Abdominal Pain and Night Sweats: When to Seek Medical Help

Abdominal pain, generalized heat sensation, cold sweats, dry mouth?

I have had habitual constipation since childhood.
Recently, my stool has been black, but it was yellow a while ago; it has not been consistent.
I often alternate between constipation and diarrhea.
For the past few days, I have experienced sharp pain in my lower left abdomen that wakes me up at night, but it goes away after I wake up.
I'm not sure if this is related.
Additionally, for the past three years, I have noticed that my body temperature rises significantly at night, to the point where it feels like I have a fever, and I sweat profusely.
However, my temperature returns to normal after waking up, but I continue to sweat for about 30 minutes, which is very uncomfortable and leaves my mouth dry.
I am unsure if these issues are related, what kind of illness I might have, or which specialist I should see.
Could you please provide some advice? Thank you.

Niming, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/04/11

Dr. Yuan Hongdao reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello, the presence of black stools may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, especially if the stools are tarry and shiny.
If accompanied by abdominal pain and fever, it may suggest a possible intestinal infection, unexplained inflammation, or even a tumor.
It is advisable for the patient to check their temperature to confirm if they truly have a fever.
Additionally, blood tests, stool tests, and possibly endoscopy or colonoscopy may be necessary.
It is recommended to visit a gastroenterology clinic for further evaluation.
Sincerely, Dr.
Yuan Hongdao, Internal Medicine.

Reply Date: 2005/04/11

More Info

Understanding abdominal pain and night sweats can be complex, especially when symptoms like alternating constipation and diarrhea, as well as night sweats, are involved. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a combination of gastrointestinal issues and possible systemic symptoms, which could indicate an underlying condition that warrants further investigation.

Abdominal Pain and Bowel Changes
The alternating patterns of constipation and diarrhea, along with the changes in stool color (from yellow to black), are concerning. Black stools can indicate the presence of blood that has been digested, often associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, such as from a peptic ulcer or gastritis. Yellow stools may suggest malabsorption issues or dietary factors. Given your history of habitual constipation, it’s possible that you might be experiencing irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which is characterized by abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits. IBS can be triggered by stress, dietary changes, or infections.

The left lower abdominal pain you experience at night could be related to several factors, including gastrointestinal issues like diverticulitis, which is inflammation of the diverticula in the colon, or even gynecological issues if you are female. The fact that the pain resolves upon waking is also noteworthy and could suggest a positional component or a relationship to your sleep patterns.

Night Sweats and High Body Temperature
Night sweats and elevated body temperature during sleep can be indicative of various conditions. These symptoms can be associated with infections, hormonal imbalances (such as those seen in menopause), or even anxiety and stress. The fact that you experience cold sweats and a dry mouth upon waking could suggest that your body is reacting to something, possibly related to your gastrointestinal symptoms or a separate underlying condition.

When to Seek Medical Help
Given the complexity of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. Here are some steps you can take:
1. Primary Care Physician: Start with a visit to your primary care physician. They can perform a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical examination and a review of your medical history.

2. Gastroenterology Referral: Given your gastrointestinal symptoms, a referral to a gastroenterologist may be warranted. They can conduct further investigations, such as blood tests, stool tests, and possibly imaging studies or endoscopy, to evaluate for conditions like IBS, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or gastrointestinal bleeding.

3. Endocrinology or Infectious Disease: If your primary care physician suspects that your night sweats and elevated body temperature are due to hormonal issues or infections, they may refer you to an endocrinologist or an infectious disease specialist.

4. Mental Health Evaluation: Since anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms, consider discussing your mental health with a healthcare provider. They can help determine if stress or anxiety is contributing to your symptoms and suggest appropriate interventions.

Conclusion
In summary, your symptoms of abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, night sweats, and elevated body temperature warrant a thorough medical evaluation. It is essential to address these symptoms promptly to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Keep a detailed record of your symptoms, including when they occur, their duration, and any associated factors, as this information will be valuable for your healthcare provider in determining the appropriate course of action.

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