Kidney Stones vs Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)
Kidney Stones and Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) are conditions that share some reported symptoms, which can make them easy to confuse. This guide explains the key similarities, how each is described, and how providers may investigate them. Educational content only - not a diagnosis.
About Kidney Stones and Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)
Kidney Stones: Hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe flank pain, blood in the urine, and urinary obstruction.
Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): A bacterial infection of the kidneys, usually ascending from the bladder, causing fever, flank pain, and urinary symptoms.
Symptoms shared by both conditions
These symptoms have been reported in association with both Kidney Stones and Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis).
Chills
A sudden sensation of feeling cold....
Fever
Body temperature elevated above the normal range....
Flank Pain
Pain in the side of the body between the ribs and hip, often related to the kidneys or urinary tract....
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea is a commonly encountered symptom that has been defined as an unpleasant painless subjective feeling th...
Painful Urination
Burning, stinging, or discomfort when urinating, most commonly caused by a urinary tract infection....
Symptoms of each condition
Kidney Stones
Abdominal pain
An unpleasant sensation characterized by physical discomfort (such as pricking, throbbing, or aching) and perc...
Chills
A sudden sensation of feeling cold....
Fever
Body temperature elevated above the normal range....
Flank Pain
Pain in the side of the body between the ribs and hip, often related to the kidneys or urinary tract....
Hematuria
The presence of blood in the urine. Hematuria may be gross hematuria (visible to the naked eye) or microscopic...
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea is a commonly encountered symptom that has been defined as an unpleasant painless subjective feeling th...
Painful Urination
Burning, stinging, or discomfort when urinating, most commonly caused by a urinary tract infection....
Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)
Chills
A sudden sensation of feeling cold....
Fever
Body temperature elevated above the normal range....
Flank Pain
Pain in the side of the body between the ribs and hip, often related to the kidneys or urinary tract....
Frequent Urination
The need to urinate more often than usual....
Nausea and vomiting
Nausea is a commonly encountered symptom that has been defined as an unpleasant painless subjective feeling th...
Painful Urination
Burning, stinging, or discomfort when urinating, most commonly caused by a urinary tract infection....
How Kidney Stones may be investigated
Healthcare providers may order these tests when evaluating Kidney Stones.
Albumin, Random Urine With Creatinine Ratio
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Bun/Creatinine Ratio Test
The BUN/Creatinine ratio blood test is used to diagnose acute or chronic renal (kidney) disease or damage. It ...
Calcium
Measures calcium levels to evaluate bone, kidney, and parathyroid health....
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Measures 14 substances in the blood to assess kidney and liver function, electrolyte balance, and blood sugar ...
Creatinine Random Urine Test
This urine test assesses creatinine levels and can be helpful in diagnosing the health and functioning of the ...
Kidney & Liver Tests
Fast, easy and affordable kidney & liver health lab tests-- no insurance or a doctor's referral needed. Simply...
Kidney Health Lab Tests
Order Kidney Health Lab Tests online through our partner and visit a local lab near you....
Kidney Renal Function Test Panel
This test panel of 12 tests is used to determine overall kidney health and function....
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Kidney Stones and Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)?
Kidney Stones and Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) are distinct conditions that share some reported symptoms, which is why they can be confused. Kidney Stones: Hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe flank pain, blood in the urine, and urinary obstruction. Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): A bacterial infection of the kidneys, usually ascending from the bladder, causing fever, flank pain, and urinary symptoms. This content is informational, not a diagnosis.
Can Kidney Stones and Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) be mistaken for each other?
Yes - because they share symptoms such as Chills, Fever, Flank Pain, Nausea and vomiting, they may present similarly. A qualified healthcare provider distinguishes them through history, examination, and testing.
How are Kidney Stones and Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) investigated?
Testing depends on the specific condition and presentation. A provider may order tests such as Albumin, Random Urine With Creatinine Ratio, Bun/Creatinine Ratio Test, Calcium, Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP), Creatinine Random Urine Test. Test selection is a clinical decision.