Kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are closely linked.
It is also possible for a kidney stone and UTI to coexist.
Though they have similar symptoms, they affect the urinary system differently.
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Treatment may be needed if a stone is excessively large or does not pass on its own.
UTIs
Urinary tract infectionsare sparked by the infiltration of bacteria into the urinary tract.
Lower urinary tract infections are those that affect the urethra (causingurethritis) or bladder (causingcystitis).
UTIs are most commonly caused when bacteria from the bowel enter the urethra.
This can happen when wiping after a bowel movement or after having sex.
People who useurinary cathetersordiaphragmsare also vulnerable to infection.
Upper UTIs are always treated.
One of the four types, called a struvite stone, is directly linked to recurrent UTIs.
Struvite stones form in the presence of bacteria (likeProteusandKlebsiellaspecies) that secrete an enzyme calledurease.
The longer it takes topass a stone, the greater the opportunity for a concurrent UTI.
More research is needed.
How Kidney Stones Cause UTIs
Kidney stones may also increase the risk of UTIs.
The risk of UTIs had no relationship to the pop in of kidney stone a person had.
This rate far exceeds what is seen in the general population.
People with struvite stones are at the greatest risk, many of whom have detectable levels ofProteusin their urine.
The diagnosis will begin with a physical exam and a review of your medical history.
This may aid with the selection of antibiotics.
Treatment and Pain Management
Kidney stones and UTIs both require treatment.
The treatment can vary based on the severity of the condition and other factors.
Unless they are large, most kidney stones are allowed to pass on their own.
Options include:
UTIs are treated with antibiotics.
Increased fluid intake is recommended to help flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.
Heating pads andOTC painkillerscan help ease pain or discomfort.
If the infection causes severe spasms, your provider may prescribe a drug calledphenazopyridineto help ease symptoms.
Although urosepsis can occur with cystitis, this is far less common than when the kidneys are involved.
A kidney stone can also cause kidney damage if a ureter is completely blocked.
The resulting backflow of urine can place extreme stress on a kidney, leading to a condition calledhydronephrosis.
In such cases, surgery may be necessary.
Kidney stones and UTIs can also occur together.
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