[39F] Experiencing severe stomach cramps and associated symptoms

Patient Description

A 39-year-old female has been experiencing severe upper abdominal cramps that come and go in waves, rated 8/10 for severity, for the past 6 hours. These cramps are not alleviated by any measures and occur independently of food intake. Accompanying symptoms include diarrhea described as hot, burning, liquid, and with an unusual smell, occurring 6+ times within the same timeframe. The patient also reports sharp, intermittent chest pain rated 6/10 for severity, which coincides with the stomach cramps. Additionally, she experiences cold sweats, particularly when using the toilet, transitioning from feeling very hot to cold and sweaty every hour. Notable is the presence of noticeable shaking correlating with peak stomach pain, described as similar to shivering when cold. The abdominal pain is located in the upper region, beneath the breasts, and described as starting light and escalating to sharp pain causing distress. The patient woke from sleep due to the intense pain and has had no relief since. No recent travel, no specific food triggers identified, and no improvement with rest or fasting. No fever, lightheadedness, dizziness, vomiting, or yellowing of the skin or eyes reported. The patient's past medical history was not provided.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually due to a viral or bacterial infection. It can cause symptoms such as stomach cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. It can also cause a fever and make you feel unwell.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies to help manage symptoms. Antibiotics may be prescribed if a bacterial infection is suspected.

  • Gastritis: This is an inflammation of the stomach lining, which can cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. It can be caused by various factors, including long-term use of NSAIDs, infection with Helicobacter pylori, or excessive alcohol consumption.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to reduce stomach acid and possibly antibiotics if an infection is present.

  • Gallstones: These are hard deposits in the gallbladder that can cause severe abdominal pain if they block the bile ducts. The pain often comes in waves and can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

    • Treatment may involve medications to dissolve the stones or surgery to remove the gallbladder.

  • Pancreatitis: This is an inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. It can be caused by gallstones, heavy alcohol use, or certain medications.

    • Treatment typically involves hospitalization for pain management and hydration, and possibly surgery if gallstones are the cause.

What you can do

Given the severity of your symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Go to the nearest emergency department. Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it is important to get evaluated as soon as possible.
  2. Stay hydrated. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so it's important to drink plenty of fluids.
  3. Avoid eating solid food until you've been evaluated by a doctor. This can help to rest your stomach and intestines.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you:

  • Notice blood in your stool or vomit
  • Experience severe abdominal pain
  • Have a high fever
  • Become confused or disoriented
  • Have a rapid heart rate or low blood pressure

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a doctor. Please seek care from a health professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

8 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common causes of severe upper abdominal cramps and diarrhea?

Severe upper abdominal cramps and diarrhea can be caused by several conditions, including gastroenteritis, gastritis, gallstones, and pancreatitis. These conditions may result from infections, inflammation, or blockages in the digestive system.

How can I differentiate between gastroenteritis and gastritis based on symptoms?

Gastroenteritis typically involves inflammation of the stomach and intestines, often due to infection, and is characterized by symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. Gastritis, on the other hand, is inflammation of the stomach lining and may cause severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting, often without diarrhea.

What are the potential complications of untreated gallstones?

Untreated gallstones can lead to complications such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), or cholangitis (infection of the bile duct). These conditions can cause severe pain and may require surgical intervention.

Why is it important to seek immediate medical attention for severe abdominal pain?

Severe abdominal pain can be a sign of a serious underlying condition that requires prompt medical evaluation and treatment. Delaying medical attention can lead to complications, worsening symptoms, or even life-threatening situations, especially if the pain is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like fever or blood in stool.

Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback

All Stories

Experiencing symptoms?

Our AI will conduct a medical interview and assess what might be happening. You can also make a post afterwards.

Share your feedback