[44F] Experiencing severe right abdominal pain with associated symptoms

Patient Description

A 44-year-old female presents with severe, sharp abdominal pain located at the right lowest rib, which began suddenly about 3 hours ago. The pain is described as sharp and improves when curling into a ball. The entire abdomen is now painful with tenderness in the epigastric region, and the abdomen is tender to touch. The patient also reports mild nausea, cold chills, higher blood pressure which may be due to pain, mild tachycardia, and bloating. The pain is intermittent and the last bowel movement was normal. There is a possibility of jaundice, but no dark urine, fever, or vomiting has been reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Gallstones: These are hard deposits in your gallbladder, a small organ under the liver. They can cause sudden pain in the upper right abdomen. This pain, often called a gallbladder attack, can be intermittent and may radiate to other parts of the body like the back or chest.

    • Treatment may involve medication to dissolve the gallstones or surgery to remove the gallbladder.
  • Peptic Ulcer: These are sores that develop on the lining of your stomach, upper small intestine or esophagus. Pain is usually felt in the upper abdomen and can be sharp or burning.

    • Treatment typically involves medication to decrease stomach acid and protect the lining of your stomach.
  • Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause pain in the upper abdomen that radiates to the back.

    • Treatment usually involves hospitalization for intravenous (IV) fluids, medications to relieve pain, and nutritional support.
  • Kidney Stones: Hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Pain can be severe and usually starts in the back or side below the ribs.

    • Treatment may involve pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. Medical procedures may be needed to remove or break up larger stones.

What you can do

Please seek immediate medical attention. The symptoms you're experiencing could be a sign of a serious condition that needs prompt treatment.

What you should look out for

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical attention:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Fever and chills
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Dark urine or light-colored stools
  • Nausea and vomiting

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 recommendations.

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1 yr ago

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People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of gallstones?

Common symptoms of gallstones include sudden and intense pain in the upper right abdomen, pain that may radiate to the back or right shoulder, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes jaundice if a stone blocks the bile duct.


How can peptic ulcers be treated effectively?

Peptic ulcers are typically treated with medications that reduce stomach acid, such as proton pump inhibitors or H2-receptor antagonists, and medications that protect the stomach lining. In some cases, antibiotics may be needed if the ulcer is caused by H. pylori bacteria.


What are the signs that pancreatitis might require hospitalization?

Signs that pancreatitis might require hospitalization include severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, fever, rapid pulse, and dehydration. Hospitalization allows for IV fluids, pain management, and nutritional support.


What are the typical symptoms of kidney stones?

Typical symptoms of kidney stones 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, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes blood in the urine.


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