Treating the flu – WebMD

Influenza is diagnosed on the basis of symptoms that include fever, headache, muscle aches, and respiratory symptoms. COVID-19 has similar symptoms and its important not to confuse the two.Your doctor may take a nasal or throat culture or blood test to help tell if you have the flu or a COVID-19 infection.

What Are the Treatments?

Young, healthy people probably don’t need to be treated for influenza. It will simply run its course in a few days. Over-the-counter medications for symptoms may be helpful. The very young and old and those with other medical problems may benefit from being treated with antiviral medications. Even the young and healthy may benefit from these drugs when they are started within the first two days. People older than 6 months of age should get the annual flu vaccine to prevent the flu.

Conventional Medicine

If you have the flu, doctors usually advise eating nourishing food, resting, and, most importantly, drinking plenty of fluids. Fever causes you to lose a lot of fluid, so you need to replace what is lost by drinking more. If you’re not eating, then taking your fluid in the form of soup may be a good idea. While their sugar content is high, sports drinks that contain electrolytes are also an option. For most people, plain water is usually best or a broth type of soup. It’s likely you won’t feel like doing much activity, so getting extra rest is fine.

Some over-the-counter medicines may make you feel better. These include decongestants, antihistamines, and pain medicines. Keep in mind that these products may be harmful, particularly for those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or other respiratory problems. Cough and cold medicines should not be given to children under age 4.
Over-the-counter analgesics, or pain medicines, also suppress fevers. However, take them if you feel very uncomfortable. Older people and those with heart and lung disease may also need to suppress the fever to reduce the strain on their heart and lungs. Do not use aspirin in children under the age of 19 because it is associated with Reye’s syndrome, a potentially fatal complication.

There are antiviral medicines, as well. To treat and prevent both influenza A and B, there are baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), and zanamivir (Relenza). Zanamivir is inhaled like an asthma medication. Tamiflu and Xofluza are taken as pills and Rapivab is given in one intravenous dose.
Secondary infections may also need to be treated. If you find that your symptoms aren’t clearing up or seem to be worsening, you may have a secondary infection. The flu makes everyone more susceptible to other infections. See your doctor for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Alternative Medicine

While the scientific evidence of its benefits is sparse, oscillococcinum, a homeopathic mixture, is very popular in Europe as a flu remedy. Other homeopathic preparations have shown some success in treating upper respiratory infections. Be sure your medical doctor knows of everything you are taking — standard medicine and alternatives.

Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Many claims have been made, but there isn’t enough research demonstrating any benefit of many herbs, including garlic and ginseng. Garlic is known to help prevent the blood from clotting, so if you’re on “blood thinners,” it could present a problem.

Garlic’s active ingredient, allicin, can be found in a wide range of supplements. However, recent studies have shown the actual amount you get may vary greatly, and often, you get very little of it. Garlic does have some natural anti-viral properties, but has no proven effectiveness in the prevention or treatment of the flu. If you feel that garlic is important for your health, it’s safe, the fresh variety may be the best choice.
There are few well-designed studies on how these herbs and supplements treat and prevent influenza. One trial of ginseng suggested that it may enhance the effect of the flu vaccine, but more research is needed.

There are some studies to suggest that Echinacea may enhance your immune system, but evidence is mixed on its ability to treat or prevent the flu. Be sure to consult your medical doctor before you start taking this supplement, because some people may be allergic to it.
Drinking ginger tea several times a day may bring relief for flu sufferers. Herbs including elderflower, myrrh, willow bark, rose hips, honeysuckle flowers, and boneset have also been suggested for relief from the many symptoms that accompany the flu.

Acupuncture

Raised body temperature, respiration, pulse, and blood pressure may be lowered through acupuncture treatment in some cases of severe colds and flu. The World Health Organization supports the use of acupuncture for respiratory and infectious complications of the flu.

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Diet

What is Hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia is a condition caused by low blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. Glucose is the main way your body gets energy. The condition is most common in people with diabetes who have issues with medicine, food, or exercise. But sometimes people who don’t have diabetes can also get low blood glucose. There are two kinds of nondiabetic hypoglycemia:

• Reactive hypoglycemia, which happens a few hours after you eat a meal
• Fasting hypoglycemia, which might be linked to medicine or a disease

Symptoms of Hypoglycemia

Most people feel symptoms of hypoglycemia when their blood sugar is 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or lower. The symptoms may be different, depending on how low your blood sugar goes. They usually include:

As hypoglycemia gets worse, symptoms might include:

What Causes Hypoglycemia in People With Diabetes?

Diabetes drugs: Ask your doctor if any of your medicines can cause low blood sugar. Bottom of Form

Insulin treatment can cause low blood sugar, and so can a type of diabetes medication called sulfonylureas. Commonly used sulfonylureas include:

Older, less common sulfonylureas tend to cause low blood sugar more often than newer ones. Examples of older drugs include:

You can also get low blood sugar if you drink alcohol or take allopurinol (Zyloprim), probenecid (Probalan), or warfarin (Coumadin) with diabetes medications.

You shouldn’t get hypoglycemia if you take alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, biguanides (such as metformin), and thiazolidinediones alone, but it can happen when you take them with sulfonylureas or insulin.

Your diet: You can get low blood sugar if you take too much insulin for the amount of carbohydrates you eat or drink. For instance, it can happen:

• After you eat a meal that has a lot of simple sugars
• If you miss a snack or don’t eat a full meal
• If you eat later than usual
• If you drink alcohol without eating any food

Don’t skip meals if you have diabetes, particularly if you’re taking diabetes medications.

What Causes Reactive Hypoglycemia?

Reactive hypoglycemia comes from having too much insulin in your blood. It usually happens within a few hours after you eat. Other possible causes include:

• Having prediabetes or being more likely to have diabetes
• Stomach surgery
• Rare enzyme defects

What Causes Fasting Hypoglycemia?

Fasting hypoglycemia can have several causes:

Hypoglycemia Tests and Diagnosis

To diagnose nondiabetic hypoglycemia, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask questions about any medicines you take. They’ll want to know all about your health and any history of diseases or stomach surgery.

They’ll check your blood glucose level, especially when you are having symptoms. They’ll also check to see if you feel better when your sugar goes back to a normal level.

If your doctor suspects hypoglycemia, you may have to fast until you start to have symptoms. They’ll test your blood glucose level at different times throughout the fast.

To check for reactive hypoglycemia, you may have to take a test called a mixed-meal tolerance test (MMTT). For this, you take a special drink that raises your blood glucose. The doctor will check your blood glucose levels over the next few hours.

Hypoglycemia Treatment

If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar. If it’s below your target level or below 70, eat or drink 15 to 20 grams of carbohydrates. You can take juice, hard candy, or glucose tablets. This will usually help your symptoms go away. Check your blood sugar again in 15 minutes and treat every 15 minutes if levels are still low. Call 911 if you don’t feel well or if you can’t get your blood sugar back up.

If you don’t have diabetes: For a long-term solution, how you treat hypoglycemia depends on what’s causing it. If a medicine triggers your low blood sugar, you may need to change it. If a tumor is to blame, you may need surgery.

For a quick fix, you can eat or drink 15 grams of carbohydrates, in the form of juice, glucose tablets, or hard candy. In the case of severe hypoglycemia, you may need a glucagon injection or intravenous glucose. The FDa has approved three medications for treating very low blood sugar:

Hypoglycemia Prevention

If you have diabetes, you can make some more easy changes to help keep your blood sugar steady:

• Eat at least three evenly spaced meals each day with between-meal snacks as prescribed.
• Exercise 30 minutes to 1 hour after meals. Check your sugars before and after exercise, and discuss with your doctor what types of changes you can make.
• Double-check your insulin and dose of diabetes medicine before taking it.
• If you drink alcohol, be moderate and monitor your blood sugar levels.
• Know when your medicine is at its peak level.
• Test your blood sugar as directed by your doctor.
• Carry an identification bracelet that says you have diabetes.

If you don’t have diabetes, ask your doctor if you need to adjust what you eat or how much you exercise. Diet changes like these might help:

• Eat small meals and snacks every few hours.
• Include a broad variety of foods, including protein, fatty, and high-fiber foods.
• Don’t eat a lot of high-sugar foods.

Work with your doctor to figure out anything else that may be causing your symptoms.

If You Pass Out

Hypoglycemia may make you pass out. If so, you’ll need someone to give you a glucagon shot.

Glucagon is a prescription medicine that raises blood sugar. You may need it if you have severe hypoglycemia. It’s important that your family members and friends know how to give the shot if you have a reaction to low blood sugar.

If you see someone having a severe hypoglycemic reaction, call 911 or take them to the nearest hospital for treatment. Don’t try to give an unconscious person food, fluids, or insulin, as they may choke.

Don’t Drive When You Have Low Blood Sugar

It’s dangerous. If you’re driving and you have hypoglycemia symptoms, pull off the road, check your blood sugar, and eat a sugary food. Wait at least 15 minutes, check your blood sugar, and repeat these steps if needed. Eat a protein and carbohydrate source (such as peanut butter crackers or cheese and crackers) before you drive on. Be prepared. Keep a sugar source, such as glucose tablets, in your car at all times for emergencies.

7 causes, symptoms, and treatments

Body aches and diarrhea are symptoms of a condition, rather than conditions in themselves.

Body aches

Body aches may affect a specific area of the body or the entire body. The pain and discomfort from these aches can range from mild to severe.

Depending on the cause, body aches may be either sudden and temporary or long lasting. Doctors refer to these as acute and chronic, respectively.

Diarrhea

The term diarrhea refers to the passing of loose, watery stools three or more times per day.

Other symptoms may accompany diarrhea, including:

• an urgent need to use the bathroom
• an inability to control bowel movements
• stomach pain and cramping
• nausea

If diarrhea results from an infection, people may also experience:

Below are some of the possible causes of body aches with diarrhea.

1. Food poisoning

Food poisoning can occur when a person consumes food or drink that contains harmful pathogens, such as bacteria or viruses. Many different pathogens can cause food poisoning, including:

The pathogens responsible for food poisoning can come from the following sources:

• undercooked meats
• unpasteurized milk
• improperly washed fruits or vegetables

The symptoms of food poisoning can differ depending on the pathogen responsible. However, some general symptoms include:

• stomach cramps
• diarrhea
• nausea and vomiting
• fever
• muscle aches

The symptoms may develop 30 minutes to 4 weeks after consuming contaminated food or drink. The length of time it takes to develop symptoms depends on the pathogen responsible.

Treatment

The symptoms of food poisoning typically go away without the need for medical treatment. In the meantime, people can try the following:

• drinking plenty of fluids to replace water and electrolytes lost during bouts of vomiting or diarrhea
• taking over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), to help alleviate diarrhea in adults
• eating plain foods, such as crackers
• using oral rehydration solutions, for people with a weakened immune system and children (only after checking with a doctor)

If a person needs medical treatment, a doctor will first have to establish whether the food poisoning is due to a bacterium, parasite, or virus. If bacteria or parasites are responsible, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

A doctor may also prescribe or recommend OTC probiotics to help reduce the duration of diarrhea.

2. Viral gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis (VG) is the medical term for a viral infection of the intestines. People can catch such viruses as a result of coming into contact with the stool or vomit of a person who has the infection.

Symptoms of VG include:

Treatment

People who have VG can use OTC medications, such as Imodium and Pepto-Bismol, to treat diarrhea. They should also make sure that they replace any lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration.

3. Influenza

Influenza, or flu, viruses are a group of viruses that can cause seasonal flu. They are highly contagious. People can contract them by inhaling droplets from the coughs or sneezes of a person with the virus. They can also get the virus if they come into contact with infected droplets on inanimate objects, such as doorknobs or computer keyboards, and then touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.

