[45F] Experiencing sharp lower left quadrant pain with associated symptoms

Patient Description

A 45-year-old female presents with a sharp, stabbing pain in the lower left quadrant that began suddenly 7 hours ago and is rated 8 out of 10 in severity. The pain is described as shooting and radiating. Accompanying symptoms include nasal congestion and an upper respiratory infection. The patient also reports constipation and has been experiencing nausea. There is a noted fever, but no blood in the stool or sudden worsening of pain. No recent injuries or accidents have been reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Diverticulitis: This is an inflammation or infection of small pouches called diverticula that develop along the walls of the intestines. The signs and symptoms of diverticulitis include pain, which can be severe and sudden, and is usually felt in the lower left side of the abdomen, as well as fever and nausea.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics to treat the infection, a temporary liquid diet to allow your colon to heal, and over-the-counter pain relievers. In severe cases, hospitalization or surgery may be required.
  • Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Symptoms include severe pain in the side and back, below the ribs, pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, and pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity.

    • Treatment includes pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. Medical procedures may be required to remove or break up larger stones.
  • Gynecological Issues: Given your sex, there could be a number of gynecological issues causing your pain, such as ovarian cysts or endometriosis. These conditions can cause severe pain, particularly during your menstrual cycle.

    • Treatment for these conditions varies widely depending on the specific diagnosis and its severity, but may include hormonal treatments, pain relievers, and surgery.

What you can do

Given the severity and sudden onset of your pain, as well as your fever, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. This is not something that should be managed at home.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your pain becomes unbearable
  • You develop a high fever
  • You start vomiting
  • You notice blood in your stool or urine

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the symptoms you've told me. It's really important to get checked out by a healthcare professional who can assess your condition and guide you on the next steps.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of diverticulitis?

Common symptoms of diverticulitis include sudden and severe pain in the lower left side of the abdomen, fever, nausea, and changes in bowel habits such as constipation or diarrhea.


How can kidney stones be treated at home?

For small kidney stones, treatment at home includes drinking plenty of water to help pass the stone, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, and possibly using prescribed medications to relax the ureter and facilitate stone passage.


What are some gynecological issues that can cause severe abdominal pain?

Gynecological issues that can cause severe abdominal pain include ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and ectopic pregnancy. These conditions often require medical evaluation and treatment.


When should I seek immediate medical attention for abdominal pain?

You should seek immediate medical attention for abdominal pain if it becomes unbearable, if you develop a high fever, if you start vomiting, or if you notice blood in your stool or urine.


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