clinical features

Last reviewed 07/2021

Features include:

  • pain:
    • abrupt onset
    • colicky in nature - peaks of pain superimposed upon a dull, background ache
    • usually originates in the loin and may radiate to the groin and testicle in men, and the labia majora in women

  • in severe cases, the patient may be doubled up, pale and sweaty

  • the patient is restless, writhing around trying to find a comfortable position (contrast this with the rigidity of a patient with peritonitis)

  • nausea and vomiting

  • tachycardia

  • pyrexia - in the presence of a co-existent urinary tract infection