Renal colic: how is it recognized and how long does it last? What to do

located on the side, with sudden onset, usually a consequence of the migration of one or more stones into the urinary system (nephrolithiasis). Along the path between the kidneys and the urethra, the passage of these solid aggregates involves first a dilation and, subsequently, a spasmodic contraction that lasts several minutes. The pain of renal colic is stabbing and continuous, unilateral or bilateral, and does not change the vary the position.

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The painful crisis from the flank can radiate to the hypochondrium (higher), to the groin and thighs (lower than the kidneys), associated with nausea and vomiting and, sometimes, urinary disorders with the emission of cloudy or bloody urine .

The severity of the pain of a renal colic is such that it is described as similar or even greater than that of a delivery, and is one of the common reasons that push patients to go to the emergency room.

Prompt intervention is important not only to relieve pain, but also to avoid dangerous complications, which can favor, among other things, the development of pyelonephritis. For these reasons, the stone must be immediately removed, by means of an appropriate intervention, often Fortunately, most of the time the stones measure less than 5 mm in diameter, and are therefore eliminated spontaneously without too many problems or with the support of measures that favor their expulsion.