Dorothy FarrarRenal colic
The kidneys (there are two of them) have to fulfill very different tasks in the organism. Each kidney is so efficient on its own that it is even possible to transfer the functions of both organs to this one. In certain cases, however, the kidneys are overloaded or become diseased, resulting in renal colic .
What is renal colic?
Renal colic is not only a phenomenon that can occur in the kidneys, but also in the bile , associated with the intestines and other systems. Renal colic is defined as pain that lasts for a short or long period of time and swells up and down like waves.
Renal colic occurs predominantly in the kidney area, but can also spread to other parts of the body – including the abdomen, loins, groin and genitals.
Causes
Renal colic is described as an intense pressure pain. In renal colic, this is triggered by the contraction (peristalsis) of the components lined with muscles . These movements also take place in renal colic when those affected are at rest.
The extremely severe pain in renal colic indicates the presence of solid components. These can obstruct the efferent renal ducts and trigger renal colic.
Due to the anatomical structure of the kidneys and their central function as a detoxification and excretion organ, obstruction of the ureter and kidney stones or so-called kidney gravel can cause renal colic.
Renal colic is ultimately an indication that urine cannot flow out because the ureters are blocked. The spasmodic and labor-like contractions of the muscle strands in the urinary tract try to transport these obstructions out of the ureter in a natural way.
symptoms and course
Renal colic usually occurs suddenly and unexpectedly. The abdomen , lower back and genitals are given as the localization of the severe pain. Renal colic is also characterized by pain on one side of the body. Since renal colic is extremely painful , especially when it is acute, those affected often describe accompanying nausea , an inability to walk or lie still and dizziness . A fairly unequivocal description of patients who have gone through renal colic is the apt statement “…you want to climb the wall.”
Diagnose
Additional examinations are carried out to substantiate the diagnosis of renal colic, which is actually recognized by experienced doctors on the basis of the typical course of pain and the patient’s history. These results are achieved with this extended diagnosis of renal colic through laboratory tests of urine and serum (e.g. blood tests ), excretory urography and the use of ultrasound and computer tomography. In both examination techniques, contrast media are administered to support the imaging of renal colic. Diagnosis from the outside is possible in the case of renal colic by the doctor’s procedure known as tapping.
treatment and therapy
Those affected by renal colic are relieved that there are a variety of medical procedures and procedures available to treat renal colic. In addition to treating the unpleasant condition in acute cases of renal colic, these procedures also include eliminating the causal factors.
If kidney stones or grit are found during the visual examinations and if there is a displacement or massive narrowing of the ureter, removal is an option.Under renal colic, it is recommended to apply heat. Heat is ideal for renal colic because it relaxes the muscles and reduces spasmodic motor activity. In order to force a flushing out of the kidney stones or the kidney gravel, plenty of liquid must be taken in.
Painkillers are also prescribed for renal colic to improve the physical stability of the colic patient. Well-established medical procedures to treat renal colic and remove the solids include shock wave disruption of the elements followed by drainage and endoscopic crushing of the kidney stones.
Endoscopic instruments equipped with gripping forceps are used for mechanical removal of kidney stones against renal colic. Highly developed laser technology can be used to crush kidney stones after renal colic. If complications occur after renal colic, these are also treated accordingly in the clinic.
prevention
Renal colic can certainly be prevented if the formation of kidney stones or gritty solid segments is counteracted. Prophylaxis against renal colic is very simple, because it is actually all about drinking enough liquid. This prevents accumulation of minerals in the kidneys because they are constantly flushed out with the urine. In addition, proper nutrition can help reduce kidney stones, so that kidney colic does not have to develop in the first place. However, this thesis as a prevention against renal colic is still controversial.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.