Renal colic

Renal colic is an attack of sharp pain in the lumbar region. It occurs when urine cannot pass from the kidneys to the bladder. The reason may be a stone that blocks the path. As well as another disease that affects the outflow of urine from the kidney. Urine builds up and presses and stretches the tissue, causing pain.

This is an unbearable pain that starts in the lower back and side, then spreads down the thigh to the genitals. Accompanied by:

  • nausea;
  • vomit;
  • sweating;
  • frequent urination.

Diagnosis includes laboratory and instrumental examinations. If the stone is large, it is treated with surgery.

The multidisciplinary medical center "K + 31" has the necessary conditions for the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. The department of urology has modern ultrasound, CT, MRI and X-ray machines from leading manufacturers of medical equipment. Reception is conducted by urologists with a scientific degree and experience of more than 14 years. Treatment is prescribed taking into account international standards based on European and American recommendations. Thanks to this, patients receive treatment that increases the chances of recovery.

Renal colic causes

The main cause is an obstruction in the ureter that prevents urine from passing from the kidney to the bladder. These states include:

  • The formation of stones in the kidney or bladder. Stones are formed from minerals that are present in the urine and come in different sizes.
  • Narrowing of the ureter due to tumor or inflammation.
  • Dilation of the ureter inside or outside the kidney, which may be due to disease.
  • Injury or injury resulting from an accident or surgery.
  • Various urinary disorders such as backflow of urine from the bladder to the ureter and kidney.
  • Rarely, renal colic is caused by hereditary diseases, such as a disorder of calcium metabolism.

This problem occurs at any age in men and women.

Why and how kidney and bladder stones are formed

Urine in a dissolved state contains:

  • calcium;
  • oxalate;
  • phosphate;
  • urea;
  • acids.

If the concentration of these substances is high, the urine crystallizes and stones form. The composition of stones depends on the type of minerals and salts.

Risk factors

Factors that increase the likelihood of stone formation include:

  • Lack of fluid in the body - urine becomes more concentrated, which increases the likelihood of crystal formation.
  • Frequent consumption of foods rich in calcium. Such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and foods containing oxalates such as spinach, rhubarb, chocolate, and coffee.
  • Certain medical conditions, such as hyperparathyroidism, cystic kidney disease, or inflammation of the bladder.
  • Family predisposition to kidney stones.

To reduce the chance of crystal formation, you should:

  • drink enough water;
  • reduce calcium and oxalate-rich foods․

If you have complaints, you need to see a doctor and undergo an examination.

Symptoms of renal colic

Symptoms of renal colic are:

  • Sharp pain in the lower back or side that radiates down the thigh to the groin.
  • Feeling nauseous.
  • Vomiting.
  • Frequent urination.
  • Pain when urinating.
  • Blood in the urine.
  • High blood pressure.
  • Fever.
  • Cold sweat.

The pain starts suddenly and lasts from a few minutes to several hours, and sometimes days. It can be so strong that it causes convulsions and may lead to loss of consciousness.

If you have similar symptoms, it is important to see a doctor or call an ambulance. Highly qualified urologists of the K + 31 clinic have been treating kidney diseases for more than 14 years and will help you figure out if your symptoms are related to renal colic. If necessary, additional examinations will be carried out to exclude or confirm the alleged diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of renal colic includes:

  • Anamnesis collection - the doctor listens to complaints, gets acquainted with the medical history. Asks additional questions about symptoms, location, and duration of pain.
  • Physical examination - examines the abdomen and lower back with hands to check for pain and other symptoms.
  • Urine test - excludes blood, protein and other changes that indicate a malfunction of the kidneys.
  • CT scans or ultrasounds of the kidneys, bladder, and ureters show stones and indicate the location.
  • X-ray - used to detect stones containing calcium.
  • MRI - helps to view the urinary tract in detail and determine the location of the stone.

You need to bring the results of previous examinations and analyzes to the appointment. Hospital records and a list of medications the patient is taking. This will help the doctor take into account the patient's health condition when drawing up a plan for examination and treatment.

In the department of urology of the K + 31 multidisciplinary medical center, you can undergo the necessary examination, which is carried out using modern equipment. The results are deciphered by specialists who periodically improve their skills, undergo internships in leading clinics in European countries. This allows you to get data that increases the chance of recovery.

Treatment

Treatment of renal colic depends on the cause and severity of its symptoms. Includes the following steps:

  • Non-narcotic pain medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are used for pain symptoms.
  • It is important to maintain sufficient fluid in the body, this helps the kidneys flush out small stones, and also reduces pain symptoms.
  • Drugs are prescribed to reduce inflammation and prevent further crystal formation
  • If the crystal is large and cannot pass through the urinary tract on its own, surgery is required.
  • When renal colic is accompanied by severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and other severe symptoms, emergency medical attention is required to prevent complications.

Urologists at the K+31 clinic prescribe treatment based on examination data and the patient's health status. Decisions are made taking into account international protocols. This allows you to get professional help, which reduces the likelihood of complications from the disease.

First aid for renal colic

According to the recommendations of the WHO (World Health Organization), when providing first aid, it is necessary:

  • Provide a comfortable position for the patient. It is best to lie on your back and put a pillow under your head and legs - this will ease the strain on the kidneys.
  • Drink plenty of fluids - this will speed up the process of removing stones. It is preferable to use pure water, and avoid drinks containing caffeine.
  • Apply a warm heating pad or cold compress to the kidney area (for example, put ice in a bag and wrap it in a cloth) - this will reduce pain symptoms. Should not be kept for a long time to avoid burns or frostbite.
  • For pain symptoms, take non-narcotic pain medications such as paracetamol or ibuprofen and see a doctor.
  • If symptoms worsen within an hour, call an ambulance.

Renal colic causes a lot of pain and discomfort, but it's important to stay calm and not panic. You need to try to relax and control your breathing - this will help to cope with pain symptoms before help arrives.

It is important to remember that first aid actions do not replace a consultation with a doctor.

Sign up for an appointment with a urologist at the K+31 clinic at a convenient time for you. Experienced doctors with high qualifications, members of international scientific communities work here. Thanks to this, doctors have the necessary knowledge and skills to deal with difficult situations. Diagnostics and treatment are carried out on modern equipment from leading manufacturers of medical equipment. More information about the Department of Urology can be found on the website of the clinic. There you can choose a doctor and make an appointment online.

Service record

Services



Specialists

All specialists
Rasner
Pavel Ilyich

Consultant in urology, urologist

Doctor of Sciences, PhD, professor

Osmolovsky
Boris Evgenyevich

Head of the Department of Urology, Urologist

PhD

Tereshchenko
Suren Alexandrovich

Doctor urologist-andrologist

Doctor of Sciences, PhD

Kamalov
Armais Albertovich

Chief Consultant in Urology, Urologist

Academician, professor, Doctor of Sciences, PhD

Pshikhachev
Ahmed Mukhamedovich

Urologist, Oncologist

Doctor of Sciences, PhD

Gomberg
Mikhail Alexandrovich

Dermatovenereologist

Doctor of Sciences, PhD, professor

Marchenko
Vladimir Vladimirovich

Leading urologist-andrologist, urogynecologist, pelvic pain specialist