Kidney colic is a painful condition caused by the blockage of urine flow within the urinary tract. This blockage can occur due to many reasons, such as kidney stones, tumors, and infections.

When kidney colic strikes, it causes severe pain in the back, sides, and groin area. In some cases, the pain can also be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and fever. Hence, it’s essential to recognize the symptoms of kidney colic early and seek medical help accordingly.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to recognize kidney colic and what steps to take to manage it effectively.

1. Severe abdominal pain

The most common symptom of kidney colic is severe abdominal pain, usually in the lower back or side of the body. The pain may come in waves, and it can be so intense that it prevents you from standing, sitting, or lying down.

The pain may also radiate to the front of the body, causing discomfort in the groin area. The intensity of the pain may vary depending on the underlying cause of the blockage. If the pain is persistent and severe, you should seek immediate medical attention.

2. Painful urination

If you experience pain while urinating, it could be a sign of kidney colic. The pain may be described as burning or stinging sensation, and it may occur before, during, or after urination.

Kidney colic can cause urine to be cloudy, foul-smelling, or blood-tinged. These symptoms may also be accompanied by a frequent urge to urinate, even if you have little urine output.

3. Nausea and vomiting

When kidney colic affects your digestive system, it can cause nausea and vomiting. You may feel sick to your stomach, and you may vomit repeatedly.

These symptoms may be due to the release of toxins into your bloodstream or the irritation of your digestive tract by the blockage. If you experience nausea and vomiting, you should try to stay hydrated by drinking water or clear fluids. If you can’t tolerate anything by mouth or if you become dehydrated, you should seek medical help immediately.

4. Fever and chills

Kidney infections can cause fever and chills. If you have a high temperature, you feel cold, or you shiver, it could be a sign of an infection.

Kidney colic caused by infection may also cause other symptoms, such as pain in the lower abdomen, frequent urination, and fatigue. If you have a fever, you should see your doctor to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms.

5. Urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause kidney colic. If you have a UTI, you may experience symptoms such as painful urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and a frequent urge to urinate.

UTIs can also cause fever and lower belly pain, which may be confused with kidney colic. If you suspect that you have a UTI, you should see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

6. Swelling in the affected area

In some cases, kidney colic can cause swelling in the affected area. For example, if you have a kidney stone, you may notice a lump in your side or back. The swelling may be accompanied by tenderness and redness.

You may also experience muscle spasms in the affected muscles, which can worsen the pain. If you have swelling in the affected area, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.

7. Blood in urine

Kidney colic can cause blood to appear in your urine. The blood may be pink, red, or brown, depending on the severity of the blockage. If you notice blood in your urine, you should see your doctor immediately.

Blood in your urine can be a sign of a serious medical condition, such as a kidney or bladder infection, or even cancer.

8. Inability to urinate

If you have a complete blockage of urine flow, you may be unable to urinate. This condition is called anuric, and it can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

An inability to urinate can cause toxins to build up in your body, leading to metabolic acidosis, which can be fatal. If you’re unable to urinate, you should seek emergency medical attention right away.

9. Difficulty lying still

If you have kidney colic, you may find it challenging to sit or lie still. The pain may be so intense that you have to walk around or change positions frequently.

This symptom is common in people with kidney stones, as the movement helps to dislodge the stone and relieve the blockage. However, if you find that you’re unable to get comfortable, you should seek medical help.

10. Dizziness and fainting

In rare cases, kidney colic can cause dizziness and fainting. These symptoms may occur due to low blood pressure or the release of toxins into your bloodstream. If you experience dizziness or fainting, you should lie down and elevate your legs.

If the symptoms persist, you should seek medical help immediately.

Conclusion

Kidney colic is a painful condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Early intervention can help to prevent complications and improve your chances of a full recovery.