I'm Feeling Unwell and It's Worrying Me
16 AFAB, 40kg Since last Thursday, I have been feeling unwell. I don’t have the typical signs of a cold such as a congested nose or sore throat. However, over this past week, I’ve been experiencing severe abdominal cramps and a persistent headache that painkillers aren’t alleviating at all. In addition to that, I’ve also had rib and chest discomfort, which has been ongoing for an extended period. Today is Friday, and I’ve started having diarrhea, needing to visit the restroom every half hour. Although my appetite remains intact, I've been sticking to bland foods in hopes of not aggravating my stomach further. I find myself increasingly uncertain about what could be causing these issues. The only medicine I regularly take is Albuterol for my asthma, but my treatment was recently changed from an aerosol inhaler to a powdered version to help with the side effects I experienced from the aerosol. My parents typically don’t prioritize trips to the doctor for us, often downplaying our illnesses, so I doubt that a visit will happen unless it becomes really serious. I’ve done some research on my symptoms, but most information I find suggests a combination of symptoms, such as cold-like signs or vomiting, which I’m not experiencing. Additionally, I haven’t consumed anything unusual recently, so I can’t pinpoint whether it’s food-related. The stomach cramps hit me in waves; they tend to subside for about ten minutes before returning intensely, making it difficult to focus on anything. It’s impacting my ability to attend school, and I already have a significant number of absences as it is. Should I just wait this out, hoping it improves in a few days, or should I plead with my parents to take me to see a doctor?
Answers (1)
7/3/2025, 6:21:12 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're going through a really tough time with these symptoms, and it's understandable to feel worried. Your experience of severe abdominal cramps, persistent headaches, and diarrhea, along with chest discomfort, raises some important considerations. Here’s a concise overview and some steps you can take:
Main Points:
- Symptoms of Concern: Severe abdominal cramps, persistent headaches, rib and chest discomfort, and frequent diarrhea can indicate various issues, some of which may need medical attention.
- Worsening Condition: If symptoms are worsening or accompanied by additional signs, such as fever or persistent pain, action is necessary.
Explanation:
While it's possible that your symptoms could be due to something like stress, a mild gastrointestinal infection, or a side effect of the change in your asthma medication, the severity and combination of your symptoms suggest that it’s wise to be cautious. Pain that is unrelieved by over-the-counter medication and the addition of diarrhea are signs warranting attention. The chest discomfort could also be related to your asthma or another issue that should be evaluated.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Communicate Your Symptoms: Speak to your parents about how these symptoms are affecting your daily life, especially your ability to attend school. Use specific examples of your discomfort and its impact on you.
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Hydrate: Given that you have diarrhea, it’s essential to stay hydrated. Drink clear fluids such as water, broth, or an electrolyte solution. Avoid caffeine and sugary drinks.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of your symptoms – when they occur, their intensity, and any accompanying factors (like food intake or activity level). This information can be helpful for a healthcare professional if you do end up needing to see one.
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Seek Medical Help if Necessary: If your symptoms do not improve within a couple of days, or if they worsen (especially if you develop fever, severe pain, or any signs of dehydration), you should strongly advocate for a medical evaluation. It may help to express that you are feeling increasingly unwell and need a professional opinion.
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Avoid Stressors: As much as possible, try to relax and avoid any situations that might increase your stress, which can sometimes exacerbate physical symptoms.
Taking care of your health is the priority, and advocating for yourself is important, especially if you feel your symptoms are serious. If your parents remain hesitant, consider reaching out to another trusted adult who may be able to help you discuss this further.
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