Haematuria
Definitions Haematuria is the passage of blood in the urine. Frank haematuria is the presence of blood on macroscopic examination, while microscopic haematuria indicates that RBCs are only seen on…
Urinary retention
Definitions Urinary retention is defined as an inability to micturate (pass urine). Acute urinary retention is the sudden inability to micturate in the presence of a painful bladder. Chronic urinary…
Leg ulceration
Definition An ulcer is defined as an area of discontinuity of the surface epithelium. A leg ulcer is an area of ulceration anywhere on the lower limb but usually sited…
Acute ‘cold’ leg
Definition The ‘acute cold leg’ is a clinical syndrome comprising sudden onset of symptoms indicative of the presence of ischaemia sufficient to threaten the viability of the limb or part…
Acute warm painful leg
Definitions Acute leg pain is a subjective, unpleasant sensation felt somewhere in the lower limb. Referred pain is the perception of pain in an area remote from the site of…
Claudication
Definition Intermittent claudication is defined as an aching pain in the leg muscles, usually the calf, that is precipitated by walking and is relieved by rest. Key Points Claudication pain…
Haemoptysis
Definition Haemoptysis (blood spitting) is the symptom of coughing up blood from the lungs. Blood from the nose, mouth or pharynx that may also be spat out is termed ‘spurious…
Groin swellings
Definition Any swelling in the inguinal area or upper medial thigh. Key Points The groin crease does not mark the inguinal ligament and is an unreliable landmark. Inguinal hernias are…
Altered bowel habit/constipation
Definitions ‘Normal’ bowel habit varies widely from person to person. Alterations in bowel habit are common manifestations of GI disease. Constipation is defined as infrequent or difficult evacuation of faeces…
