[18F] With severe lower back and side pain, headache, and chest discomfort
Patient Description
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the symptoms you've described, possible causes include:
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Kidney Stones: Despite the ER ruling out kidney stones, the pain you're describing is characteristic of this condition. Kidney stones can cause severe pain in the back and side, below the ribs, and radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. The pain may come in waves and fluctuate in intensity. However, you mentioned that your pain is consistent, which is less typical for kidney stones.
- Treatment: Over-the-counter pain medications and drinking lots of water can help pass a small stone. Larger stones may require medical or surgical intervention.
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Musculoskeletal Strain: This is a common cause of back pain and can occur as a result of poor posture, lifting heavy objects, or sudden movements. The pain is usually localized to the back and can be sharp or dull.
- Treatment: Rest, physical therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help.
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Pulmonary Embolism: This is a serious condition where a blood clot gets lodged in an artery in the lung, blocking blood flow to part of the lung. Symptoms can include sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breaths, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, and unexplained cough. Given your chest pain and difficulty breathing, this is a possibility that should be ruled out, even though you don't have a known history of clotting disorders.
- Treatment: This is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment with anticoagulants or clot dissolving medications.
Please note that this is not a comprehensive list and other conditions could also be causing your symptoms.
What you can do
Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you haven't done so already, consider visiting a primary care doctor or urgent care clinic. If your symptoms worsen or you experience new symptoms such as severe chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, seek emergency medical attention immediately.
What you should look out for
Watch out for symptoms that may indicate a more serious condition, such as:
- Severe chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Blood in your urine
- Fever and chills that don't improve
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.
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9 mo ago