Pain Relief From Renal Colic

Renal colic, the pain caused by kidney stones, can leave a sufferer in severe discomfort that lasts until the stone is passed through the urinary tract. In severe cases, a patient may need surgery, but more often a combination of pain relievers and dietary changes will make the condition tolerable. Patients with constant pain should consult a doctor for prescription medications.

Pain Relief Medications

• Ibuprofen and other over-the-counter medications can help with minor pain. If the stone is small---or if you have just begun to feel its effects---these drugs can be effective for up to a week.

  If your pain becomes moderate or severe, talk to your doctor about prescription pain relievers. According to Patient.co.uk, intramuscular non-steroidal inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most effective treatments for renal colic; of these, diclofenac is the most commonly prescribed. If diclofenac does nothing to relieve your symptoms, ask your doctor about morphine, diamorphine or pethidine. These drugs are stronger but carry the risk of causing side effects.

  Nausea and vomiting may accompany serious cases. If you experience these symptoms, talk to your doctor about obtaining an antiemetic.

Dietary Changes

• A writer at Renal Colic Treatment Blog states that the simplest cure for renal colic is citrus juice. He suggests drinking lemon juice, lemonade or orange juice several times a day. Cranberry juice will have similar beneficial effects.

  Water helps clear the urinary tract and helps a stone pass out of your system. Drink twelve to fourteen glasses of water a day, every day, until the colic goes away. Spread your water consumption throughout the day.

  Eat foods high in magnesium, such as oysters, okra and raw broccoli, to boost your immune system. You should also avoid foods high in fat and limit your use of sugar and salt.