Abdominal Pain and Symptoms: What Could Be Wrong?

Q: Abdominal Pain and Symptoms: What Could Be Wrong?

Hello Ms. Huang： 1. You are experiencing dull pain in the right abdomen and sharp pain in the right flank. Please visit your physician for further evaluation. 2. You have symptoms of dizziness, a feeling of pressure in your head, palpitations, stiffness in y

What illness might I have?

For the past month, I have experienced a slight dull pain in my right abdomen.
Yesterday at noon, I had several sharp pains in my right flank.
By 5:30 PM, I suddenly began to shake, felt cold, had palpitations, dizziness, overall weakness, and a strong sense of hunger.
I thought it might be due to having only eaten a bun for lunch, which could have caused low blood sugar, so I quickly consumed two pieces of candy and made a cup of soup.
I felt a bit better but still uncomfortable.
After having dinner at 7 PM, I felt okay for about an hour, but then the dizziness and weakness returned, although it was somewhat better than at 5:30 PM.
I had trouble sleeping all night, and today I have been experiencing dizziness, a feeling of pressure in my head, palpitations, stiffness in my neck, slightly blurred vision, chest tightness, frequent urination, and my blood pressure rose to 160/105 with a heart rate of 90-101 beats per minute.
Walking has been somewhat difficult.
After lunch, I tried to take a nap but couldn't sleep.
Even after eating, I still feel hungry in my abdomen but lack appetite.
I went to the Ren'ai clinic and saw a family medicine doctor.
After a urinalysis, they indicated the presence of occult blood.
The doctor prescribed two medications for me to try, suggesting it might be inflammation or something similar, and advised me to return for a follow-up on April 12.
However, I still feel very unwell.
What should I do? What could be wrong with me? What steps should I take next? I was prescribed one Tinten 500 mg and one Tranexamic Acid 250 mg.

Miss Huang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/03/29

Dr. Xie Weigong reply Pharmacology

Hello Ms.
Huang:
1.
You are experiencing dull pain in the right abdomen and sharp pain in the right flank.
Please visit your physician for further evaluation.
2.
You have symptoms of dizziness, a feeling of pressure in your head, palpitations, stiffness in your neck, slight blurred vision, chest tightness, frequent urination, elevated blood pressure of 160/105, and a heart rate of 90-101 beats per minute.
You find it somewhat difficult to walk, and after lunch, you are unable to take a nap.
Despite eating, you still feel hungry in your abdomen but lack appetite.
Please measure your blood pressure daily to monitor for hypertension, and return to the hospital for a thorough examination.
3.
Urinalysis indicated the presence of occult blood.
The doctor prescribed two medications for you to try, suggesting it may be related to inflammation.
It is important to return for follow-up appointments as scheduled.
4.
The medication you are taking, Tinten 500 mg, is acetaminophen, which is used for pain relief and fever reduction.
Tranexamic acid 250 mg is used for hemostasis and anti-inflammatory purposes.
These medications provide only temporary relief of symptoms; you should still go to the hospital for detailed follow-up examinations.
Best regards,
Pharmacist Hsieh Wei-Kung

Reply Date: 2006/03/29

More Info

Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing a complex set of symptoms that could be related to several underlying conditions. The right abdominal pain, along with the episodes of shaking, coldness, palpitations, dizziness, and feelings of weakness, suggests that there may be multiple factors at play.

Possible Causes of Your Symptoms
1. Gastrointestinal Issues: The right side of the abdomen houses several organs, including the liver, gallbladder, and parts of the intestines. Conditions such as gallstones, liver inflammation, or even appendicitis could cause localized pain. Given that you mentioned a feeling of hunger despite not having an appetite, this could indicate gastrointestinal distress or dysregulation.

2. Urinary Tract Issues: The presence of blood in your urine (hematuria) could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney stones, or other renal issues. UTIs can cause abdominal pain and may lead to systemic symptoms like fever, chills, and malaise.

3. Endocrine Factors: The symptoms of shaking, coldness, and palpitations could suggest an episode of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially if you had not eaten adequately. However, the fact that these symptoms persisted even after eating raises the possibility of an underlying endocrine issue, such as adrenal insufficiency or thyroid dysfunction.

4. Anxiety and Stress: Given your symptoms of dizziness, palpitations, and feeling overwhelmed, it’s also important to consider psychological factors. Anxiety can manifest physically, leading to symptoms like heart palpitations, dizziness, and gastrointestinal discomfort.

5. Hypertension: Your elevated blood pressure readings (160/105) are concerning and could be a response to pain, anxiety, or an underlying cardiovascular issue. Persistent hypertension can lead to further complications if not addressed.

Recommended Actions
1. Follow-Up with Your Doctor: Since you have already seen a physician and have been prescribed medication, it is crucial to follow up as advised. Make sure to communicate all your symptoms clearly, especially any changes or worsening of your condition.

2. Keep a Symptom Diary: Documenting your symptoms, including when they occur, their intensity, and any associated factors (like food intake or stress levels), can help your healthcare provider make a more accurate diagnosis.

3. Consider Dietary Adjustments: If you suspect that your symptoms may be related to food intake, consider keeping a food diary to identify any potential triggers. Eating smaller, more frequent meals may help stabilize your blood sugar levels.

4. Monitor Blood Pressure: Keep track of your blood pressure readings at home. If you notice consistently high readings, this should be reported to your healthcare provider.

5. Explore Stress Management Techniques: Since anxiety can exacerbate physical symptoms, consider incorporating stress management techniques such as mindfulness, yoga, or therapy into your routine.

6. Further Testing: If your symptoms persist or worsen, further testing may be necessary. This could include imaging studies (like an ultrasound or CT scan) to evaluate your abdominal organs, blood tests to check for infections or metabolic issues, and possibly a referral to a specialist (like a gastroenterologist or urologist).

Conclusion
Your symptoms are concerning and warrant thorough investigation. While some of your symptoms may be related to anxiety or stress, the presence of abdominal pain, hematuria, and elevated blood pressure suggests that there could be an underlying medical issue that needs to be addressed. It is essential to maintain open communication with your healthcare provider and advocate for your health until you find a resolution.

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