What does this article add?
The use of heat-band therapy for acute renal colic might be used in the emergency services as a first line treatment.
Introduction
For centuries, urolithiasis has been known for being one of the most painful diseases, and its prevalence is increasing (1). It is estimated that 8–15% of people around the world would face renal colic some time in their lives. In total, urolithiasis has been diagnosed in about 12% of the US population, and every year, there are approximately 2 million treatment visits at outpatient clinics for the disease. In the United States, renal colic accounts for 1% of all visits to the emergency department. However, for 50% of all patients with a history of renal calculi, this portion will rise to 50% after10 years (1,3).
Renal colic occurs as a result of spasm because of the obstruction and distension caused by a calculus in the ureter (1). As recommended by the European Association of Urology, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids are first-line treatments for renal colic (4). However, they may cause renal injury by reducing renal blood circulation (5,6). In addition, NSAIDs can cause gastrointestinal complications (such as ulcers and reflux) (7,8). Their use is also limited in patients with hepatic failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (5). Opioids—the other analgesic option—have a wide range of side effects, including nausea, vomiting, hypotension, sedation, dizziness, and even respiratory depression (9,10).
In addition to these pharmaceutical agents, there are nonpharmaceutical alternative treatment methods that are used in relieving renal colic, including acupuncture, descending or ascending ladder, trigger point injection, Turkish bath, and local heating with a blanket (11,13).
Heat-patch is an effective physical medicine treatment option designed to alleviate muscle pain by applying heat and is frequently used as physical therapy. The heat patch is quickly activated upon contact with air after being removed from its sheath. It contains no drugs, but iron powder, activated carbon, and water. Heat is generated when the iron particles inside the patch come in contact with air. The patch starts dissipating natural heat (long-term, 8h) several minutes after being targeted on the projective area of the pain. Patient satisfaction is high because it has an odorless and thin-dimension design.
Considering the success of heat-patch treatment among other nonpharmaceutical alternative treatment methods (12-14,15). the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a heat-patch in relieving renal colic and to investigate its usability in daily treatment plans.