[18F] Experiencing severe lower back pain, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting

Patient Description

An 18-year-old female reports severe, throbbing lower back pain that is spread across the back and has been present for 1 day. The pain is rated 9/10 in intensity and does not seem to be affected by movement or activities. Additionally, the patient has been experiencing watery diarrhea every hour for 1 day, a fever of 102.5°F for 6 hours, and lower abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting. There is no reported pain or burning with urination, no blood in stool or vomit, and no recent travel or back injuries. The patient has no known drug allergies, no pre-existing conditions, and is not currently on any medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you may be experiencing:

  • Gastroenteritis: This is inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to help with symptoms. Antibiotics may be necessary if the cause is bacterial.
  • Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis): This is a type of urinary tract infection that generally starts in your urethra or bladder and travels to one or both of your kidneys. It can cause fever, lower back pain, and vomiting.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics.
  • Appendicitis: This is an inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. It can cause lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

    • Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the appendix.

What you can do

Given the severity of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention immediately. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Go to the nearest emergency department or urgent care center. If you're unable to transport yourself safely, call for an ambulance.
  2. Stay hydrated. With frequent diarrhea and vomiting, you're at risk of dehydration. Try to sip on water or rehydration solutions.
  3. Avoid eating solid food until vomiting stops. Start with sips of water or sucking on ice chips.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your pain becomes severe or unbearable.
  • You notice blood in your stool or vomit.
  • Your symptoms worsen or do not improve within 24 hours.
  • You become too weak to stand or pass out.

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of gastroenteritis?

Common symptoms of gastroenteritis include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and sometimes nausea. It is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection.


How can you differentiate between a kidney infection and appendicitis?

A kidney infection often presents with symptoms like fever, lower back pain, and vomiting, while appendicitis typically causes lower abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. A healthcare professional can perform tests to differentiate between the two.


What are the risks of dehydration with frequent diarrhea and vomiting?

Dehydration can occur quickly with frequent diarrhea and vomiting, leading to symptoms like dizziness, dry mouth, decreased urine output, and fatigue. It's important to stay hydrated by drinking fluids or using rehydration solutions.


When should you seek immediate medical attention for severe back and abdominal pain?

Immediate medical attention should be sought if the pain becomes severe or unbearable, if there is blood in stool or vomit, if symptoms worsen or do not improve within 24 hours, or if you become too weak to stand or pass out.


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