Some symptoms of the flu include:

• cough
• sore throat
• runny or stuffy nose
• fever
• body aches and headaches
• occasionally, diarrhea and vomiting (more common in children)

Treatment

In most cases, the flu will go away on its own without the need for medical treatment. However, people can take OTC nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen to help alleviate some of the symptoms.

If a person is experiencing severe flu symptoms, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medication.

Doctors also recommend that people get a flu vaccination before the start of the flu season each year to reduce the chance of developing the flu.

4. Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance is a digestive disorder in which the body is unable to break down and digest lactose. Lactose is a naturally occurring sugar present in milk and dairy products.

The symptoms of lactose intolerance include:

• bloating
• gas or flatulence
• diarrhea
• nausea and vomiting
• stomach cramping and discomfort
• painful or aching muscles or joints

Treatment

The main treatment for lactose intolerance is to limit or avoid foods and drinks that contain lactose. Some people may be able to consume small amounts of these foods, whereas others will not be able to consume any.

People can also try taking lactase tablets or drops immediately before consuming foods or drinks containing lactose. Lactase is an enzyme that breaks down lactose, thereby preventing the symptoms of lactose intolerance. However, lactase products are not suitable for young children or people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

5. Gluten sensitivity

Gluten sensitivity is a condition in which a person experiences symptoms in response to eating foods containing gluten. Examples of such foods include:

Common symptoms of gluten sensitivity include:

• bloating or gas
• diarrhea or constipation
• stomach pain
• nausea
• headaches
• joint pain
• numbness in the legs, arms, or fingers
• brain fog
• fatigue

Treatment

A person who experiences symptoms after eating foods containing gluten should see their doctor, who will need to rule out more serious conditions, such as celiac disease.

A person should not try a gluten-free diet until they have had a blood test for celiac disease. Following such a diet could reduce the accuracy of the test.

If tests confirm that a person does have gluten sensitivity, their doctor will recommend cutting gluten out of the diet to prevent symptom flare-ups.

6. Celiac disease

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body cannot process gluten. It is similar to gluten sensitivity but more severe. In people with celiac disease, the consumption of gluten causes the immune system to attack and destroy healthy cells in the small intestine.

The symptoms of celiac disease include:

• bloating and gas
• stomach aches and pain
• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea or constipation
• pale, foul-smelling stools that float

Treatment

The main treatment for celiac disease is to eat a gluten-free diet. A doctor may refer a person to a dietitian who specializes in devising nutritious, gluten-free meal plans.

People with celiac disease should also take steps to limit their exposure to gluten in other ways. For instance, they can check with a pharmacist whether medications or supplements contain gluten before taking them. They can also read labels on cosmetics and household items to ensure that they do not contain gluten.

7. Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is the collective term for a group of symptoms that affect the digestive system. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, IBS is a functional gastrointestinal disorder. This definition means that it is the result of the brain and gut not working together as they should.

There are three different types of IBS:

• IBS with constipation
• IBS with diarrhea
• IBS with mixed bowel habits

Symptoms of IBS include:

• stomach pain and aches
• bloating
• diarrhea, constipation, or both
• white mucus in stools

Treatment

People may be able to reduce the symptoms of IBS by making the following changes to their diet:

Using techniques to manage stress, such as meditation, mindfulness, and yoga, can also be beneficial.

If a person has IBS with diarrhea, a doctor may prescribe medications such as Imodium or rifaximin (Xifaxan) to treat the diarrhea.

Doctors may also prescribe antispasmodics to help treat stomach pain and cramping.

Coronavirus symptoms go beyond fever and cough

Fever, cough, shortness of breath.

Those are the three symptoms prominently listed on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website under coronavirus symptoms.

But as case counts continue to rise in the United States and across the world, it’s clear that COVID-19, the disease caused by the virus, causes a much wider range of symptoms. The more detailed descriptions of the illness that are emerging show how doctors and researchers are still learning about the disease, which was first reported just three months ago, in real time.

COVID-19 can begin in similar ways among patients, regardless of a person’s age or health status.

Full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak

Very often, extreme fatigue hits first.

