Severe Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Q: Severe Abdominal Pain: When to Seek Medical Attention?

Hello： If the pain extends over such a large area (from the left upper abdomen to the right upper abdomen), it is usually indicative of issues with the large intestine or small intestine, particularly the large intestine. <br>Pay attention to whether there is any retained stool t

Severe abdominal pain that prevents standing upright?

Hello doctor, for the past few days, my stomach has been feeling strange.
I haven't had diarrhea, but I've been vomiting.
I visited a clinic the day before yesterday, but today the pain in my abdomen has become so severe that I can't stand up and I'm sweating profusely.
My body is also feeling feverish, and the pain extends to my back, making it hard to stand straight.
However, since I'm still in class, I can't go to the emergency room.
I took the medication prescribed by the doctor, but the pain worsened after an hour, and I had to take two painkillers to feel somewhat better.
I'm not exactly sure where the pain is located; it's mostly in the upper left abdomen and radiates to the upper right abdomen, making it difficult to move.
I'm feeling a bit better now.
Should I seek medical attention again, or should I just continue taking the medication prescribed by the doctor? If I do go to see a doctor, would it be useful to see a pediatrician since I'm under 18 and they only allow me to see a pediatrician?

Qingqing, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/02/17

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: If the pain extends over such a large area (from the left upper abdomen to the right upper abdomen), it is usually indicative of issues with the large intestine or small intestine, particularly the large intestine.
Pay attention to whether there is any retained stool that has not been expelled, which could cause intestinal colic.
Additionally, it could also be a case of gastrointestinal spasms.
Generally, for abdominal pain, it is not recommended to take painkillers; it is advisable to consult a pediatric gastroenterologist.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-shun.

Reply Date: 2016/02/17

More Info

Severe abdominal pain can be a concerning symptom, and it is essential to understand when to seek medical attention. Based on your description, it seems you are experiencing significant discomfort, including vomiting, sweating, and pain that radiates from the left upper abdomen to the right upper abdomen. These symptoms can indicate various underlying issues, some of which may require immediate medical intervention.

When to Seek Medical Attention
1. Severity of Pain: If the pain is severe enough to prevent you from standing or moving, this is a strong indicator that you should seek medical attention. Pain that is debilitating can be a sign of a serious condition.

2. Accompanying Symptoms: The presence of additional symptoms such as vomiting, fever, and sweating can suggest a more serious underlying issue. For instance, vomiting can indicate gastrointestinal problems, while fever may suggest an infection.

3. Duration of Symptoms: If your symptoms persist or worsen despite taking medication, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider. Pain that does not improve or continues to escalate should not be ignored.

4. Location of Pain: The specific location of your pain can provide clues about potential issues. For example, pain in the upper abdomen can be related to conditions affecting the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.

Potential Causes of Your Symptoms
Given your symptoms, several conditions could be at play:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, or pancreatitis can cause severe abdominal pain and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

- Gallbladder Problems: Since you mentioned a history of gallbladder issues, gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis) could be a possibility. This often presents with pain in the upper right abdomen, especially after eating fatty foods.

- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe pain that may radiate to the back and is often accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

- Appendicitis: Although typically presenting with pain in the lower right abdomen, appendicitis can sometimes cause pain in the upper abdomen, especially in younger individuals.

Recommendations
1. Immediate Medical Attention: Given the severity of your symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you are unable to visit an emergency room due to your current obligations, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and the best course of action.

2. Consulting the Right Specialist: Since you are under 18, visiting a pediatrician or a family doctor who can evaluate your symptoms is appropriate. They can assess your condition and determine if a referral to a specialist, such as a gastroenterologist, is necessary.

3. Monitoring Symptoms: If you choose to wait, closely monitor your symptoms. If they worsen or new symptoms develop, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical care.

4. Avoid Self-Medicating: While it may be tempting to continue taking pain medication, be cautious. Overuse of pain relievers can mask symptoms that are critical for diagnosis.

Conclusion
In summary, severe abdominal pain, especially when accompanied by other symptoms like vomiting and fever, warrants prompt medical evaluation. It is crucial to prioritize your health and seek the appropriate care to rule out any serious conditions. Your well-being is paramount, and addressing these symptoms early can lead to better outcomes.

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