What is Renal Colic? (Kidney Stones)

What is Renal Colic?

• Renal Colic is the pain caused by the body trying to pass a kidney stone
• Kidney stones are formed from waste products in the body present in urine
• Most stones will pass by themselves
• Large stones may get stuck and cause persistent symptoms and sometimes impair the function of the kidneys

What happens next?

• If your pain is under control and the blood tests showed no impairment of the kidneys
• You can return home and come back to the Radiology Department or Emergency Department in the morning for a scan to check for large stones
• You may have a CT scan or an ultrasound scan

What do I need to do?

• Return to CT (Radiology) at 8.45am and subsequently to Planned Investigation Unit (PIU) during Monday to Friday or CT at 9.15am and subsequently Emergency Department (ED) during Saturday/Sunday/Public Holidays informing staff you are attending for CTKUB.
• Have a full bladder for the scan (drink plenty of water; avoid going to the toilet)
• The radiology department may be busy, therefore you may need to wait for your scan, and for a specialist to report it
• One of the nurses/doctors will discuss the report with you, and discuss if further specialist treatments are required.

How do I prevent kidney stones?

• Drink 2 litres of water per day
• Calcium: 800-1000mg per day
• Limit Oxalate; foods like chocolate and peanuts

What if I feel worse?

• Renal Colic can be painful, and you will likely have been given strong painkillers to take home
• If the pain is worsening despite using these, return to the Emergency Department
• If you feel feverish or have flu-like symptoms, this may be an infection, and you should return to the Emergency Department
• If you start vomiting this may also be a symptom of an infection, and you should return to the Emergency Department

If you need this information in another language or format, please e-mail:

Translation.Services@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk