[33F] Experiencing severe abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are several possibilities:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): This is a common disorder that affects the large intestine. Signs and symptoms include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea or constipation, or both. IBS is a chronic condition that you'll need to manage long term.

• Gastroenteritis: Also known as stomach flu, this condition causes inflammation in your stomach and intestines. This can result in severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

• Gallstones: These are hard deposits in your gallbladder, a small organ under the liver. They can cause sharp, intense pain in the upper right part of the abdomen.

• Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining. It can cause severe upper stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.

• Peptic Ulcer: An open sore in the lining of your stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus. This can cause abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and a feeling of fullness.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and other conditions could also explain your symptoms.

What you can do

Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, here are some things 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 to replace any lost through vomiting or diarrhea.

3. Eat small, light meals: If you can eat, stick to bland foods like rice, crackers, or bananas.

4. Rest: Your body needs energy to fight off the virus. Getting extra sleep can help.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

• Have severe abdominal pain
• Are unable to keep down fluids
• Have blood in your stool or vomit
• Have a fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
• Have signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine, little or no urine, and severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may need different management. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.