[18F] Experiencing severe abdominal pain and sweating post-azithromycin

Patient Description

An 18-year-old female reports severe cramping in the central stomach and lower abdomen, particularly during bowel movements, following a single dose of azithromycin taken for chlamydia infection. Accompanying symptoms include body chills, significant sweating akin to exercise, and pain in the anus. The patient notes her stool is small, greenish-brown, and there has been a recent decrease in appetite and presence of bloating. No blood in stool or fever is reported, and there is no history of dizziness or rapid heart rate. The patient has no known allergies, no family history of gastrointestinal disorders, no other medications taken, and no use of recreational drugs or alcohol.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the symptoms you're experiencing could be due to:

Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: Azithromycin, the medication you took recently, can disrupt the normal bacteria in your intestines, leading to diarrhea and abdominal pain. The body chills and sweating could be your body's response to the pain and discomfort.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both.
Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the digestive tract, often caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasites. Symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, fever, and chills.

What you can do

Stay hydrated: Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which can lead to other health problems. Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can worsen dehydration.
Rest: Your body needs energy to fight off the virus. Getting enough sleep can help your body recover.
Eat a bland diet: Foods like rice, bananas, and toast can help bind the stool and make your diarrhea less severe.
Over-the-counter medication: Over-the-counter medication like loperamide (Imodium) can help slow down diarrhea and reduce the amount of stool.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

Your symptoms persist for more than a few days
You have a high fever
You see blood in your stool
You're unable to keep liquids down
You have severe abdominal or rectal pain
You have signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, little to no urination, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness.

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.

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1 yr ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines