty spiky, not round and easy to get through narrow places. You probably should be tested to see in infection is present, and to see if the stones are still in your kidneys, or moved.
Kidney stones can harbor bacteria and cause UTIs. If one of the stones gets dislodged in the ureter and block the passage of urine, then it may become a surgical emergency. If you develop a fever in the setting of a UTI and obstructing ureteral stone, then you need to be admitted to the hospital with likely surgical decompression of your kidneys. This can be done by placing a stent or a nephrostomy tube.
Dr. Rad
Dr. Rad
Kidney stones do not cause infection, though you can have both at the same time. When a stone has traveled down the ureter close to the bladder, its not uncommon to have symptoms similar to UTI (urge to go to bathroom and some burning). You may be able to use over-the-counter urine strips to check for infection or see a physician.
Yes it is a serious matter
