[23F] Experiencing left-sided abdominal pain with muscle fatigue

Patient Description

A 23-year-old female presents with a 3-day history of left-sided abdominal pain located beneath the ribs, described as a dull ache with intermittent sharp pains. The pain radiates across the abdomen and is relieved by curling into a ball and lying down. The patient also reports muscle fatigue and exhaustion in the back, shoulders, and neck. No alleviation with deep breathing; in fact, deep breaths exacerbate the discomfort. The patient denies any changes in bowel habits, urine color, or menstrual cycle, and reports no fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting. There is no known history of allergies or adverse reactions to medications, and the patient is not currently on any medication. The patient has no pre-existing conditions and considers herself generally healthy.

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, some possible causes of your left-sided abdominal pain include:

Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Symptoms can include abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. However, you have not reported any diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
- Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. Antibiotics may be needed if the cause is bacterial.
Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Pain can be sharp and come in waves, often spreading to the lower abdomen and groin. The pain is often severe enough to send people to the emergency room, but it can also be mild and mistaken for muscular or gastrointestinal issues. However, you have not reported any changes in urine color or frequency.
- Treatment can involve pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. Medical procedures may be needed if the stone is too large.
Musculoskeletal Pain: This is pain that affects the muscles, ligaments and tendons, and bones. The pain can be localized in one area, or widespread. You reported muscle fatigue and exhaustion, which could be related.
- Treatment can involve rest, pain relievers, and physical therapy.

What you can do

While it's important to seek medical attention for a proper diagnosis, here are some things you can do in the meantime:

Rest and stay hydrated. This can help your body recover if the cause is an infection.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with the pain. Be sure to follow the package instructions.
Keep track of your symptoms. This can help your healthcare provider make a diagnosis.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Severe pain or pain that gets progressively worse
Blood in your stool or urine
Fever or chills
Vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
Painful urination or change in frequency of urination

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's always important to consult with a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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1 yr ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines