KIDNEY COLIC – INTRODUCTION
Many people have kidney stones without being aware of the fact. The same goes for gallstones. Their presence is only noticed when the stones enter the ureter (or in the case of gallstones, the bile duct) and can move neither forward nor backward.
When a kidney stone becomes stuck in the ureter the resulting pain is so excruciating that the patient may end up in a state of delirium. It is not unusual for him to lose all control, knocking into things around him, screaming in agony and, of course, causing great concern to those around him. The pain can last for hours and there is great danger if the proper treatment is not given.
The patient must be placed in a hot bath and with light, careful massage, the stone must be made to move from the ureter into the bladder. The hot water itself will make the patient feel more comfortable. Should the heart start to give trouble or if he suffers from hyperthyroidism (exophthalmic goitre), he must also be assisted with cold compresses. The best way to do this is to apply a ‘heart tube’. Place a tube in a circle around the heart area and let cold water flow through it. This will cool the heart down and bring relief. If necessary, put cold compresses on the wrists and forehead, renewing them frequently to keep them cold. With this treatment the patient should be able to remain in the hot bath for half an hour without fainting.
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