[54F] Severe right-sided abdominal pain with dizziness and near syncope

Patient Description

A 54-year-old female presents with severe abdominal pain on the right side under the ribcage, which started the previous evening. The pain is described as sharp, radiating from front to back and towards the lung area, with a severity rating of 9 out of 10. Applying pressure seems to alleviate the pain slightly. The patient also reports experiencing chills, nausea, and episodes of dizziness severe enough to nearly cause fainting. These symptoms began shortly before the onset of abdominal pain. The patient's medical history includes diabetes diagnosed in 2006. No recent changes in bowel habits, urine color, or known allergies were reported. The patient occasionally takes 500mg of aspirin for pain but is not on any other medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or supplements. No family history of gallstones or gallbladder disease was noted.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

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

  • Gallstones or Gallbladder Disease: The location and nature of your pain suggest it could be related to your gallbladder. Gallstones can block the bile ducts and cause sharp pain in the upper right abdomen, often radiating to the back or right shoulder. Nausea and chills can also occur.

    • Treatment typically involves pain management, dietary modifications, and in some cases, 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, radiating to the lower abdomen and groin.

    • Treatment includes pain relief and drinking lots of fluids to help pass the stone. Medical procedures may be required if the stone is too large.
  • Pancreatitis: This is inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause upper abdominal pain that radiates to the back. It can be associated with nausea and vomiting.

    • Treatment usually involves hospitalization for pain management and fluid therapy.

Please note that these are potential explanations for your symptoms based on the information you've provided, but they are not definitive. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms in person and provide a formal diagnosis.

What you can do

Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek immediate medical attention. The conditions mentioned above can be serious and require timely treatment.

What you should look out for

Reasons to seek immediate medical attention:

  • If your pain becomes more severe or constant
  • If you develop a fever (temperature over 100.4°F)
  • If you start vomiting or can't keep down fluids
  • If you notice blood in your urine or stool
  • If your skin or eyes become yellow (jaundice)
  • If you experience persistent dizziness or fainting

Remember, I'm an AI and this advice is based on the information you've provided. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your symptoms in person and provide a formal diagnosis.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

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 gallstones or gallbladder disease?

Common symptoms of gallstones or gallbladder disease include sharp pain in the upper right abdomen, which may radiate to the back or right shoulder, nausea, vomiting, and chills. The pain often occurs after eating a fatty meal.


How can kidney stones cause severe abdominal pain?

Kidney stones can cause severe abdominal pain because they block the flow of urine, leading to pressure and pain in the kidney area. The pain typically starts in the back or side below the ribs and can radiate to the lower abdomen and groin.


What are the signs and symptoms of pancreatitis?

Signs and symptoms of pancreatitis include severe upper abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, nausea, vomiting, fever, and a rapid pulse. The pain often worsens after eating.


Why is it important to seek immediate medical attention for these symptoms?

It is important to seek immediate medical attention for these symptoms because they can indicate serious conditions like gallstones, kidney stones, or pancreatitis, which may require urgent treatment to prevent complications.


Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback