Renal or Ureteric Colic

Kidney stones and renal colic occur in about 10% of men between the ages of 20 and 40.

Renal colic, also called ureteric colic, is a condition characterized by a sharp and sudden pain, which occurs without warning. Discovering and treating the root cause of the condition is the most effective treatment.

Causes

Renal colic is most commonly caused by a blockage created by kidney stones, at the point that they create a blockage in the renal pelvis or ureter. The pain is symptomatic of the stretching and spasming the stone causes in the ureter.

Risk

Men are three times as likely to develop stones and ureteric colic than women and are most at risk between the age of 20 and 40. Also, those with a family history of the condition are twice as likely to develop symptoms.

Stones

Kidney stones are made up of ureteric crystals, most contain crystals of more than one type. Stone types include calcium, struvite, uric acid and cystine.

Diagnosis

Urine analysis and abdominal X-ray are both commonly used to diagnose kidney stones. Blood tests and analysis of passed stones may also be useful determining the specific makeup of stones and severity of condition.

Treatment

Pain relievers and increased fluid intake are a typical treatment for small stones, enabling the body to pass the stones naturally. Larger stones may need to be broken apart before they can be passed or may require surgical removal.

References

• Patient UK: Renal Colic
• Mayo Clinic: Kidney Stones
• National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Kidney Stones in Adults