Ureteric colic characterized by all except –
**Core Concept**
Ureteric colic is a severe, sharp pain in the flank region caused by the sudden obstruction of a ureter, typically by a kidney stone. The pain is usually severe and colicky, radiating to the groin area due to the ureter's retroperitoneal location.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Ureteric colic is characterized by a triad of symptoms: severe flank pain, nausea and vomiting, and hematuria (blood in the urine). The pain is caused by the contraction of the ureteral musculature in an attempt to push the obstructing stone through the ureter. This contraction leads to the characteristic colicky pain, which is often described as crampy or spasmodic.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is not a characteristic of ureteric colic. While fever may be present in cases of pyelonephritis or other urinary tract infections, it is not a typical symptom of ureteric colic.
**Option B:** This option is a characteristic of ureteric colic. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms due to the severe pain and discomfort associated with the condition.
**Option C:** This option is a characteristic of ureteric colic. Hematuria is a common finding in cases of ureteric colic, as the obstruction of the ureter can cause damage to the mucosa and lead to bleeding.
**Option D:** This option is a characteristic of ureteric colic. Severe flank pain is the hallmark symptom of ureteric colic, often radiating to the groin area due to the ureter's retroperitoneal location.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A classic clinical pearl to remember is the "5 F's" of ureteric colic: frequency (of urination), flank pain, foul odor (of the urine), fever, and frank hematuria (blood in the urine). These symptoms can help differentiate ureteric colic from other urinary tract conditions.
**Correct Answer: B. Nausea and vomiting are common symptoms of ureteric colic.**