[21F] Experiencing swollen salivary glands, body aches, and other symptoms

Patient Description

A 21-year-old female has been experiencing a constellation of symptoms including swollen salivary glands for 48 hours, which worsened after the first day and is associated with severe pain. The patient started taking Prednisone (12mg) 24 hours ago, which has somewhat alleviated the swelling but not the pain. She has also been suffering from all-over muscle pain, particularly in the neck and back, described as a dull, constant ache with a severity of 6 out of 10, persisting for 3 months with no relief from any interventions. Additionally, the patient reported petechiae that appeared spontaneously on her neck and resolved after 3 days, night sweats occurring 4-5 nights a week for the past 2 months, and unintentional weight loss. The patient has a history of a severe kidney infection caused by E. coli 3 months ago, which was resolved after three full rounds of antibiotics. She has allergies to amoxicillin, penicillin, and Bactrim. No other medications, supplements, or herbal remedies are being taken. No recent injuries, accidents, or known chronic illnesses were reported.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

Mononucleosis: Also known as "mono" or the "kissing disease," this is a viral infection that can cause symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, swollen salivary glands, and night sweats. It's typically caused by the Epstein-Barr virus.
- Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies for pain and fever. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections.
Lymphoma: This is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. Symptoms can include swollen glands, fatigue, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss. However, lymphoma is relatively rare, especially in people your age.
- Treatment typically involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and in some cases, stem cell transplant.
Autoimmune conditions: These are conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause symptoms like fatigue, body aches, and swollen glands.
- Treatment typically involves medications to suppress the immune system and manage symptoms.

Please note that these are possibilities based on the symptoms you've described and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

What you can do

Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss your symptoms.
Keep a symptom diary. Note when each symptom occurs, its severity, and any potential triggers. This can be helpful information for your healthcare provider.
Try to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated. This can help support your overall health.
Rest as much as possible. This can help your body recover and can also alleviate symptoms like fatigue and body aches.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Severe pain
High fever
Symptoms that rapidly worsen

Remember, I'm an AI and not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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10 mo ago

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[21F] Experiencing swollen salivary glands, body aches, and other symptoms

What might be happening

What you can do

What you should look out for

Experiencing symptoms?