Are you also experiencing unbearable stomach pain? It could be renal colic!

Have you ever experienced a sudden, unbearable pain in the side of your stomach, specifically under your ribs? This pain can sometimes spread to your back, groin, or lower abdomen. It can also be accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Many people face this condition. We medically call it renal colic. Don't be scared by the name, this is often a severe pain caused by kidney stones. Today, we will talk about this in detail and very simply.

What is Renal Colic?

Simply put, renal colic is a severe pain that occurs when a stone gets stuck in your urinary system, such as your kidneys, ureters (the tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder), or bladder. However, sometimes this type of pain can also be caused by other reasons, such as urinary tract infections, spasms, or strictures.

Do you know how these stones form? Some minerals or other substances in the food we eat collect in our bodies and stick together to form these stones, that is, crystals. These stones can form anywhere in your urinary system. If they form in the kidneys, we call them kidney stones , if they form in the bladder, we call them bladder stones , and if they form in the urinary tract, we call them ureteral stones . The pain varies depending on the size of the stone and its location. Some stones are very small, the size of a grain of sand. But some stones can be as big as a golf ball! Imagine how painful it would be if something like that got stuck inside.

How common is renal colic?

This is actually not as uncommon as you might think. Statistics show that between 5% and 15% of the world's population will experience renal colic at some point in their lives. This means that quite a few people in our country must be suffering from this pain.

Can renal colic occur without stones?

Yes, it is possible. Sometimes, this type of pain can be caused by sudden, strong contractions (spasms) of the muscles in the urethra or bladder. When these muscles contract, it feels like a burning or twisting pain. This condition can occur with or without urinary stones.

What are the symptoms of renal colic?

Often, the main symptom is unbearable pain on the side of the abdomen, between the lower ribs and the hip bone (flank pain) . This pain can come in waves, meaning it is not continuous, and it comes and goes. This pain can sometimes spread to the back, groin, or lower abdomen. Many people also experience nausea and vomiting along with this pain.

In addition to these main symptoms, several other symptoms can be seen along with renal colic:

• Feeling pain (such as itching, burning) when urinating.
• Blood in the urine (the urine may appear red or pink).
• Urine appears dark in color.
• Changes in urine: For example, bad-smelling urine, urinating more or less than usual, or a sudden need to urinate.
• The appearance of crystals in the urine.
• Fever.
• Chills.

Important: If you have one or more of these symptoms, you should definitely see a doctor.

What are the causes of renal colic?

The main cause is urinary stones. When these stones get stuck in the urinary tract, they obstruct the flow of urine. This can increase pressure and cause inflammation in that area. This is the main cause of pain.

There are several reasons why stones form in the urinary system:

• Dehydration: This is the most common cause. When you drink less water, your urine becomes more concentrated, increasing your risk of stone formation.
• Increased calcium in the urine: Some people excrete more calcium in the urine depending on their body type.
• Excessive protein in the diet: There is a risk of stone formation, especially when consuming too much animal protein.
• Certain medications: Some medications can cause stones to form as a side effect when used long-term.
• Certain digestive system conditions: For example, people with diseases like Ulcerative Colitis or Crohn's disease are more likely to develop stones.
• Hyperparathyroidism: This is a condition in which the parathyroid glands become overactive.

In addition to these causes, other factors can cause renal colic. If it is determined that your pain is not caused by stones, your doctor may refer you to a urologist for further testing.

How is renal colic diagnosed?

When you see a doctor, he or she will examine you and ask about your symptoms and medical history, such as whether anyone in your family has had similar conditions before. The following tests are usually done to confirm the diagnosis of renal colic:

• A CT scan (Computed Tomography scan) of the urinary system. This may or may not be done with a special fluid (contrast) given.
• Kidney ultrasound .
• Abdominal X-ray examination .
• A renal scan . This can check how the kidneys are working.

These tests can reveal a lot of details, such as whether stones are present, where they are, and how big they are.

What is the best painkiller for kidney stones?

If the pain is mild, you can get relief from common painkillers such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium. However, if the pain is severe, your doctor may prescribe stronger pain medication. Sometimes, if the pain is caused by ureteral spasms, your doctor may also prescribe muscle relaxants.

How is renal colic treated?

The treatment for this depends on the type of stone you have. There are several types of urinary stones:

• Calcium stones: These are made up of calcium oxalate or calcium phosphate. This is the most common type.
• Uric acid stones: Formed due to increased uric acid concentration.
• Struvite stones: These are made up of a mineral called struvite. They can form with urinary tract infections.
• Cystine stones: These are formed from a chemical called cystine. This is caused by a rare condition called cystinuria.

Also, the size of the stone also affects the treatment decision.