Hedy Bauman, 74, was so weak she could barely make it home from a short walk to the store. Reading a few pages of the newspaper was exhausting.

“My bathroom is maybe 15 steps from my bed,” Bauman, of Silver Spring, Maryland, told NBC News. “I wasn’t sure I could get from the bathroom to my bed.” She developed chills, but no fever.

Bauman’s doctor said her symptoms were consistent with what physicians are learning about other coronavirus cases, though they are still waiting for the results from Bauman’s COVID-19 test.

Download the NBC News app for full coverage of the coronavirus outbreak

Brendan McLaughlin, 28, felt lightheaded and weak before the fever, chills and body aches began.

McLaughlin went to the emergency room at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, New Jersey, where he works as a security guard, thinking maybe he had the flu.

That test was negative, but a test for the coronavirus was positive. McLaughlin said he’d never felt so sick in his life.

“I’d been healthy,” McLaughlin said. “I try to eat right. I take care of myself.”

One of the first major reports on coronavirus symptoms was published by the World Health Organization in February, following their mission to China. That report, based on nearly 56,000 cases there, found the most common symptoms were fever (88 percent) and dry cough (68 percent). Nearly 40 percent of those patients experienced fatigue. Shortness of breath, stomach issues and weakness were less common.

Related

Since that report, other symptoms related to COVID-19 have emerged.

Many patients who’ve either tested positive for the coronavirus, or have been told by their physicians to assume they have it, also develop a headache and sore throat. Others become sick to their stomach with nausea or diarrhea.

Some patients say they have no interest in eating. Many report they’re losing their senses of taste and smell, the British Rhinological Society said recently.

Just this week, a small study published in JAMA Ophthalmology added another potential COVID-19 warning sign: pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis. A third of the 38 patients in the report had the inflammatory eye condition.

But it’s also becoming more clear that some infected people spreading the virus don’t have any symptoms at all.

Contagious before symptoms

Dr. Robert Redfield, director of the CDC, told NPR this week that as many as a quarter of patients are asymptomatic. And a report published by the CDC Wednesday found evidence that infected people can spread the virus before they develop symptoms, although it seems to be rare.

The phenomenon is called “presymptomatic transmission,” which is also a known way that the flu spreads.

The CDC report was based on 243 coronavirus cases in Singapore. Researchers there carefully traced all of individuals that patients had been in contact with before becoming ill.

They ultimately determined 6.4 percent of transmissions in the study were from presymptomatic patients.

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Erika Edwards is a health and medical news writer and reporter for NBC News and “TODAY.”

Rosemary Guerguerian, M.D.

Dr. Rosemary Guerguerian is a medical fellow with the NBC News Health and Medical Unit. 

Food Poisoning or Stomach Flu: How to Tell the Difference

When you’re suddenly throwing up, dealing with diarrhea, or doing both at once, it’s only natural to wonder whether it’s because you have food poisoning or the stomach flu.

But while these two health issues are usually lumped together thanks to their intense G.I. symptoms, they’re definitely not the same thing. Also, you probably don’t want to swear off your favorite sandwich shop if it’s totally innocent in the matter. Here’s what you need to know about each—including the stomach flu symptoms and food poisoning symptoms to look out for—so you can determine what’s going on and feel better ASAP, if not sooner.

What Is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning is an infection or irritation of your digestive tract that you get from having infected food and drinks, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). It’s usually acute (meaning it comes on hard and fast), and most people get better on their own without treatment, the NIDDK says.

Having food poisoning (also known as foodborne illness) means your body is rebelling against viruses, bacteria, or other harmful substances in something you ate, Benjamin Chapman, Ph.D., an assistant professor and food-safety extension specialist at North Carolina State University, tells SELF. These pathogens can lurk in a wide variety of foods. You may also come down with food poisoning after reheating old food and drinking or eating something that has expired (especially dairy). 

Food poisoning isn’t a rare thing—about 48 million people in the U.S. have food poisoning each year, the NIDDK says.

What Is the Stomach Flu?

