[20F] Experiencing severe abdominal and back pain with nausea

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions could be causing your symptoms:

• Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain in your back or side, changes in urination patterns, and sometimes nausea. Your family history of kidney stones and the location of your pain could suggest this condition.

  • Testing typically involves urine tests, blood tests, imaging tests, and sometimes analysis of passed stones.
  • Treatment can range from pain management and drinking lots of water to pass the stone, to medical procedures if the stone is too large.

• Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is an infection in any part of your urinary system, which includes your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. UTIs can cause pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen and during urination, and increased urge to urinate.

  • Testing typically involves a urine sample to identify bacteria, and sometimes imaging or cystoscopy for recurrent UTIs.
  • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.

• Endometriosis: This is a disorder where tissue similar to the tissue that normally lines the inside of your uterus grows outside of your uterus. It can cause severe menstrual-like cramps, nausea, and changes in urination patterns. Given your family history of endometriosis, this could be a possibility.

  • Testing typically involves a pelvic exam, imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI, and sometimes laparoscopy.
  • Treatment can involve pain medication, hormone therapy, and sometimes surgery.

What you can do

You should seek medical attention as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, continue to use heat and over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Drink plenty of water, especially if the cause is a kidney stone or UTI.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

• Your pain becomes severe or unbearable
• You start vomiting or can't keep down fluids
• You notice blood in your urine
• You develop a fever or chills

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.