[26M] Experiencing abdominal pain with difficult bowel movements

Question

A 26-year-old male has been experiencing abdominal pain on the right side, spreading from the back towards the front, for 3 days. The pain is described as sometimes dull but mostly crampy, with a severity rating of 8 out of 10. Relief has been found using a hot water bottle massage over the abdominal muscles. The patient reports bowel movements being thick and hard, with the most recent stool being white in color, neither soft nor hard. There was an instance of nausea on the first day, but no fever, chills, blood in urine or stool, recent weight loss, or jaundice. The patient had a stomach virus recently but has since recovered. No current medications were mentioned.

Patient Description

A 26-year-old male has been experiencing abdominal pain on the right side, spreading from the back towards the front, for 3 days. The pain is described as sometimes dull but mostly crampy, with a severity rating of 8 out of 10. Relief has been found using a hot water bottle massage over the abdominal muscles. The patient reports bowel movements being thick and hard, with the most recent stool being white in color, neither soft nor hard. There was an instance of nausea on the first day, but no fever, chills, blood in urine or stool, recent weight loss, or jaundice. The patient had a stomach virus recently but has since recovered. No current medications were mentioned.

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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. They can cause severe pain in your back or side, blood in your urine, and other symptoms. The pain can spread from the back towards the front.

    • Treatment typically involves pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. In some cases, surgery may be needed.
  • Appendicitis: This is an inflammation of the appendix, a small pouch on the right side of your abdomen. It can cause severe pain that begins around the navel and then shifts to the lower right abdomen. Other symptoms can include nausea and vomiting.

    • Treatment usually involves surgery to remove the appendix.
  • Gallstones: These are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause sudden pain in the right upper abdomen.

    • Treatment may involve medication to dissolve the gallstones or surgery to remove the gallbladder.
  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies.

What you can do

You should seek immediate medical attention, as your symptoms could indicate a serious condition such as appendicitis or kidney stones. In the meantime, try to stay hydrated and avoid eating any foods that make your symptoms worse.

What you should look out for

Watch out for any worsening of your symptoms, such as increased pain, fever, vomiting, or blood in your urine. If you experience any of these, seek medical help immediately.

Please note that this advice is based on the information you've provided and is not a substitute for a professional medical diagnosis. Always consult with a healthcare provider for accurate information.

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8 mo ago


People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of kidney stones?

Common symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the back or side, pain that spreads to the lower abdomen and groin, pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine.


How can I differentiate between appendicitis and other causes of abdominal pain?

Appendicitis typically starts with pain around the navel that shifts to the lower right abdomen, often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever. If you suspect appendicitis, seek medical attention immediately as it can be a medical emergency.


What does it mean if my stool is white in color?

White stool can indicate a lack of bile, which may be due to a blockage in the bile ducts or liver issues. It is important to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.


What are the treatment options for gallstones?

Treatment options for gallstones include medication to dissolve the stones, though this is less common, or surgery to remove the gallbladder, known as a cholecystectomy. The choice of treatment depends on the severity of symptoms and the patient's overall health.


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1 Comments


Patt#4036

8 mo ago

White stool with abdominal pain is pretty concerning for a blockage along your bile duct tract. If it's left untreated you can also develop liver and pancreas problems because these organs are attached to the same tract.

I'd say go to the emergency room right away if these symptoms are still present

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