Nephritic Colic: Understanding, Prevention and Treatment
I am a family physician and medical director of French origin, having completed my schooling and practiced in France before settling in Quebec. My goal is to help my patients navigate the differences between the French and Quebec healthcare systems, while providing them with reliable and useful medical information. Today, we're going to tackle a painful and often worrying subject: renal colic.
What is renal colic?
Renal colic is a severe, acute pain caused by the presence of a kidney stone blocking the passage of urine through the urinary tract. This obstruction causes an increase in pressure in the kidney, resulting in pain that is often described as one of the most intense you'll ever feel.
Symptoms of renal colic
Typical symptoms include:
-Intense pain: Generally located in the lower back or on the side, it may radiate to the abdomen, groin or genitals. No position seems to relieve it.
-Nausea and vomiting: Often caused by intense pain.
-Hematuria: Presence of blood in the urine, making it pink or red.
-Urinary frequency and urgency: Frequent urge to urinate, sometimes accompanied by pain on urination.
Causes and risk factors
The main causes of kidney stone formation include:
-Dehydration: Low fluid intake can concentrate minerals in the urine, promoting stone formation.
-Diet: A diet rich in animal proteins, sodium and sugar may increase the risk.
-Genetic predisposition: Family history of kidney stones.
-Certain medical conditions: For example, hyperparathyroidism, recurrent urinary tract infections and certain metabolic diseases.
Causes of non-lithiasis obstructions
Apart from kidney stones, other causes can cause obstructions in the urinary tract, leading to pain similar to that of renal colic:
-Tumors: Tumors in or around the urinary tract can block the flow of urine.
-Anatomical anomalies: Congenital or acquired malformations of the urinary tract can cause obstructions.
-Trauma: Renal trauma can lead to urinary tract blockage.
-Urological problems: Conditions such as ureteral strictures can obstruct the passage of urine.
-Vascular diseases: Conditions such as renal vein thrombosis or renal artery aneurysm can cause intense kidney pain.
-Pyeloureteral junction syndrome: This condition is caused by a congenital obstruction at the junction of the kidney and ureter.
Prevention
To prevent the formation of kidney stones, we recommend :
-Drink plenty of water: at least 2 to 3 liters a day to keep urine dilute.
-Adopt a balanced diet: limit oxalate-rich foods (spinach, chocolate, tea), reduce sodium and animal protein intake.
-Avoid sugary drinks: Sodas and other sugary drinks can increase the risk of kidney stones.
Treatment
Treatment of renal colic depends on the size and location of the stone, as well as the severity of symptoms:
-Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to relieve pain. Alpha-blocker drugs can help relax the muscles of the urinary tract, facilitating the passage of the stone.
-Hydration: Adequate hydration is crucial to help expel calculus.
-Surgical interventions: In the case of larger stones, minimally invasive or percutaneous surgery may be considered to remove the stone: extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (a technique using shock waves to fragment the stone), uretroscopy or double J catheterization (a device to keep the urinary tract open and facilitate the passage of urine).
When to consult?
It's important to consult a doctor if you feel intense pain, have blood in your urine or show signs of infection (fever, chills). Prompt consultation can help avoid complications and ensure appropriate treatment.
Renal colic is a painful but manageable condition with proper management. If you have a history of kidney stones or are experiencing symptoms, don't hesitate to consult us for a personalized assessment and advice. You can make an appointment with Allodocteur.ca for home consultations.
