Renal Calculi Can Cause Both Renal Colic and Hydronephrosis

Question

Renal calculi can cause both renal colic and hydronephrosis.

Accepted Answer

Renal calculi are solid crystals formed in the kidneys due to the concentration of minerals and salts. They can cause obstructions in the urinary tract leading to renal colic, which is a severe pain in the back, abdomen, or side radiating towards the groin. If left untreated, the calculi can cause further obstruction of the urinary tract leading to the backup of urine and subsequent inflammation and swelling of the kidneys known as hydronephrosis. Therefore, both conditions can occur as a result of renal calculi.