Treatment of small stones

If you have a small stone, it may pass through your urine. This will help you drink plenty of water. Your doctor will prescribe pain medication. Sometimes, you will be told to urinate through a strainer. If you get any pieces of the stone, they can be sent to a lab to find out exactly what type of stone it is.

Treatment of large stones

If the stones are larger, they are less likely to pass through the urine. In such cases, the doctor may recommend a special procedure to remove these stones. Some examples are:

• Shock wave lithotripsy: This involves sending high-energy shock waves from outside the body to the stone, breaking it into small pieces. The small pieces are then easily passed out in the urine.
• Ureteroscopy: In this procedure, the surgeon inserts a thin, lighted, and camera-equipped tube (ureteroscope) through your urethra. This can be used to find the stone and remove it, or to break it into small pieces and remove it.
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: This is done to remove large kidney stones. In this, a small incision is made in the back and an instrument is inserted through it to reach the kidney and remove the stone. This method is usually used for large stones.
• Ureteral stent placement: In some cases, the doctor will place a stent (a small tube) inside the urethra. This helps to reduce the blockage in the urinary tract and help the stone pass through more easily.

Sometimes, more than one surgery may be needed to completely remove the stone.

Can renal colic be prevented?

Yes, it is possible to a large extent. To reduce the risk of renal colic, you need to reduce the risk of developing kidney stones. Here are some simple tips to help:

• Drink plenty of water. Try to drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day. This is especially important in a hot climate like ours. Reduce your intake of dark sodas.
• Reduce salt in your diet. Don't eat more than 2 grams (2000 milligrams) of salt per day. That's less than a teaspoon.
• Limit animal protein. Limit animal protein, such as beef, chicken, pork, and fish, to a palm-size serving per day.
• Reduce foods high in oxalate. Things like spinach and nuts are high in oxalate. It's best to reduce your intake of these.
• Don't eliminate calcium from your diet. Many people think that calcium-rich foods should be reduced because they cause calcium stones. But that's wrong. It's important to get the calcium your body needs from foods (e.g. cheese, milk, yogurt, lentils, green vegetables).

If you have had kidney stones in the past, your doctor may prescribe medications such as potassium citrate or thiazide diuretics. These medications can reduce the risk of stones forming again.

What to expect if you have renal colic?

If you think you have renal colic, see a doctor immediately . He or she will perform tests to determine the exact cause of your pain. He or she will then recommend appropriate treatment to remove the stone and reduce your symptoms.

How long can renal colic pain last?

When this pain comes in waves, it can last anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes. In severe cases, the pain can last even longer. If you have unbearable pain that won't go away, go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital.

Does the pain caused by kidney stones feel like a muscle spasm?

Sometimes yes. After a stone passes from your kidney, you may feel a muscle spasm as your urinary system tries to push it out. Also, as mentioned earlier, you may experience a sharp, radiating pain from under your ribs to above your hip.

How to stop ureter spasm?

Your doctor may prescribe medications like tolterodine to control muscle contractions. Some people also find that doing Kegel exercises and other pelvic floor exercises can help reduce these muscle contractions.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have pain that starts in the side of your stomach and spreads to your groin, back, or lower abdomen, see a doctor right away. He or she can determine if the pain is due to renal colic or another cause. In most cases, your doctor can prescribe medication that can quickly relieve the pain caused by kidney stones.

Is renal colic an emergency?

Although the pain of renal colic is usually severe, it is not a life-threatening emergency. However, if you have an infection along with renal colic, it is an emergency. If you have signs of an infection, such as fever, chills, and chills, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room immediately. This is very important.

Renal colic is a specific type of pain caused by kidney stones or other disorders of the urinary system. This discomfort can range from mild to severe. Sometimes the pain is so severe that it is impossible to perform daily activities.

The most important things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so let me summarize some of the most important points we've discussed today to help you remember them:

• If you experience sudden, unbearable stomach pain (especially one that starts on one side and spreads to the back or groin) along with nausea and vomiting, it could be renal colic. Don't panic and seek medical advice.
• The main cause is urinary stones, but sometimes there can be other causes.
• Drinking plenty of water is the best way to prevent stone formation. Drink at least 2-3 liters a day.
• Limit foods high in salt, animal protein, and oxalates.
• If you experience pain , see a doctor and get proper treatment. Small stones can be passed with medication and water. There are special treatments for larger stones.
• If symptoms such as fever, chills, and shaking accompany the pain, it is an emergency. Go to the hospital immediately.
• If you have had stones before, follow your doctor's instructions to prevent them from forming again.

Early diagnosis and proper treatment are the best ways to get better. If you have any further questions about this, don't hesitate to ask your doctor. Stay healthy!

` Renal Colic, Kidney Stones, Urinary Stones, Stomach Pain, Urinary System, Pain, Treatment