Final answer:
Ureteric calculi cause episodic 'loin to groin' pain, known as renal colic, which can shift as the stone moves down the urinary tract. Accompanying symptoms may include hematuria. Larger stones may require medical intervention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage of ureteric calculi, commonly known as kidney stones, through the urinary tract can give rise to a distinctive pattern of pain known as renal colic. The pain typically initiates in the flank, on the side of the body between the ribs and the hip, where the affected kidney is located. As the kidney stone progresses through the ureter, the pain may radiate from the flank to the lower abdomen and groin. This intense, cramping pain is often described as 'loin to groin.'
Renal colic pain is episodic, occurring in waves, corresponding to spasms of the ureter as the body endeavors to expel the stone. Hematuria, the presence of blood in the urine, is a common accompanying symptom, resulting from irritation or damage to the urinary tract caused by the stone's movement.
The severity and location of the pain can shift as the stone advances along the ureter. Smaller stones may pass unnoticed, while larger stones can cause significant blockage, obstruct urine flow, and lead to heightened symptoms. In such cases, medical intervention becomes necessary. Treatment options include lithotripsy, a non-invasive procedure to break up the stones, stenting to facilitate urine flow, or, in severe cases, surgical removal of the stone.
Understanding the symptoms and patterns of renal colic is crucial for timely medical intervention and effective management of kidney stones, ensuring relief from pain and prevention of potential complications associated with obstructive stones in the urinary tract.