[18M] Experiencing abdominal pain, fever, and nausea

Patient Description

An 18-year-old male has been experiencing crampy to sharp abdominal pain below the belly button for several days, with the pain worsening over the last three days. Accompanying symptoms include fever, which started today and is currently at 101.2°F, and nausea without vomiting. The patient has tried heat and ice for relief without success. The abdominal pain initially felt like indigestion and has since localized below the belly button. The patient has a family history of appendicitis, with both his mother and brother having had their appendix removed at a young age. The patient's mother suspects appendicitis. The patient has no known allergies, no adverse reactions to medications, and is not currently on any medications. The patient's urine is slightly yellower than usual, likely due to decreased fluid intake. No other symptoms have been reported, and the patient has not been diagnosed with any pre-existing conditions or chronic illnesses.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, possible diagnoses include:

  • Appendicitis: This is an inflammation of the appendix, a small organ attached to the large intestine. It typically presents with pain around the belly button that moves to the lower right side of the abdomen, nausea, and fever. Your family history of appendicitis and the location and progression of your pain could suggest this condition.

    • Appendicitis is typically diagnosed through a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan. Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the appendix.
  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, nausea, and fever. However, diarrhea and vomiting are also common symptoms, which you have not reported.

    • Treatment for gastroenteritis usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medication to manage symptoms.

Please note that these are potential diagnoses based on the symptoms you've reported. It's important to seek immediate medical attention to receive a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What you can do

Given your symptoms and the potential severity of conditions like appendicitis, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. If you're unable to get to an emergency department yourself, please call for an ambulance.

While you're waiting for medical help:

  1. Avoid eating or drinking anything, as this could potentially complicate any necessary surgical procedures.
  2. Try to stay as comfortable as possible. Avoid moving around too much, as this could potentially worsen your pain.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Increased intensity of abdominal pain
  • Vomiting
  • Blood in your stool or urine
  • Increased fever or chills
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness

Remember, it's important to get medical help as soon as possible. Appendicitis can be serious if left untreated.

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10 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of appendicitis?

Common symptoms of appendicitis include abdominal pain that often starts around the belly button and then moves to the lower right side, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fever, and sometimes diarrhea or constipation.


How is appendicitis diagnosed?

Appendicitis is typically diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination, blood tests to check for infection, and imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan to visualize the appendix.


What should I do if I suspect I have appendicitis?

If you suspect you have appendicitis, seek immediate medical attention. Avoid eating or drinking, as this could complicate potential surgery, and try to stay as comfortable as possible while waiting for medical help.


Can appendicitis be treated without surgery?

Appendicitis is usually treated with surgery to remove the appendix, known as an appendectomy. In some cases, if the appendix hasn't burst, antibiotics may be used to treat the infection, but surgery is often still recommended to prevent recurrence.


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