[26F] Experiencing sharp right quadrant pain with fever and dizziness

Patient Description

A 26-year-old female presents with a 2-day history of sharp pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, which has worsened today and is now radiating to the back. The pain is severe, rated at 7/10, and is not relieved by any position or activity. The patient also reports associated symptoms of fever, chills, dizziness, and nausea with vomiting. The pain is localized and expanding towards the back. The patient's bowel movements are described as firm, brown, and of medium consistency. There is no reported jaundice, changes in urination, or additional symptoms. The patient has a medical history of type 1 diabetes and Gilbert's syndrome but is unsure of any family history of gallbladder disease. There is no known drug allergy or other medication use mentioned.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, your symptoms could be due to:

  • Gallstones or Cholecystitis: The pain in your right upper quadrant that radiates to your back, along with your fever and nausea, could be indicative of gallstones or an inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). Gallstones are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause blockage and inflammation.

    • Treatment typically involves pain management, dietary changes, and in some cases, surgery to remove the gallbladder.

  • Kidney Stones: Although less likely, kidney stones can cause severe pain in the back or side, below the ribs, and can sometimes be accompanied by nausea and fever.

    • Treatment often involves pain management and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. In some cases, medical procedures may be required.

  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back, along with nausea and fever.

    • Treatment typically involves hospitalization for pain management, fluid replacement, and sometimes surgery.

What you can do

Given the severity of your symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention.

  • Contact your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency department.
  • Try to stay hydrated and avoid eating or drinking anything that could potentially worsen your symptoms until you've been evaluated by a healthcare professional.

What you should look out for

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

  • The pain becomes more severe or unbearable
  • You develop a high fever (over 101.5°F)
  • You start vomiting and can't keep down fluids
  • You notice blood in your urine or stool
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow

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.

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of gallstones or cholecystitis?

Common symptoms of gallstones or cholecystitis include sharp pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, pain that may radiate to the back or shoulder, nausea, vomiting, fever, and sometimes jaundice.

How can I differentiate between kidney stones and gallstones based on symptoms?

Kidney stones typically cause severe pain in the back or side, below the ribs, and may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine. Gallstones usually cause pain in the right upper abdomen that can radiate to the back, along with nausea and fever, but not typically blood in the urine.

What are the potential complications of untreated pancreatitis?

Untreated pancreatitis can lead to serious complications such as infection, tissue damage, pancreatic necrosis, diabetes, and in severe cases, organ failure. It requires prompt medical attention.

How does Gilbert's syndrome affect the diagnosis of abdominal pain?

Gilbert's syndrome is a mild liver disorder that can cause elevated bilirubin levels, leading to jaundice. It generally does not cause abdominal pain, but it can complicate the diagnosis if jaundice is present, as it may be mistaken for a symptom of another condition.

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