[38F] Experiencing severe stomach pains

Patient Description

A 38-year-old female is reporting severe, sharp stomach pains located just below the belly button. The pain started last night and has been worsening, currently rated as an 8 out of 10 in severity. The pain exacerbates upon pressing the abdomen or with movement, and relief is only found when lying still, curled up in a ball. Accompanying symptoms include nausea and sweats, which have been present for a couple of hours as the pain worsened. The patient's last bowel movement was this morning and was described as normal. There is no fever, chills, vomiting, or changes in urine. The patient is able to pass gas. There is no significant past medical history, known drug allergies, or chronic illnesses reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, you may be experiencing one of the following conditions:

  • Appendicitis: This is an inflammation of the appendix, a small organ attached to the large intestine. It typically starts with a pain around the belly button that may move to the lower right side of the abdomen. The pain often gets worse if you move, take deep breaths, cough, or sneeze. It can also be accompanied by nausea and sweating.

    • Treatment typically involves surgical removal of the appendix.
  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause stomach pain, nausea, and sometimes sweating.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medication to relieve symptoms.
  • Kidney stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Pain can be severe and usually starts below the ribs, extending to the lower abdomen and groin. Sweating and nausea can also occur.

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

What you can do

You should seek immediate medical attention given the severity of your pain and the possibility of conditions like appendicitis that require urgent treatment. In the meantime, try to rest and stay hydrated. Avoid eating large meals and opt for bland, easy-to-digest foods.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your pain becomes more severe or spreads to your entire lower abdomen
  • You develop a fever
  • You start vomiting
  • You notice blood in your urine or stool

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've given me. It's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate information.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of appendicitis?

Common symptoms of appendicitis include sharp abdominal pain that often starts near the belly button and moves to the lower right side, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and sometimes fever. The pain typically worsens with movement, coughing, or pressing on the abdomen.


How can I differentiate between gastroenteritis and appendicitis?

Gastroenteritis usually involves symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, often with a fever, and is typically caused by an infection. Appendicitis, on the other hand, often starts with pain near the belly button that moves to the lower right abdomen, and is not usually associated with diarrhea. Both can cause nausea and sweating, but appendicitis pain is more localized and severe.


What are the typical treatments for kidney stones?

Treatment for kidney stones can vary depending on the size and type of the stone. Small stones may pass on their own with increased water intake and pain relief medications. Larger stones may require medical procedures such as lithotripsy to break them up or surgical removal.


When should I seek medical attention for severe stomach pain?

You should seek medical attention for severe stomach pain if it is persistent, worsens, or is accompanied by symptoms like fever, vomiting, inability to pass gas or have a bowel movement, or if you notice blood in your urine or stool. Immediate attention is crucial if appendicitis is suspected.


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