[36F] Experiencing severe back and abdominal pain with gastrointestinal symptoms

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible diagnoses include:

• Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. Viral gastroenteritis is particularly common and highly infectious. Symptoms can include diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, headache, fever and chills.

  • Treatment usually involves rest and rehydration. Over-the-counter medication may help with symptoms.

• Gallstones: These are hard deposits in your gallbladder, a small organ under the liver. They can cause sharp pain in your upper right abdomen. This pain can radiate to your back.

  • Treatment typically involves surgery to remove the gallbladder.

• Pancreatitis: This is inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back. Other symptoms can include fever, rapid pulse, nausea, and vomiting.

  • Treatment usually involves hospitalization for intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and medication to relieve pain.

• Peptic Ulcer: These are sores that develop on the lining of your stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus. Pain is often described as burning or gnawing, and it may go through to the back.

  • Treatment typically involves medication to decrease stomach acid. If the cause is the bacteria H. pylori, antibiotics will also be needed.

What you can do

Given the severity of your symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention. You should not try to treat these symptoms on your own given the potential severity of the diseases that could be causing them.

What you should look out for

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

• Pain that is severe and sudden
• Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
• High fever (over 101°F)
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• Chest pain
• Fainting or confusion
• Vomiting blood or dark material that resembles coffee grounds

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