[27F] Experiencing lower abdominal pain, nausea, and loss of appetite

Patient Description

A 27-year-old female is presenting with a one-day history of dull, achy, and persistent lower abdominal pain, rated 5/10 in severity, located below the right hip and above the pelvis. The pain started gradually and is accompanied by nausea, loss of appetite, and an uneasy stomach feeling, which began after eating dinner the previous night. The patient has not vomited but reports slight worsening of pain and some rebound tenderness. She has had a bowel movement that was loose this morning but has had difficulty passing gas since the pain started. The patient feels tired and has a history of Crohn's disease diagnosed at age 18. She is currently on Remicade infusions and birth control, with a known allergy to sulfa medications. No recent changes in weight or other symptoms were reported.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are a few possibilities:

  • Crohn's Disease Flare-Up: As you have a history of Crohn's disease, your symptoms could be due to a flare-up of this condition. Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. Flare-ups can occur without a clear trigger and can last for days or weeks.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
  • Appendicitis: This is an inflammation of the appendix, a small organ located on the lower right side of the abdomen. Symptoms can include a dull pain near the navel or the upper abdomen that becomes sharp as it moves to the lower right abdomen, loss of appetite, nausea, and sometimes fever.

    • Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the appendix.
  • Gastroenteritis: Also known as the stomach flu, this condition can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It's usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.

    • 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. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and go away without treatment in a few months. However, ovarian cysts can cause discomfort and a sense of fullness or heaviness in the abdomen.

    • Treatment may involve monitoring the cyst, birth control pills, or surgery.

What you can do

Given your symptoms and medical history, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, here are some things you can do:

  1. Rest and stay hydrated. This can help your body recover and prevent dehydration if you're experiencing diarrhea.
  2. Avoid foods that can worsen your symptoms, such as spicy or fatty foods.
  3. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help with the discomfort, but they should be used sparingly and only as directed.

What you should look out for

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

  • Severe or worsening abdominal pain
  • High fever
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Blood in your stool
  • Signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, dry mouth, and feeling dizzy when standing up

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of a Crohn's disease flare-up?

Common symptoms of a Crohn's disease flare-up include abdominal pain, diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss, and sometimes fever. The symptoms can vary in intensity and duration.


How can you differentiate between appendicitis and a Crohn's disease flare-up?

Appendicitis typically presents with sharp pain that starts near the navel and moves to the lower right abdomen, often accompanied by nausea and loss of appetite. A Crohn's disease flare-up may have more diffuse abdominal pain and is often associated with diarrhea and fatigue. A medical evaluation, including imaging and blood tests, is necessary to differentiate between the two.


What are the treatment options for an ovarian cyst?

Treatment options for an ovarian cyst include monitoring the cyst to see if it resolves on its own, using birth control pills to prevent future cysts, or surgery if the cyst is large, persistent, or causing significant symptoms.


What should you do if you suspect you have gastroenteritis?

If you suspect you have gastroenteritis, it's important to rest, stay hydrated, and avoid foods that can irritate your stomach. Over-the-counter remedies may help alleviate symptoms. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention.


Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback

All Stories

Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback