Renal colic is a painful condition caused by the movement of kidney stones within the urinary tract. The term "renal" refers to the kidneys, while "colic" describes the sudden, intense abdominal pain that often accompanies the condition. In IPA phonetic transcription, "renal colic" is pronounced as /ˈriːnəl ˈkɒlɪk/. The "r" sound is pronounced at the beginning of "renal", while "colic" is emphasized with a hard "k" and a short "i" sound. This spelling reflects the origin of the term, which uses Latin roots to describe the affected organs and symptom.
Renal colic is a medical condition characterized by severe, cramping pain in the flank or lower back region. It is caused by the passage of a kidney stone through the urinary system. Kidney stones are hard, crystal-like deposits that form in the kidneys and can vary in size.
The onset of renal colic is sudden and the pain is often described as agonizing and excruciating, typically radiating towards the lower abdomen and groin. The intensity of the pain can fluctuate, sometimes reaching its peak within minutes and then subsiding briefly, only to return again. Additional symptoms may include blood in the urine (hematuria), frequent urination, urgency, and a burning sensation while urinating.
Renal colic occurs when a kidney stone, which may become lodged at any point along the urinary tract, causes irritation, blockage, or obstruction. As the stone attempts to pass through the ureters (narrow tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder), it can lead to intense pain. This pain occurs because the stone's movement causes distension and spasm of the ureteral walls.
Diagnosis of renal colic is often based on the symptoms reported by the patient, along with a physical examination and diagnostic imaging tests such as computed tomography (CT) scans or ultrasounds. Treatment aims to relieve pain, facilitate the passage of the kidney stone, and prevent complications. Pain management may involve the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), analgesics, or muscle relaxants. If the stone is too large to be treated conservatively or causes complications, interventions such as lithotripsy (shock wave therapy) or minimally invasive procedures may be necessary.
Overall, renal colic is a distressing condition brought on by the
The word "renal colic" comes from the Latin word "renes", meaning "kidneys", and the word "colica", derived from the Greek word "kolikos", meaning "intestinal pain". The term "renal" refers to anything related to the kidneys, while "colic" describes severe abdominal pain caused by spasms or blockages in the digestive or urinary tract. Thus, "renal colic" specifically refers to the excruciating pain associated with kidney stones or other kidney disorders.