Renal Colic

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Renal colic is pain in right or left lower abdomen or low back due to disease in the kidney, ureter or bladder. This pain may have a radiation to the groin or thigh. This is a griping type of pain.

CAUSES:
  • Bladder or kidney or ureteric stones are the main reasons for Renal colic.
  • Disease of the kidney e.g. hydronephrosis, polycystic kidneys, tuberculosis.
  • Blood clot in the water or kidney or bladder.
  • Inflammation of ureter.
  • Foreign body in bladder.
  • Inflammation of bladder.
  • Infection of kidney, ureter, or bladder.
  • Cancer.
  • Some other diseases which may give similar pains like renal colic are:
    • Inflammation of pancreas.
    • Inflammations of gall bladder.
    • Appendicitis (right side pain).
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:
  • Pain in the abdomen either right or left lower abdomen.
  • Pain may radiate to the groin or thigh.
  • Restlessness.
  • Fever.
  • Vomiting.
  • Increase in frequency of micturition.
  • Painful urination.
  • Red urine.
DO’S AND DONT’S:
  • Always consult a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms.
  • Do not self medicate.
  • Hot pads or hot water bags over the abdomen may help to relieve pain.
  • Diet and fluids may be taken depending on the underlying cause.
  • If it is due to stones which is the most commonest cause then, Drink plenty of fluids at 3/5 litres per day. Avoid things in diet which causes stones e.g. milk, milk products, red meat, fish, liver oils, chocolate, grapes, beans, strawberries etc.
  • Hot water bags over abdomen help to relieve pain.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise which get you dehydrated.
  • Avoid Vitamin D supplements.
  • Avoid antacids.
  • Avoid increase salt intake.
  • Urinate as soon as you get a urge .
  • Empty your bladder after an intercourse to avoid any infection. Avoid using scented soaps of vaginal deodorants-they may give rise to infection.
  • Maintain a good diet to have good immune system. Practice good bathroom hygiene. Clean yourself thoroughly after using toilet.
  • Avoid alcohol, chocolate, tea, tomatoes citrus fruit, spicy food, vinegar, during infection they irritate the urinary tract.

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