[21F] Experiencing severe stabbing abdominal pain with associated symptoms

Patient Description

A 21-year-old female presents with a 7-week history of severe stabbing abdominal pain rated 8/10, which is most intense in the left upper quadrant and radiates up the side into the armpit. The abdominal pain is described as coming in waves and is associated with nausea, which worsens with the pain, and diarrhea. The patient also reports the presence of blood in the urine. There is no reported fever or chills. The last bowel movement was 3 hours ago, with loose, light brown stool. The patient has not found any consistent relief from the abdominal pain, although heat was mentioned without clarification on its effectiveness.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Symptoms can include severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, pain during urination, pink, red or brown urine, and nausea.

    • Treatment for kidney stones varies depending on the size of the stone and its location. Small stones with minimal symptoms can often be managed with pain relief and increased fluid intake to help pass the stone. Larger stones may require more invasive treatments.
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs can cause a variety of symptoms, including pain or a burning sensation during urination, a strong urge to urinate, cloudy, strong-smelling or colored urine, and lower abdominal pain. UTIs can also cause nausea and vomiting.

    • Treatment for UTIs typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection.
  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the digestive tract, often caused by a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. Symptoms can include abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

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

What you can do

You should seek immediate medical attention given the severity and duration of your symptoms. In the meantime, you can:

  1. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, especially if you've been having diarrhea.
  2. Try to rest as much as possible.
  3. Avoid any foods or drinks that seem to make your symptoms worse.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your pain becomes severe or unbearable
  • You notice a significant amount of blood in your urine
  • You develop a high fever or chills
  • You are unable to keep down fluids due to vomiting

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I am not a doctor. You should seek care from a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of kidney stones?

Common symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the side and back, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, pain during urination, pink, red or brown urine, and nausea.


How can I differentiate between a urinary tract infection and kidney stones?

While both conditions can cause abdominal pain and changes in urination, kidney stones often cause severe, radiating pain and blood in the urine, whereas UTIs typically cause a burning sensation during urination, a strong urge to urinate, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine.


What are the typical treatments for gastroenteritis?

Treatment for gastroenteritis usually involves rest, staying hydrated, and using over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms like nausea and diarrhea. It's important to avoid dehydration, especially if experiencing frequent diarrhea.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for abdominal pain?

You should seek immediate medical attention if your abdominal pain becomes severe or unbearable, if you notice a significant amount of blood in your urine, if you develop a high fever or chills, or if you are unable to keep down fluids due to vomiting.


Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback

All Stories

Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback