[18M] Experiencing intermittent right-sided abdominal pain with early satiety and green stools

Patient Description

An 18-year-old male reports a 2-day history of intermittent, shooting pain on the right side of the abdomen, rated as 7/10 in severity. The pain sometimes radiates upwards. Accompanying symptoms include a persistent feeling of fullness, even without eating, for the past 3 days, and the presence of pale green stools, occasionally presenting as diarrhea. The patient denies any recent injuries, changes in diet, or use of medications, recreational drugs, or alcohol. There is no known family history of gallbladder disease or similar conditions. No other symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, or jaundice were reported, but the patient has experienced chills. There is no known pre-existing medical history or chronic illnesses.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Gallstones: These are hard deposits that form in your gallbladder, a small organ under the liver. You might not even know you have them until they block a bile duct, causing pain that you need to get treated right away. The pain is often described as a sharp, cramping pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. Pain may radiate to the back or occur under the shoulders. Other symptoms can include feeling full, green or yellow stool, and chills.

    • Treatment may involve medication to dissolve the gallstones or surgery to remove the gallbladder.
  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the digestive tract, often caused by a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and feeling full.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications.
  • Appendicitis: This is an inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. It's located in the lower right part of your abdomen. This condition causes severe abdominal pain and is a medical emergency.

    • Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the appendix.

What you can do

You should seek immediate medical attention given the severity and duration of your symptoms. In the meantime, try to stay hydrated and avoid eating foods that seem to worsen your symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but they are not a substitute for medical evaluation and treatment.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your pain becomes severe or unbearable
  • You develop a fever
  • You start vomiting
  • Your skin or eyes become yellow
  • You have difficulty breathing

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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1 yr ago

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People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of gallstones?

Common symptoms of gallstones include sharp, cramping pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, pain that may radiate to the back or under the shoulders, feeling full, green or yellow stool, and chills.


How can gastroenteritis be distinguished from other abdominal conditions?

Gastroenteritis is often characterized by symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever. It is usually caused by an infection and can be distinguished from other conditions by the presence of these symptoms, especially if they follow a pattern of recent exposure to contaminated food or water.


What are the warning signs of appendicitis that require immediate medical attention?

Warning signs of appendicitis include severe abdominal pain that starts around the navel and then shifts to the lower right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fever, and an inability to pass gas. Immediate medical attention is required if these symptoms are present.


Why might someone experience pale green stools?

Pale green stools can be caused by a variety of factors, including rapid transit of food through the intestines, which doesn't allow bile to break down completely, or the consumption of certain foods or medications. It can also be associated with conditions like gastroenteritis or gallbladder issues.


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