Kidney stones and urinary infection are two health problems that may have very similar symptoms. Still, there are ways to distinguish and understand what is affecting it. See what an expert has to say.
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24/08/2026
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Pkidney edras and urinary infection are health problems that may cause changes in the urinary system. That way, they can be easily confused. An expert in the area has revealed that there are ways to distinguish these two conditions. There are seven signs that can help you understand the difference.
Shashank MS specializes in urology and kidney transplantation and explained the main differences between kidney stones or urinary infection. Only My Health gave the website the signs that help distinguish these two conditions.
Kidney stones or urinary infection: How to distinguish
“ Kidney stones are a hard deposit that forms within the kidneys and can move through the urinary tract. On the other hand, a urinary infection occurs when bacteria infect some part of the urinary system, usually the bladder or urethra ", begins by saying the specialist.
Know the signs you should take into account to differentiate these two health problems.
1- Where pain occurs
“ Kidney stones usually cause sudden and intense pain on the side or back, often below the ribs. Pain may radiate to the lower abdomen or groin. Urinary infection usually causes discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic region.”
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2- Pain sensation
“The pain caused by kidney stones can be extremely intense. It has periods when pain becomes severe and then decreases a little. Urinary infection usually causes more persistent discomfort or pressure in the lower abdomen, rather than severe pain typically associated with kidney stones.”
3- Feeling when urinating
“The burning sensation when urinating is strongly associated with an infection. Kidney stones can also cause discomfort when urinating, but without burning.”
4- How's the urine
“A strong smell that is darker than usual may indicate urinary infection. The kidney stones leave the urine with blood, a pink or reddish appearance.”
5- Fever and chills
“ Urinary infection may leave you with high fever, chills, weakness and vomiting. On the other hand, kidney stones usually do not cause fever.”
6- Nausea and vomiting
“Intense nausea and vomiting are common in cases of kidney stones. A kidney infection can also cause nausea and vomiting, especially when accompanied by fever and chills.”
7- Difficulty in urination
“ Kidney stones can be lodged in the urinary tract and block the flow of urine. It can cause intense pain, similar to cramps and difficulty urinating. Urinary infection may cause frequent urge to urinate, but usually does not cause complete obstruction.”