Understanding Lower Right Abdominal Discomfort: Possible Causes
Age: 22, Female, 5'10", 150 lbs, generally in good health and currently on Wellbutrin. Recently, I began experiencing an overall sense of unease accompanied by low energy and slight sickness, which affected my taste. I decided to take a COVID test, and thankfully, it returned negative. However, two days later, I was hit with an intense, sharp pain in my lower right abdomen, which I would rate as a 9 out of 10. This excruciating sensation only lasted around 20 minutes, but it was unlike anything I’ve encountered before, and I am familiar with the discomfort caused by trapped gas or indigestion. Since that incident, I’ve been dealing with diarrhea and intermittent mild discomfort, which ranges from 1 to 2 on the pain scale, occasionally rising to a 4. This pain seems to radiate through my back and down my legs, alongside a burning sensation while urinating. There are moments when I feel somewhat nauseated, but I haven’t experienced any fever, persistent nausea, or vomiting. My appetite remains mostly unchanged, albeit slightly reduced. Additionally, I started my menstrual cycle today, which typically comes without issue—light with minor cramping. I’m curious if anyone can offer insights into what these symptoms might indicate. I’ve attempted tests for appendicitis and didn’t notice significant signs. I initially considered the possibility of a kidney infection, but my previous experience was quite different. Usually, my urine is cloudy or has a foul smell during a UTI, but this time, it’s normal. Any guidance would be appreciated!
Answers (1)
3/23/2025, 8:00:57 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're experiencing significant abdominal discomfort with a variety of symptoms, and it’s understandable to feel concerned. Given your description, there are a few potential causes to consider, particularly in light of your sharp pain, diarrhea, and urinary symptoms.
Main Points
Your symptoms could suggest a few possible issues, including but not limited to urinary tract infection (UTI), gastrointestinal issues, or even ovarian-related conditions, especially considering your menstrual cycle. It's essential to monitor your symptoms closely.
Explanation
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): While your urine appeared normal, UTIs can still cause discomfort and burning during urination along with lower abdominal pain. A UTI may not always present with cloudy urine.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Conditions such as gastritis, intestinal infections, or even appendicitis could cause stomach pain and diarrhea, although it sounds like you did not observe classic signs of appendicitis.
- Ovarian Issues: Sometimes ovarian cysts can cause sharp pains and could coincide with menstrual cycles, especially if there are accompanying symptoms like discomfort radiating to your legs.
Next Steps
- Hydration: Focus on staying well-hydrated, especially due to diarrhea. Ensure you are drinking fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary for the next few days. Note when the pain occurs, its intensity, and any changes associated with your urination and bowel habits.
- Pain Management: For mild discomfort, over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help, but be cautious and follow the recommended dosages.
- Dietary Adjustments: Consider a bland diet (such as rice, bananas, applesauce, and toast) until your digestive system stabilizes.
- Seek Medical Evaluation: If you experience any of the following—worsening abdominal pain, fever, persistent nausea or vomiting, or if the burning sensation while urinating intensifies—it's important to seek a medical evaluation to rule out any serious conditions.
Your symptoms warrant careful attention, particularly with the severity of the pain and the changes you are experiencing. Please take these steps seriously and prioritize monitoring your condition. If anything becomes more concerning, do not hesitate to pursue medical care.
Related Questions
Persistent Itching and Burning Around Neck and Scalp - Should I Keep Using Cephalexin?
Greetings, I’m a 35-year-old female. I recently developed a rash that began on the back of my neck and subsequently spread to my ears. After consulting with my physician, I was prescribed ketoconazole shampoo to address a suspected fungal rash. Despite using it diligently for four days, the condition actually aggravated, affecting my ears, the back of my neck, and my scalp more significantly. Seeking further assistance, I visited an urgent care facility where the medical staff suggested that I might be experiencing bacterial folliculitis. As a result, they prescribed cephalexin, which I am to take at a dosage of 500mg three times daily for a week. I took my first dose yesterday, yet the intense itching and burning sensations persist without improvement. Is it advisable for me to continue the medication? How long does it typically take to see improvement? Is it common to experience these symptoms alongside bacterial folliculitis? I appreciate your time and any guidance you can provide on this matter!
Concerns About Hearing Loss After Extended Earphone Use
For the past two and a half years, I have primarily relied on in-ear earphones, with the right one typically experiencing less usage—mostly for short videos or brief instances. Recently, during a singing session, I noticed something unusual. I covered one ear to monitor my pitch, and I was surprised to find that my hearing felt unclear and somewhat muffled. This was an experience I hadn’t recognized before. After conducting a few tests by alternately covering each ear, I discovered that my left ear can hear clearly and accurately, while my right ear perceives sounds as muffled, as if there’s a barrier in front of the speaker. I’m seeking advice as a 17-year-old student from Pune, India, with financial constraints that prevent me from adding stress to my parents. I’m deeply concerned whether this issue could be permanent, and if there’s any possibility of recovery. Although I can still hear sounds from my right ear when they are very close, I am unsure of the next steps. I have made the decision to discontinue using earphones starting today, but I’m wondering what additional measures I should take. Would it be advisable to pursue an audiometry test or consult an audiologist for a professional evaluation?
Dealing with Possible Epididymitis
A male, aged 40, standing at 5'9" and weighing 10.5 stone, presents a health concern. He has a history of smoking but refrains from alcohol consumption. For several years, I've grappled with a weakened bladder. However, over the last year or two, I've been experiencing intense discomfort in my right testicle. Initially, I thought I discerned a lump, prompting me to reach out to a physician. Unfortunately, the advice I received was limited; the doctor recommended an STI screening without conducting any examinations. I complied with the test, which returned negative results. Although the pain subsided briefly, it has now returned with greater intensity. I have undergone blood tests focusing on kidney, bladder, and prostate functions, all of which yielded normal results. Now, the medical team is leaning towards a diagnosis of epididymitis. The pain is excruciating and difficult to endure. I’ve scheduled an appointment for a prostate and testicular examination, which may lead to an ultrasound scan or possibly a urethral procedure to eliminate any serious underlying issues. The thought of the forthcoming examination fills me with anxiety, as I'm certain it will be painful. I'm curious if anyone has experienced epididymitis and what outcomes you faced, including any surgical interventions that may have been necessary.
Concerns Regarding Neck Pain After Lifting Incident
I’m a 27-year-old man, standing at 174 cm and weighing 63 kg, residing in Australia. Earlier today, I attempted to lift a heavy case using only one hand. Unfortunately, I didn't realize it was unlatched, and when it opened unexpectedly, I felt significant stress in my lower neck and upper shoulder area. Approximately four hours later, I began to experience a pulsating discomfort on the left side of my neck, extending from beneath my ear down towards my collarbone. I have a medical background of neurological issues related to my vision, along with episodes of facial drooping that are currently under investigation. After the initial neck discomfort (which subsided quickly), I noticed a resurgence of blurriness in my vision. Could this incident have caused an injury to my neck that might be aggravating my neurological symptoms? Is there a chance that this situation could be a vascular emergency?
Mass in the Glottis
A 63-year-old male patient presents with a height of 165 cm and a weight of 66 kg, identified as Asian ethnicity. He has no history of smoking or alcohol consumption. His medical background includes asthma and angina, for which he is prescribed a Symbicort inhaler and Concor tablets. The patient’s main concern is related to a mass discovered during a gastroendoscopy conducted a year ago. Currently, he reports experiencing no pain, but has noticed mild hoarseness in his voice. What might this indicate?