Renal colic is the medical term used to describe the pain caused by kidney stones blocking a section of the urinary tract. Kidney stones (or nephrolithiasis) are small, hard deposits of minerals and salt that form in the kidneys. Kidney stones are most commonly made of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. Kidney stones can cause severe pain, urinating difficulty, blockage in the ureters (the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder), and an increased risk of kidney disease. Small kidney stones may be passed through urination. Large stones may require surgery for removal.
Kidney stones can be caused by a wide range of risk factors and health conditions.
Factors that may put you at risk of kidney stones include:
Obesity
Family history of kidney stones
Low fluid intake (not drinking enough water may concentrate urine in the bladder, leading to kidney stones)
High blood pressure
Diet (diets high in salt and animal protein can raise levels of sodium and acid in the urine, leading to stone formation)
Bowel conditions (Crohn's disease and IBS can increase the risk of calcium stone formation in the kidneys)
Renal colic produces symptoms of intense pain on the side of the body - between the hip and rib - and in the abdomen. This pain may also spread to the lower back and groin.
Along with these symptoms, urinary stones produces symptoms such as:
A persistent need to pee,
Pain during urination,
Bloody or cloudy urine
Cramping in the back, stomach, or side
Foul-smelling urine
Low flow of urine (small amount of urine during urination)
Nausea
Vomiting
Fever
These symptoms are also common with a urinary tract infection (UTI). Both kidney stones and UTIs can be dangerous if left untreated, so if you are experiencing the symptoms listed above you should get in touch with a doctor right away. Kidney stones can lead to serious kidney damage and blood poisoning if they are allowed to remain in the urinary system.
Treatment Options
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Below is a list of common treatment options for renal colic and kidney stones. During your appointment, discuss these with your doctor to determine the right treatment plan for you.
Drinking plenty of water can help dilute the urine and keep kidney stones from forming in the first place. If you have been diagnosed with small kidney stones, you may be able to let the stones pass by themselves. This can cause some discomfort, so it is recommended that you use over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen to help reduce any pain you may experience while passing the stones.
Prescription medication, known as alpha-blockers, relax muscles in the ureters, making it easier for stones to pass. Because passing stones can be painful, it is recommended that you supplement alpha-blockers with over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen.
To prevent further stone formation, a diuretic may be prescribed to prevent calcium buildup in the urine, usually along with a form of potassium citrate (oral supplements that lower the acidity of urine). If you have been diagnosed with uric acid stones, your doctor may prescribe allopurinol (Zyloprim) to prevent uric acid levels from rising in the urine.
Shock wave lithotripsy
Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a fancy term that basically describes the use of sound waves to break the stones in kidneys into small pieces. Smaller pieces are easier to pass and will cause less pain while doing so. ESWL only takes about 1 hour but will cause moderate pain. Because of this, you will be given anesthesia to help reduce discomfort. ESWL is often done as an outpatient procedure at a urology clinic, meaning you can go home after the procedure. You may experience some bruising on the back or abdomen, as well as some blood in the urine. These side effects are common, and it should be noted that ESWL is considered a very safe and effective form of treatment for kidney stones. Side effects will wear off in a few days and can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
PCNL is a surgical procedure that is used to remove large kidney stones. You will be given general anesthesia as a sedative, as doctors remove stones from a small cut in the back or side. A scope is inserted into the incision in the back, and suction breaks up and removes the small pieces of stone in the kidney. You will have to remain in the hospital or clinic for a day or two after this procedure to recover and should allow a week or two before you resume your normal activities.
Ureteroscopy
After receiving general anesthesia, a tiny scope (the ureteroscope) will be inserted through the urethra and into the kidney. The scope will show where small stones are in the urinary system, and special tools (sort of like a little basket) will be used to remove them. Ureteroscopy is usually done as an outpatient procedure at a urology clinic. You can usually go home the day of, and resume normal activities within a day or two of the procedure.