[29F] With sudden lower abdominal pain and chills

Patient Description

A 29-year-old female presents with sudden onset lower abdominal pain and chills, experienced for approximately 10 minutes. The pain is described as both sharp and dull, with a severity of 7 out of 10. The patient also reports watery diarrhea, occurring once, and nausea without vomiting. There is no fever, blood in stool, recent dietary changes, travel, or stress. The last menstrual period was three days ago with no changes in the menstrual cycle. The patient takes Pepcid and citalopram daily, with no known drug allergies or additional medications. No significant past medical history reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms, here are some possible explanations:

  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It can lead to sudden abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea.

    • Treatment typically involves staying hydrated and resting. Over-the-counter medications may help with symptoms.

  • Food Poisoning: Consuming contaminated food can cause similar symptoms, including sharp abdominal pain and diarrhea.

    • Treatment involves hydration and rest. Symptoms usually resolve within a few days.

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a chronic condition that can cause abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits.

    • Management includes dietary changes, stress management, and sometimes medication.

What you can do

  1. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water or oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration.
  2. Rest: Give your body time to recover by resting as much as possible.
  3. Diet: Eat bland foods like rice, bananas, and toast if you feel up to it.
  4. Track Symptoms: Use MDandMe to journal your symptoms, track progress, and share notes with your healthcare provider.

What you should look out for

Seek medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe or worsening abdominal pain
  • High fever or persistent chills
  • Blood in your stool
  • Signs of dehydration, such as dizziness or decreased urination

Remember, it's important to consult a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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2 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common causes of sudden lower abdominal pain and chills?

Common causes of sudden lower abdominal pain and chills include gastroenteritis, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, and sometimes gynecological issues. It's important to consider other symptoms and consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

How can I differentiate between gastroenteritis and food poisoning?

Gastroenteritis and food poisoning can present similarly with symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and nausea. Gastroenteritis is often viral, while food poisoning is due to consuming contaminated food. A healthcare provider can help determine the cause based on symptom history and possibly tests.

What are the best ways to manage symptoms of gastroenteritis at home?

To manage gastroenteritis at home, stay hydrated with water or oral rehydration solutions, rest, and eat bland foods like rice, bananas, and toast. Over-the-counter medications may help alleviate symptoms, but it's important to consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist.

When should I seek medical attention for abdominal pain and diarrhea?

Seek medical attention if you experience severe or worsening abdominal pain, high fever, persistent chills, blood in your stool, or signs of dehydration such as dizziness or decreased urination. These could indicate a more serious condition requiring medical intervention.

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