[18F] Experiencing severe lower left abdominal pain with diarrhea and leg pain

Patient Description

An 18-year-old female presents with severe, constant lower left abdominal pain described as an 8 on the pain scale, with a sensation of organ compression. The pain began the previous night and has not been alleviated by Tylenol or a heating pad; in fact, heat may have exacerbated the discomfort. The patient also reports associated left leg pain and diarrhea, with the most recent bowel movement being liquid in consistency, occurring 10 minutes prior to reporting. The patient is experiencing chills but no fever. No further medical history, medication use, or other symptoms were provided.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Diverticulitis: This is an inflammation or infection of small pouches called diverticula that develop along the walls of the intestines. The formation of these pouches is known as diverticulosis. The pain is often severe and comes on suddenly, but it can also be mild and worsen over several days. The intensity of the pain can fluctuate. A person with diverticulitis may also experience nausea, vomiting, shaking, chills, or constipation.

    • Treatment usually includes antibiotics, pain relievers, and a temporary liquid diet. In severe cases, hospitalization or surgery may be required.

  • Gastroenteritis: Also known as stomach flu, this condition causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. It's usually caused by a bacterial or viral tummy bug.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and eating when you're able to. Antibiotics may be prescribed if the cause is bacterial.

  • Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Pain can be severe and usually comes in waves. Other symptoms can include pain during urination, pink, red or brown urine, and frequent urination.

    • Treatment includes pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. Medical procedures may be required to remove or break up larger stones.

What you can do

It's important to seek immediate medical attention given your severe pain. In the meantime, here are some things you can do:

  1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. This can help with diarrhea and prevent dehydration.
  2. Rest: Give your body a chance to recover. This is especially important if the cause of your symptoms is an infection.
  3. Over-the-counter medication: You can try over-the-counter medication to help manage your symptoms. However, these should not replace a visit to the doctor.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • If your pain becomes unbearable
  • If you start vomiting or can't keep fluids down
  • If you notice blood in your stool or urine
  • If you develop a high fever (temperature over 100.4°F)
  • If your symptoms persist for more than a few days

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis.

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of diverticulitis?

Common symptoms of diverticulitis include severe abdominal pain, often on the lower left side, fever, nausea, vomiting, and changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea.

How can I differentiate between gastroenteritis and other abdominal conditions?

Gastroenteritis typically presents with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever. It is often accompanied by a recent history of consuming contaminated food or being in contact with someone who has similar symptoms.

What are the signs that kidney stones might be causing my abdominal pain?

Signs that kidney stones might be causing abdominal pain include severe pain that comes in waves, pain during urination, pink, red, or brown urine, and frequent urination. The pain is often located in the back or side, below the ribs, and can radiate to the lower abdomen and groin.

When should I seek immediate medical attention for abdominal pain?

You should seek immediate medical attention if your abdominal pain becomes unbearable, if you start vomiting or can't keep fluids down, if you notice blood in your stool or urine, if you develop a high fever, or if your symptoms persist for more than a few days.

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