Kidney Discomfort with UTI-like Symptoms
Greetings! I’m a 29-year-old woman who has generally enjoyed good health. My current medications include Benadryl, occasional stool softeners, a vitamin D supplement, and Mounjaro. I do not indulge in smoking or alcohol consumption. For the past couple of months, I've been experiencing intermittent symptoms reminiscent of a urinary tract infection (UTI). Despite undergoing two courses of different antibiotics – macrobid and bactrim – I found that neither treatment was particularly effective, although I did notice a reduction in symptoms. A few weeks later, however, I experienced a significant flare-up; the discomfort in my kidneys was intense enough that I resorted to using a heating pad. The familiar symptoms resurfaced – I faced difficulties with urine retention, a pressing urge to urinate, painful urination, and an overall ache in my pelvic area. Since I work at a family practice, my supervisor promptly ordered a renal and pelvic ultrasound, along with urine cultures for testing. The results returned clear, indicating no growth in the urine culture, which was reassuring. Prior to the ultrasound, I was treated with two doses of rocephin, just in case it was an aggressive UTI. Additionally, renal blood tests were conducted, and thankfully, the outcomes were all normal. However, I did notice that my chloride levels were just one point shy of the high threshold, which gave me some cause for concern. I've recently incorporated D-Mannose and cranberry extract into my routine, alongside increasing my water intake to see if that alleviates the discomfort. I’m puzzled about the underlying cause of my symptoms and wondered if Benadryl could be the culprit. I sometimes take it excessively, and in light of my troubles, I’ve ceased using any allergy medications for the past few days. This entire situation has become quite frustrating, and I fear that my kidneys might be at risk, despite the test results appearing normal. Here are my renal panel results: - Sodium: 140 - Potassium: 4.1 - Chloride: 108 - CO2: 23 - Urea (BUN): 17 - Glucose: 95 - Creatinine: 0.73 - Calcium: 9.1 - Anion Gap: 9 - Phosphorus: 4.2 - Albumin: 3.8 - eGFR: 113.8 Note that I did not fast before these tests. If any nephrologists or individuals with urology expertise could provide insight based on these results, I would greatly appreciate your advice. Thank you in advance for your help!
Answers (1)
6/17/2025, 2:10:56 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your symptoms, especially given the persistence of your discomfort and the various treatments you've tried. You seem to be experiencing a complex situation with UTI-like symptoms and kidney discomfort despite clear test results. Here’s a breakdown of your situation, potential considerations, and prioritized next steps:
Summary of Key Points:
- You have intermittent UTI-like symptoms despite negative urine cultures and normal renal blood test results.
- You recently used antibiotics which have provided temporary relief but have not fully resolved your symptoms.
- You are concerned about your kidney health and the possible impact of medications, such as Benadryl.
Explanation:
Your symptoms, including painful urination and discomfort around the kidneys, can be frustrating. Since your urine cultures have returned negative, it’s possible that you might be dealing with an interstitial cystitis (bladder pain syndrome) or other non-infectious conditions rather than a typical urinary tract infection. The fact that your renal tests are normal suggests that your kidney function is stable at this time, which is reassuring.
Regarding Benadryl, while this medication is generally safe, excessive use can lead to side effects such as urinary retention and potentially add to your discomfort. Additionally, D-Mannose and cranberry extracts may help support urinary tract health but are unlikely to resolve underlying issues if present.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting any triggers or patterns. This information can be helpful in identifying any links with your current medications, diet, or activities.
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Hydration: Continue to stay well-hydrated, as this can help dilute your urine and may ease symptoms. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily, adjusting based on your activity level and any advice from your healthcare provider.
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Consider Medication Review: Ceasing Benadryl may be beneficial. If allergy symptoms arise, discuss potential alternatives with a healthcare provider that might not exacerbate your urinary issues.
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Lifestyle Adjustments: Incorporate pelvic floor exercises to strengthen your pelvic muscles, which may improve urinary function and reduce discomfort.
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Follow-up: Since you have already undergone tests, consider discussing with your supervisor or general practitioner about additional evaluations, such as an appointment with a urologist or nephrologist for further insights into possible conditions like interstitial cystitis or bladder dysfunction.
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Be Alert for Changes: If you start noticing any new or worsening symptoms, such as fever, blood in urine, or persistent severe pain, seek medical attention promptly.
By addressing these aspects, you may find better relief from your symptoms. Remember, you are taking proactive steps to understand and improve your health, and that is a strong approach. Please keep me updated on your progress or let me know if you have any further questions.
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