Renal Colic
Renal colic, a condition known in Arabic as المغص الكلوي, adversely affects kidney function and leads to acute inflammation due to the presence of kidney stones. These stones are formed from various deposits that accumulate in the urinary tract extending from the kidneys to the bladder or within the kidneys themselves. Kidney stones can occur when the urine becomes overly concentrated, resulting in a high level of salts that crystallize, hence the term “kidney stones.” The pain associated with renal colic is the body’s response to the expulsion of these stones through the urinary tract.
Stages of Renal Colic
Before a person experiences renal colic, several processes occur within the body:
- Small stones form within the kidneys through the process of deposition.
- Stone particles increase in size, leading to the aggregation of stones within the kidneys and urinary system.
- These kidney stones obstruct the urinary tract, resulting in renal colic and acute pain.
Causes
There are several factors that contribute to the onset of renal colic, including:
- Increased levels of undissolved salts in the urine, which crystallize into stones of varying sizes. This is the primary cause of renal colic.
- The presence of blood clots within the urinary tract.
- Inflammation of the kidney pelvis, which leads to swelling.
- Tumors and other diseases affecting the kidneys.
- Consumption of contaminated food high in salt, making it difficult for the kidneys to break down and flush out these salts.
- Elevated body temperature, particularly in the summer months, combined with inadequate fluid intake.
Symptoms
Typically, the symptoms of renal colic become apparent only when the kidneys transport urine through the urinary tract for expulsion. The severity of these symptoms can vary based on their underlying cause. The most common symptoms include:
- Severe pain in the kidneys resembling abdominal cramps, which may radiate to the entire flank area; this symptom is often the most noticeable.
- Nausea and a propensity to vomit.
- Pain during urination.
- Frequent and irregular urination.
- Fever may develop in more advanced cases.
- A feeling of chills throughout the body.
Diagnosis and Treatment
In diagnosing renal colic, physicians rely on the presenting causes and symptoms perceived during a physical examination. This includes the use of ultrasound technology, known as السونار, to monitor the kidneys and urinary system, confirming the presence of stones. Treatment revolves around prescribing medications to break down the stones and restore normal function to the kidneys and urinary tract. In cases where stones are particularly large, surgical or laser procedures may be necessary to enable the patient to eliminate them through urination.
Prevention
Implementing a series of preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of renal colic, which include:
- Ensuring adequate daily water intake.
- Consuming water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and addressing obesity, as excess weight can contribute to stone formation in the kidneys.
Video: What are the Symptoms of Renal Colic?
The pain associated with renal colic is often acute and sudden. It can be distinguished from other types of pain by a specific set of symptoms. Are you familiar with any of them?