[28F] Experiencing left-sided abdominal pain

Patient Description

A 28-year-old female reports experiencing a few hours of left-sided abdominal pain, which alternates between stabbing and dull sensations, and radiates towards the back, near the area of the intestines. The pain is rated as a 4 out of 10 in severity. Drinking tea seems to provide some relief. The patient's last bowel movement was described as brown and somewhat soft. Additionally, the patient reports the presence of gas but no fever, chills, or changes in urine. There is no mention of any other accompanying symptoms or relevant medical history.

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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. Symptoms can include severe pain in the back and side, below the ribs, and radiating to the lower abdomen and groin. Pain can come in waves and fluctuate in intensity.

    • Treatment for kidney stones varies depending on the size of the stone and its location. Small stones with minimal symptoms can be managed with pain relief and increased fluid intake to pass the stone. Larger stones may require more invasive treatments.

  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the digestive tract, commonly caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Symptoms can include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and gas.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. It's important to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both.

    • Treatment of IBS is usually focused on relieving symptoms. A variety of changes in diet, lifestyle, and stress management can help.

Please note that these are just possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis.

What you can do

  1. Keep a symptom diary: Note down when your symptoms occur, what you're doing when they happen, and what foods you've eaten.
  2. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. This is particularly important if you're experiencing diarrhea or vomiting.
  3. Rest: Give your body a chance to recover. If your symptoms are caused by an infection, rest can help your body fight it off.
  4. Over-the-counter medication: Pain relievers can help with the pain, but they should not be used for more than a week without consulting a doctor.

What you should look out for

Reasons to see a doctor more urgently:

  • If your pain becomes severe or unbearable
  • If you notice blood in your stool or urine
  • If you develop a fever (temperature over >100.4°F) or chills
  • If your symptoms persist for more than a few days

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms in person.

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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of kidney stones?

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

How can I differentiate between gastroenteritis and IBS?

Gastroenteritis typically presents with symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, often following a viral or bacterial infection. IBS, on the other hand, is a chronic condition characterized by cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation, without an infectious cause.

What dietary changes can help manage IBS symptoms?

Dietary changes that can help manage IBS symptoms include increasing fiber intake, avoiding trigger foods such as caffeine, alcohol, and fatty foods, eating smaller, more frequent meals, and staying hydrated. Some people find relief by following a low FODMAP diet.

When should I seek medical attention for abdominal pain?

You should seek medical attention for abdominal pain if it becomes severe or unbearable, if you notice blood in your stool or urine, if you develop a fever or chills, or if your symptoms persist for more than a few days.

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