[37F] Experiencing abdominal pain and cloudy urine

Patient Description

A 37-year-old female presents with a 4-week history of constant, dull abdominal pain centered in the lower abdomen, rated 4 out of 10 in severity, with associated nausea. The pain reportedly improves postprandially. Additionally, the patient reports mild cloudy urine more pronounced in the morning, with trace nitrites, ketones, and blood detected on testing, but not visible to the naked eye. The patient has a history of pericarditis diagnosed 5 years ago and a known sulfa drug allergy. No current medications are being taken. No changes in bowel habits, vomiting, fever, or chills have been noted, and no blood or mucus has been observed in the stool.

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Arora's Assessment

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 is also known as the stomach flu. Your symptoms of abdominal pain and urgent bowel movements could be related to this condition.

    • Treatment for gastroenteritis usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. Antibiotics may be necessary if the cause is bacterial.
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs can cause lower abdominal pain and changes in urination. The presence of nitrites, ketones, and blood in your urine could indicate a UTI.

    • Treatment for a UTI typically involves antibiotics to clear the infection.
  • Kidney Stones: The presence of crystallized oxalates in your urine could indicate kidney stones, which can cause lower abdominal pain and changes in urination.

    • Treatment for kidney stones can range from pain management and drinking lots of water to pass the stone, to medical procedures to remove or break up larger stones.

Please note that these are possibilities based on the information you've provided and not definitive diagnoses. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms and medical history in more detail.

What you can do

  1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help flush out any potential infections and keep your body hydrated.
  2. Rest: Give your body a chance to recover if you're feeling unwell.
  3. Over-the-counter remedies: Over-the-counter pain relievers can help manage your abdominal pain. Over-the-counter urinary pain relief medications may also help with discomfort caused by a UTI or kidney stones.
  4. Seek medical attention: Given the duration and persistence of your symptoms, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What you should look out for

  • Increased severity of abdominal pain
  • Fever or chills
  • Blood in your urine that's visible to the naked eye
  • Persistent or worsening symptoms

These could indicate a more serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful information, I'm not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Common symptoms of a UTI include a strong, persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, passing frequent, small amounts of urine, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic pain in women.


How can I differentiate between kidney stones and a UTI based on symptoms?

Kidney stones often cause severe pain in the back or side, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine, whereas a UTI typically causes a burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, and cloudy urine. Both can cause lower abdominal pain, but the location and severity of the pain can differ.


What dietary changes can help prevent kidney stones?

To help prevent kidney stones, it is recommended to drink plenty of water, reduce sodium intake, limit animal protein, and avoid foods high in oxalates such as spinach and beets. Increasing dietary calcium can also help prevent certain types of stones.


What should I do if my abdominal pain worsens or I develop a fever?

If your abdominal pain worsens or you develop a fever, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. These could be signs of a more serious condition that requires immediate evaluation and treatment by a healthcare professional.


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