[41M] Experiencing severe sharp and cramping left lower abdominal pain

Patient Description

A 41-year-old male presents with severe sharp and cramping pain in the lower left side of the abdomen, persisting for two days and rated 10/10 in intensity. The pain is somewhat alleviated by medication. Accompanying symptoms include nausea and diarrhea, with the last bowel movement being described as light brown and occurring yesterday. The patient also reports slight dizziness. There is no fever, vomiting, or chills, and the pain radiates to the lower middle abdomen. No known allergies or adverse reactions to medications have been reported. The patient's current medications include Lisinopril and Jardiance, and there is no known history of chronic illnesses or pre-existing conditions.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Diverticulitis: This condition occurs when small pouches in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected. It often causes severe abdominal pain, particularly on the left side. Other symptoms can include nausea, diarrhea, and changes in bowel habits.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics and a temporary liquid diet to allow your digestive system to heal. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
  • Gastroenteritis: This is an inflammation of the lining of the intestines caused by a virus, bacteria or parasites. It's often referred to as the stomach flu. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and sometimes vomiting.

    • Treatment usually involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter remedies. Antibiotics may be prescribed if bacteria or parasites caused your gastroenteritis.
  • Kidney stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain when passing through the urinary tract. Symptoms can include severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, and changes in the color of your urine.

    • Treatment can involve pain medications, drinking lots of fluids, and in some cases, medical procedures.

What you can do

It would be best to consult a doctor about your symptoms so that they can provide a formal assessment and order relevant tests if necessary. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

  1. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help keep your body hydrated. This is particularly important if you've been experiencing diarrhea.
  2. Rest: Give your body a chance to recover. Rest as much as you can.
  3. Over-the-counter medication: You can consider taking over-the-counter medication to help manage your pain. However, you should check with a healthcare provider before starting any new medication.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

  • If your pain becomes unbearable or if you develop a high fever.
  • If you notice blood in your stool or urine.
  • If you experience persistent vomiting or if you're unable to keep fluids down.
  • If your symptoms persist or worsen.

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

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1 yr ago

Top picked over-the-counter products for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: American College of Gastroenterology Guidelines

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of diverticulitis?

Common symptoms of diverticulitis include severe abdominal pain, particularly on the lower left side, nausea, diarrhea, and changes in bowel habits. Some people may also experience fever and bloating.


How can I differentiate between gastroenteritis and other abdominal conditions?

Gastroenteritis typically presents with symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. It is often caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Differentiating it from other conditions may require a medical evaluation, as symptoms can overlap with other abdominal issues.


What are the typical treatments for kidney stones?

Typical treatments for kidney stones include pain management with medications, drinking plenty of fluids to help pass the stones, and in some cases, medical procedures such as lithotripsy or surgery if the stones are too large to pass on their own.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for abdominal pain?

You should seek immediate medical attention if your abdominal pain becomes unbearable, if you develop a high fever, notice blood in your stool or urine, experience persistent vomiting, or if you are unable to keep fluids down. Additionally, if your symptoms persist or worsen, it's important to consult a healthcare provider.


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