What Is Renal Colic

Renal colic is excruciating, spasmodic pain hitting the kidneys and bladder. If severe, then there may be an inflammation of the kidneys from retained urine (also known as "hydronephrosis"). While colic in babies is not a serious concern, and equine colic can be life-threatening, this form of colic is extremely painful but can be treated with remedies for colic, such as medication or sometimes surgery.

Renal colic pain is characterized by sudden, spasmodic contractions coming from the kidney-bladder region, which is in the upper lateral mid-back, extending toward the groin. Unlike intestinal or biliary colic that occurs in waves, this type of colic results in a constant, and often excruciating pain. The pain comes as a result of the dilation, stretching and spasms associated with blockage to the urethra. The blockage is usually caused by kidney or urinary stones. Since urine production or release is almost always inhibited, there is extra pain associated with that as well. For 50% of the patients, symptoms of colic also include nausea and vomiting. The presence of extra red blood cells ("hematuria") is found in 85% of all patients who suffer from this type of colic and usually appears within 24 hours of an obstruction. Kidney deterioration can begin in as little as 5-14 days, so if the stone has not passed on its own within a few weeks, then surgery is advised.

Sometimes renal colic can be hereditary in nature. A history of urinary tract infections, kidney stones, hematuria, cystinuria, diabetes, hyperoxaluria, nephritis, hypercalciuria, hyperuricosuria, hyperoxaluria, hypocitraturia, Hypervitaminosis D, or staghorn calculi is common in patients. There are certain things one can do to prevent renal colic if signs of colic predisposed genetics run in the family. Having urine samples examined by a professional can easily detect any abnormalities. Remedies for colic may include dietary changes or in some cases, medication.

For very severe renal colic, nerve blocks may be used to reduce discomfort and nausea. Smaller stones can be treated with acetaminophen, analgesics and intravenous fluids, whereas larger stones need to be removed surgically before renal failure occurs. Usually, surgery patients can go home within 24 hours. Sometimes morphine is prescribed for colic pain or antibiotics to help initiate colic calm.