[42F] Experiencing severe shoulder pain and headache
Patient Description
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Arora's Assessment
What might be happening
Based on the information you've provided, there are several possibilities:
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Gallbladder Disease: This includes gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis). Pain from gallbladder disease is typically felt in the upper right abdomen and can radiate to the right shoulder. It can be constant, severe, and may be associated with nausea and vomiting. However, it usually comes in waves rather than being constant.
- Treatment usually involves medication to dissolve gallstones or surgery to remove the gallbladder.
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Musculoskeletal Pain: This could be due to a muscle strain or inflammation in the joints or tendons of your shoulder. This would usually be associated with specific movements or positions, but you've mentioned your pain is constant.
- Treatment usually involves rest, physical therapy, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
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Lung Conditions: Certain lung conditions can cause shoulder pain and difficulty breathing. These include a lung infection or a collapsed lung (pneumothorax). However, these would typically also involve other symptoms like coughing, chest pain, and shortness of breath.
- Treatment depends on the specific lung condition and may involve antibiotics, oxygen therapy, or in severe cases, surgery.
What you can do
Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. A healthcare professional can perform a physical examination and may order tests like blood tests, an ultrasound, or a CT scan to help determine the cause of your symptoms.
What you should look out for
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Severe pain that doesn't improve with rest or over-the-counter pain relievers
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fever or chills
- Nausea or vomiting
Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.
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7 mo ago