[22F] Experiencing side pain, nausea, and occasional dizziness

Patient Description

A 22-year-old female presents with a throbbing, sharp pain on the lower right side that has been occurring for a little over a week, with a severity of 4 out of 10. The pain sometimes radiates to the chest. Accompanying the side pain is nausea, which has not led to vomiting but is significant enough to be rated 6 out of 10 in severity. The patient also reports chest pain for a few days, dizziness described as lightheadedness with a severity of 5 out of 10, and headaches that are throbbing in nature with a severity of 4 out of 10. These symptoms have been present for about a week. The patient has a history of chronic back and shoulder pain due to non-cancerous tumors present since infancy. There is no recent use of medications except for occasional ibuprofen for pain. The patient's brother has gastrointestinal problems, but the patient herself has not noticed any changes in urination or bowel movements, which remain normal. There is no reported fever, but the patient has experienced chills. No allergies or adverse reactions to medications have been noted.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Appendicitis: This is an inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch attached to the large intestine. It typically causes pain in the lower right abdomen, nausea, and sometimes fever. However, you have not reported a fever, which is common in appendicitis.

    • Treatment usually involves surgical removal of the appendix.
  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes fever. However, you have not reported diarrhea, which is common in gastroenteritis.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies.
  • Ovarian cyst: This is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside an ovary. It can cause lower abdominal pain, nausea, and sometimes changes in the menstrual cycle. However, you have not reported any changes in your menstrual cycle.

    • Treatment can range from watchful waiting to surgical removal, depending on the size and type of the cyst.
  • Kidney stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs, and nausea.

    • Treatment can range from pain relievers and drinking lots of water to pass the stone, to medical procedures to remove or break up larger stones.

Please remember that this is not a comprehensive list of all possible diagnoses, and these conditions can present differently in different people. It's also possible that you could have a condition not listed here.

What you can do

  1. Seek immediate medical attention: Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some of the conditions that could be causing your symptoms can be serious if not treated promptly.

  2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, especially if you're feeling nauseous.

  3. Rest: Try to get plenty of rest to help your body recover.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe or worsening pain
  • Blood in your urine or stool
  • High fever (temperature over 100.4°F)
  • Vomiting that prevents you from keeping down fluids
  • Dizziness or fainting

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, I am an AI and not a doctor. Always seek the advice of a healthcare professional for any health concerns.

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9 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of appendicitis?

Common symptoms of appendicitis include sharp pain in the lower right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and sometimes fever. The pain often starts near the belly button and then moves to the lower right side.


How can ovarian cysts affect my health?

Ovarian cysts can cause symptoms such as pelvic pain, bloating, and changes in menstrual cycles. Some cysts may not cause any symptoms and resolve on their own, while others may require medical intervention if they are large or cause complications.


What are the typical signs of kidney stones?

Typical signs of kidney stones include severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes blood in the urine. The pain can come in waves and vary in intensity.


How can I differentiate between gastroenteritis and other abdominal issues?

Gastroenteritis often presents with symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever. It is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Differentiating it from other issues involves noting the presence of diarrhea and the context of recent food intake or exposure to others with similar symptoms.

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