Appearance of colic
Urine is continuously produced in the kidneys and transported to the bladder via the ureters. Kidney stones can form in the kidneys, remain harmless and go unnoticed in some patients. However, renal colic occurs when such a kidney stone breaks off and migrates to the bladder. If the stone gets stuck in the ureter, which is narrow, the outflow of urine is more difficult, or even completely blocked. This acute interruption or retention of urine causes an increase in pressure in the renal system. This contraction of the surrounding muscles eventually triggers renal colic accompanied by severe pain.
Causes
Renal colic is usually caused by kidney stones stuck in the ureter. These form from very small substances, normally dissolved in urine. If too much of these substances accumulates in a small amount of urine, kidney stones form. They are most often calcareous and oxalic. Stones can range from the size of a pinhead to several centimeters. They can grow faster with:
- Insufficient hydration
- High protein intake
- High consumption of black tea and coffee
- Urinary tract infections
- An increase in the concentration of calcium in the blood
If kidney stones are not treated, infections can occur in addition to renal colic. In most cases, affected individuals are treated before infections develop.
The appearance of kidney stones must be prevented, because the risk of recurrence is relatively high. Among the main measures, it is recommended to drink a lot (2 to 3 liters per day), to adapt your diet and to exercise.
Symptoms of renal colic
Affected patients usually complain of sudden and severe pain in the kidney area. This pain, which can last up to 60 minutes or more, often radiates in all directions from the back. The typical character of renal colic is the alternation of painful and asymptomatic phases. It is not uncommon for these pains to be accompanied by other symptoms such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Disturbed bowel activity
- Increased body temperature and bouts of sweating
- Presence of blood in the urine
The presence of blood in the urine is due to the rubbing of the kidney stone on the mucous membrane of the ureter. This can cause light bleeding, which then mixes with urine and is excreted.
Treatment and therapy
Depending on the size of the stones, different therapies and treatment options may be considered.
Without medical treatment
Small stones up to 10 millimeters can often be expelled from the body without treatment or therapy. In general, it is enough to drink a lot to eliminate small stones. Some relief may be provided by localized application of heat or exercises such as walking and hopping. Heat has an analgesic effect and physical activity can cause relaxation in the ureter or even loosen the stone.
Medications
Unfortunately, acute pain is often so intense that a doctor usually needs to be consulted for treatment. In the case of larger or multiple kidney stones, special colic medications may be used. These drugs work faster and last longer when injected directly into the blood intravenously. If this does not relieve symptoms or allow urine to flow, other medical measures should be taken to help. Calcium oxolate stones, which are the most common, cannot be dissolved by these drugs. Surgical removal is usually performed here.
Ablation chirurgicale
Kidney stones can be gently removed with modern technology. Disintegration of the stone, endoscopic relief of the kidneys using a drainage tube (DJ) or direct endoscopic removal of the stone using special instruments are suitable in this case. The patient is often quickly relieved of pain once the kidney stone is removed.
