Renal Colic
What is Renal Colic?
Renal colic, also known as ureteric colic, is a sudden and intense pain that begins in the lower back and radiates through to the groin area. The pain is caused by an obstruction to the flow of urine in the ureter, which is the tube that connects the kidney and bladder. Renal colic usually resolves itself without treatment, but it can be a sign of a kidney stone or another urinary tract disorder.
Causes of Renal Colic
Renal colic is most commonly caused by the presence of a kidney stone. A kidney stone is a hard clump of minerals that forms in the kidney and can be composed of calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, or a combination of these minerals. Other potential causes of renal colic include a bladder or urethral infection, bladder or kidney stones, and urinary tract obstruction.
Symptoms of Renal Colic
The most common symptoms of renal colic are sudden, intense pain in the lower back, lower abdomen, and groin area, though the location of the pain may vary. Other symptoms include nausea and vomiting, pain that fluctuates in intensity, blood in the urine, and a persistent need to urinate.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Renal Colic
A diagnosis of renal colic is typically made through a combination of physical examination and imaging tests such as an abdominal x-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan. Treatment will depend on the underlying cause, but typically involves pain relief medications and possibly surgical removal of any underlying kidney stones.
Prevention of Renal Colic
Renal colic can often be prevented through lifestyle changes and dietary modifications. These measures include:
- Drinking plenty of water to encourage daily urination and flush out potential kidney stones
- Avoiding excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol
- Limiting consumption of certain foods high in oxalate, such as spinach and rhubarb
- Avoiding excessive salt intake
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables
