[52M] Experiencing sharp lower abdominal and lower back pain

Patient Description

A 52-year-old male presents with sharp lower left abdominal pain that occasionally radiates to the upper right below the rib cage. The abdominal pain, rated as a 5 out of 10 in severity, typically occurs after meals and has been present for a few days. The patient also experiences dull pain around the entire lower back, which worsens with prolonged sitting and is rated as a 3 out of 10 in severity. The patient's stool is soft and greasy, and there is occasional blood noted when wiping after a bowel movement. The patient reports nausea and fatigue but no fever, chills, or unintentional weight loss. There is a family history of diverticulitis. The patient has been managing high cholesterol with Rosuvastatin for the past 10 years and occasionally uses a fiber supplement, which provides some relief. No known allergies or adverse reactions to medications have been reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you provided, the following conditions might be causing your symptoms:

  • Diverticulitis: Given your family history and symptoms of sharp lower left abdominal pain, diverticulitis could be a possibility. This condition occurs when small pouches in the digestive tract become inflamed or infected. The pain can be severe and sudden, or mild and gradual. Other symptoms can include nausea, changes in bowel movements, and occasionally, blood in the stool.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics and a temporary liquid diet to give your digestive system a chance to rest. For severe or recurring diverticulitis, surgery may be necessary.

  • Gallstones: The pain under your right rib cage could be due to gallstones, which are hardened deposits in the gallbladder that can cause sharp, intense pain. The pain often occurs after meals.

    • Treatment may involve medication to dissolve the gallstones or surgery to remove the gallbladder.

  • Kidney stones: These are 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 and may radiate to the lower abdomen and groin.

    • Treatment includes 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

  1. Schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms. They may order tests such as blood tests, urine tests, or imaging tests to help diagnose your condition.
  2. Keep a symptom diary. Note when your symptoms occur, their severity, and any potential triggers (like specific foods or activities).
  3. Drink plenty of water and maintain a balanced diet. This can help prevent constipation and promote overall digestive health.
  4. Over-the-counter pain medication, such as acetaminophen, can help manage your pain. However, always follow the package instructions and do not exceed the recommended dose.

What you should look out for

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Blood in your urine
  • Persistent vomiting or nausea
  • Fever or chills
  • Unexplained weight loss

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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9 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of diverticulitis?

Common symptoms of diverticulitis include sharp abdominal pain, usually on the lower left side, nausea, changes in bowel habits, and sometimes blood in the stool. It can also cause fever and chills if an infection is present.

How can gallstones cause pain after meals?

Gallstones can cause pain after meals because they block the bile ducts, leading to a buildup of pressure in the gallbladder. This can result in sharp, intense pain under the right rib cage, often occurring after eating fatty foods.

What are the signs that kidney stones might be causing my symptoms?

Signs that kidney stones might be causing your symptoms include severe pain that starts in the back or side below the ribs and radiates to the lower abdomen and groin, blood in the urine, and sometimes nausea or vomiting.

Why might there be blood in my stool and when should I be concerned?

Blood in the stool can be caused by various conditions, including hemorrhoids, diverticulitis, or more serious issues like colorectal cancer. You should be concerned if the bleeding is persistent, accompanied by severe pain, or if you experience other symptoms like unexplained weight loss or fatigue. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.

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