[38F] Experiencing severe abdominal pain with fever and nausea

Patient Description

A 38-year-old female presents with sharp, stabbing pains around the belly button and lower abdomen that began last night and have progressively worsened. The pain is described as almost unbearable, with some relief when lying still in the fetal position. Accompanying symptoms include fever, chills, and nausea. The pain exacerbates upon abdominal pressure or movement. No changes in urination or presence of blood in stool have been reported. The patient has no known pre-existing conditions, allergies, or current medications.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are a few possibilities:

  • Appendicitis: This is an inflammation of the appendix, a small tube that branches off the large intestine. This condition often causes severe pain around the belly button and lower right abdomen. The pain often worsens with movement, coughing, or applying pressure.

    • Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the appendix.
  • Gastroenteritis: Also known as the stomach flu, this condition can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes fever. The pain can be all over your abdomen and can be quite severe.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medication for symptom relief.
  • Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain in your abdomen, back, and sides.

    • Treatment can range from pain management and drinking lots of water to medical procedures to remove or break up the stones.
  • Gallstones: These are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause sharp, intense pain in the right or middle of the upper abdomen.

    • Treatment can range from lifestyle changes and medication to surgical removal of the gallbladder.

Please note that these are only possibilities and not a definitive diagnosis. It's important to seek immediate medical attention given the severity of your symptoms.

What you can do

Given the severity of your symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. Please go to the emergency room or call an ambulance. While waiting for medical help:

  1. Try to stay as comfortable as possible. Lying on your side in the fetal position may help.
  2. Avoid eating or drinking anything until you've been evaluated by a doctor.
  3. Avoid taking any over-the-counter pain medications until you've been evaluated by a doctor, as they can potentially worsen certain conditions.

What you should look out for

If your symptoms worsen or you experience any of the following, it's important to seek immediate medical attention:

  • Severe pain that worsens or spreads
  • Blood in your stool or vomit
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • High fever (temperature over 100.4°F)

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your situation. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of appendicitis?

Common symptoms of appendicitis include sharp pain around the belly button that shifts to the lower right abdomen, pain that worsens with movement or pressure, fever, nausea, and sometimes vomiting.


How can I differentiate between gastroenteritis and other abdominal conditions?

Gastroenteritis typically presents with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, often accompanied by fever. Unlike appendicitis, the pain is usually more diffuse and not localized to one specific area.


What are the signs that kidney stones might be causing my abdominal pain?

Signs that kidney stones might be causing abdominal pain include severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity, and possibly blood in the urine.


When should I seek emergency medical attention for abdominal pain?

You should seek emergency medical attention for abdominal pain if it is severe and sudden, if you have a high fever, if the pain is accompanied by vomiting blood or blood in the stool, if you experience difficulty breathing, or if you faint or feel like you might faint.


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