Concerns About Possible Spleen Issues or Just Anxiety?
I’m a 24-year-old female, standing at 5'3" and weighing 135 pounds. I smoke weed daily and consume alcohol on a regular basis, about one to four times a week. The only medication I take is 50mg of sertraline to help with my depression and anxiety. Beginning on August 13, I encountered a rather unpleasant illness characterized by a sore throat, coughing up green mucus, fever, and headaches. I visited urgent care on the 16th as I was experiencing wheezing at night. I tested negative for COVID-19, strep throat, and the flu. The doctor prescribed me antibiotics, which unfortunately led to a yeast infection—though that’s an entirely different problem—and sent me home. My cough persisted for a couple of weeks and has mostly resolved now, nearly a month later. However, my throat issues improved for a time but have unfortunately returned. I still have slightly swollen tonsils with noticeable red streaks and white patches. Today, I've been experiencing sharp pains beneath my left ribcage that seem to fluctuate based on my posture, along with a feeling of bloating in my abdomen. I am left wondering whether this might indicate mononucleosis or perhaps an enlarged spleen, or if I’m simply overreacting. I have a routine doctor's appointment scheduled in two weeks, but I’m considering whether it would be wise to reschedule for an earlier visit. I’d appreciate your thoughts on the symptoms I’ve described!
Answers (1)
9/10/2025, 10:50:41 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your symptoms, especially when they linger and change over time. Your description includes both respiratory issues and potential abdominal discomfort, which can indeed spark worries about conditions like mononucleosis or spleen enlargement.
Key Points
- Your sore throat, cough, and fever indicate a previous infection but the return of symptoms, along with sharp left rib pain, warrants closer attention.
- The symptoms you’re experiencing may relate to lingering effects of your recent illness, anxiety, or possible conditions that need examination like spleen enlargement.
- It's wise to evaluate your symptoms further rather than wait for your routine appointment.
Explanation
The initial respiratory infection you described, with symptoms of sore throat and cough, could have led to complications or secondary infections. The sharp pain below your left rib, along with a feeling of bloating, might suggest several possibilities, including splenic issues, muscular strain, or gastrointestinal discomfort. While mononucleosis can cause spleen enlargement and abdominal discomfort, other factors should also be considered.
Your anxiety about these symptoms is entirely normal, especially in light of your recent health history and concerns about more serious conditions. However, it’s crucial to prioritize clarity on your current health state.
Next Steps
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Seek Earlier Evaluation: Given your ongoing symptoms and the pain you’re experiencing, consider scheduling an earlier appointment with your healthcare provider. It's important to discuss your symptoms, particularly the pain beneath your ribcage and the return of throat issues.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, noting any changes or patterns, especially regarding pain intensity, any activity that makes it worse or better, and how your throat feels.
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Symptom Management: In the meantime, focus on self-care—stay well-hydrated, rest, and consider over-the-counter pain relievers (like acetaminophen) to help with discomfort. Avoid smoking and alcohol as they can exacerbate inflammation and irritation.
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Watch for Warning Signs: If you notice any severe symptoms such as extreme pain, difficulty in breathing, persistent high fever, or significant abdominal pain, seek medical attention right away.
Ultimately, addressing these concerns sooner rather than later can help ease your mind and lead to appropriate treatment. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to health. Please reach out if you need more advice or support!
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