A renal colic is an episode of very intense pain caused by the presence of stones or grit in the kidneys. These stones are made of small crystals that are formed from certain substances that accumulate in the urine.
An almost unbearable back pain is one of the most characteristic symptoms of renal colic. The pain it causes is usually localized in the upper lumbar area of the back, but it can continue to the ureter. Thus the pain can be on one side (where the stone is) or in the lower abdomen (in the bladder area).
- The pain of renal colic occurs because the ureter tries to expel the stone by making contractions.
Nephritic colic symptoms
- Back pain in waves. Back pain is usually continuous and worsens with movement. In colic, on the other hand, the pain goes in waves, with moments when it is very intense and others when it subsides. Like a labor contraction.
- Pain in one side. The pain is noticeable in one side and with the passage of minutes or hours it can move towards the groin area and the genitals.
- The pain does not pass. Being lying down or moving does not influence so that the pain goes away. It is very common to see someone with renal colic who cannot stop moving and cannot find a position to relieve the pain.
- Stinging or burning when urinating. These kidney stones, which cause colic, can cause stinging or burning when urinating and a constant urge to go to the bathroom. If the stone has eroded, blood may appear in the urine.
- Nausea and vomiting If the pain is very intense, it is normal for your body to respond by causing nausea and vomiting.
Nephritic colic: what to do
Applying heat to the painful area can be effective in relieving it, as well as taking a hot bath. The painkillers are also a good option to relieve pain.
Although in most cases the stone ends up spontaneously expelled through the urine, it is recommended that you go to the doctor to analyze the type of stone you have and also prevent future episodes.
If your body does not expel the stone, the doctor may consider extracting it with a catheter through the urinary tract, breaking the stone with shock waves (lithotripsy) so that the pieces can be expelled in the urine or with surgery - laparoscopy - if all of the above does not work.
How to prevent kidney colic
- Drink 2.5 liters of water a day. Best of weak mineralization.
- Do not abuse coffee, tea or alcohol because they favor the appearance of new stones.
- Stay at a healthy weight.
- Avoid urine infections as they are, in some cases, the "generators" of stones.
- Don't hold back the pee. Holding on favors the accumulation of urine and possible infection.
