Renal Colic

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Renal colic is a pain that is commonly caused by kidney stones. The word "renal" refers to anything related to the kidneys. Renal colic pain is in your lower back, usually on one side. The pain may also be felt in the belly or genitals (testicles or vagina). The pain may come and go and can be very bad. Kidney stones are rock-like pieces that can be as small as a grain of sand, but they also may be larger. These stones form in the kidneys and usually get stuck in one of the two ureters (u-RE-ters). Ureters are the flexible tubes that go from your kidneys to your bladder. Blood clots, dead tissue or other materials may also cause renal colic. You may also see blood in your urine or it can hurt when you urinate. You may feel sick to your stomach (nausea) or vomit (throw up).
  
  
• Caregivers will first try to get your pain and symptoms under control with medicines. You may need an ultrasound, CT scan or a x-ray called an IVP. These tests help caregivers find the stones, or the cause of your pain. Urine and blood samples may be sent to the lab for tests. You may be treated at home and the stone may pass on its own during urination. If the stone does not pass you may need surgery to remove it. Or, you may need to have lithotripsy (LITH-o-trip-c). Lithotripsy uses shock waves to break up the kidney stones. Medicines, diet changes, and other treatments may be used to prevent kidney stones from happening again.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. If you think it is not helping or if you feel you are having side effects, call your caregiver. Do not quit taking it until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• Keep a written list of what medicines you are taking and when you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicines.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver if you can take aspirin, acetaminophen (ah-set-ah-ME-no-fin), or ibuprofen (i-bu-PRO-fen) for pain. These can be bought over-the-counter at drug or grocery stores.
  
  
• You may be given pain medicine. Take enough medicine to keep comfortable. Do not worry about becoming dependent on these pain medicines.

Drink at least a half-gallon of liquids every day. Drink at least eight, 8 ounce cups of liquid each day. If you live in a warm or dry climate, or at high altitude you should drink even more liquids. You should also drink before, during and after exercise. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink liquids. Drinking enough liquid may help flush kidney stones through the urinary tract, and may help prevent more stones. Drinking enough will also help prevent dehydration (losing too much body fluid). Water is the best liquid to drink. Avoid drinking liquids that contain caffeine. Caffeine may be found in coffee, tea, and some sports drinks and foods.

Strain your urine every time you go to the bathroom. Straining your urine may catch the stone when it passes through your urethra. Urinate through a special strainer, coffee filter, or a piece of thin cloth to catch the stone. You may find it easier to urinate into a glass jar. By doing this you will be able to see the stone at the bottom of the jar. Take the stone to your caregivers. They will send it to the lab for tests. When caregivers learn what the stone is made of, they may be able to treat you to prevent more kidney stones.

Stay active. Your stone may pass more easily by staying active. Walk as much as you can. Do not stay in bed. Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you. It is best to start slowly and do more as you get stronger. Exercising makes the heart stronger, lowers blood pressure, and keeps you healthy. Stay home from work until the stone passes if getting sudden pain at work is dangerous. You should stay home if your job is working with machinery, climbing ladders, or working on girders or roofs. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Eat healthy foods from all food groups. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meat and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you feel better and have more energy. Ask your caregiver if you need to change your diet. Sometimes certain chemicals in foods can cause kidney stones. Decreasing how much salt you eat may help prevent kidney stones. Use little or no salt during cooking or eating. If you need to change how you eat, it can take time getting used to a new diet. Special cookbooks may help the cook in the family find new recipes. Do not lose more than one to two pounds a week if you are trying to lose weight.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have any problems that may be related to the medicine you are taking.
  
  
• Blood in your urine comes back.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have severe (very bad) pain.
  
  
• You feel nauseated or start to vomit.
  
  
• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• You have shaking chills.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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