Medical knowledge, Patient Education
Renal Colic
Renal colic is pain that is caused by passing a kidney stone. The pain can be sharp and severe. It may be felt in the back, abdomen, side (flank), or groin. It can cause nausea. Renal colic can come and go.
Follow these instructions at home:
Watch your condition for any changes. The following actions may help to lessen any discomfort that you are feeling:
Medicines
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Do not drive or use heavy machinery while taking prescription pain medicine.
Eating and drinking
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Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow. You may be instructed to drink at least 8–10 glasses of water each day. Follow instructions from your health care provider.
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If directed, change your diet. This may include:
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Limiting how much sodium you eat. You may need to eat less than 2 grams (2,000 mg) per day.
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Eating more fruits and vegetables.
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Limiting how much animal protein, such as red meat, poultry, fish, and eggs, you eat.
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Avoiding foods such as spinach, rhubarb, sweet potatoes, and nuts. These make kidney stones more likely to form.
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Follow instructions from your health care provider about eating or drinking restrictions.
General instructions
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Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
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Collect urine samples as told by your health care provider. You may need to collect a urine sample:
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24 hours after you pass the stone.
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8–12 weeks after passing the kidney stone, and every 6–12 months after that.
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Strain your urine every time you urinate, for as long as directed. Use the strainer that your health care provider recommends.
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Do not throw out the kidney stone after passing it. Keep the stone so it can be tested by your health care provider. Testing the makeup of your kidney stone may help understand how to prevent you from getting kidney stones in the future.
Contact a health care provider if:
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You have a fever or chills.
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Your urine smells bad or looks cloudy.
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You have pain or burning when you pass urine.
Get help right away if:
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Your flank pain or groin pain suddenly worsens.
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You become confused or disoriented or you lose consciousness.
Summary
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Renal colic is pain that is caused by passing a kidney stone.
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Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
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Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow. You may be instructed to drink at least 8–10 glasses of water each day. Follow instructions from your health care provider.
-
Strain your urine every time you urinate, for as long as directed. Use the strainer that your health care provider recommends.
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Do not throw out the kidney stone after passing it. Keep the stone so it can be tested by your health care provider.
This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.