First, it’s important to know that the stomach flu has no relation to the “regular” flu, a.k.a. influenza. Influenza is a highly contagious viral infection that causes fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and respiratory issues. In severe cases, influenza can be life-threatening (seriously, get your flu shot every year).

The stomach flu, on the other hand, is what’s known as viral gastroenteritis, and it happens when a virus causes an infection in your gut, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

What Causes Food Poisoning?

When it comes to viruses, norovirus is the most common cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says. It typically hangs out in items like raw, ready-to-eat produce; shellfish; and contaminated water.

On the bacterial side, you have salmonella, listeria, shigella, campylobacter, E. coli, and more that can make you sick, according to the Mayo Clinic. These can show up in anything from hot dogs, milk, egg yolks, alfalfa sprouts, meat, poultry, and beyond.

Food contamination can happen at any point, whether it’s through soil as it’s grown, in a storage facility, or on your countertop when you leave food out for too long, the CDC says. You may also get food poisoning if someone with one of these illness-causing microorganisms in their system handles your food or utensils.

What Causes the Stomach Flu?

Norovirus—which you just read about—is also one of the most common causes of the stomach flu, leading to between 19 and 21 million viral gastroenteritis infections each year, per the CDC. So yes, the stomach flu can be a type of food poisoning.

You can pick up viruses that cause the stomach flu by touching a surface that someone with the infection touched or having direct contact with them. You can also get it through food, though, which brings us to the trippiest part of this entire conversation…

CDC adds 6 new conditions to include chills, muscle pain and more

Public health experts have consistently said that shortness of breath, fever and cough are the most common symptoms of the novel coronavirus. But now that the virus has been circulating in the U.S. for several weeks, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is expanding its guidance for identifying COVID-19.

On the CDC website, the list of symptoms now includes six new warning signs to look out for:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

“People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported — ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness,” the CDC said on its site. “These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.”

Download the TODAY app for the latest coverage on the coronavirus outbreak.

The agency also calls out symptoms that could indicate more severe illness requiring immediate medical attention. These include: trouble breathing, persistent pain or chest pressure, new confusion or inability to arouse and bluish lips or face. It cautions, though, that this list is not all inclusive and advises individuals to contact their medical providers to learn what symptoms they should be concerned about for their own health.

The coronavirus has been especially difficult to track at least in part because of its complex symptoms. While cough and fever are still the quintessential signs, others have appeared with some regularity.

Related

TODAY first reported in late March that a loss of taste or smell could be a sign of COVID-19 after the American Academy of Otolaryngology announced it had “rapidly accumulating” anecdotal evidence. Nausea and diarrhea also seem common in people with mild illness, and an upset stomach is often the first or only symptom for these individuals.

Conjunctivitis, aka pink eye, may occur in 1-3% of infected people, the American Academy of Ophthalmology has said, and coughing blood has come up as an unusual but logical extension of the lung problems that the virus causes.

COVID-19 likely affects the skin, too, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, even though these possible symptoms aren’t on the CDC’s list. Some patients have reported a tingling feeling on skin, also described as “fizzing” and “buzzing,” and rashes are a common side effect of viral infections.

Dermatologists and podiatrists are also investigating another possible symptom known as COVID toes. It looks like red or purple discoloration, inflammation and ulcerations on the hands and feet, and it can show up before or instead of respiratory signs.

As more and more people experience COVID-19, doctors are gaining further knowledge of the disease. While it might seem like a new symptom pops up every other day, raising awareness of what to look out for can help to slow the spread of this disease.

Maura Hohman is a Brooklyn-based weekend editor and reporter for TODAY Digital who joined the team early in the coronavirus pandemic. While she happily writes about a range of topics, from pop culture to politics, she has a special interest in in-depth health coverage, especially COVID-19 research, women’s health and racial health disparities.

The 10 Most Common Causes of Body Aches Without a Fever

• The most common cause of body aches without a fever include stress and sleep deprivation. 
• If you have body aches without a fever, it could still be a sign of a viral infection like the flu. 
• If your body aches are severe or last more than a few days, you should see your doctor.
• Visit Insider’s Health Reference library for more advice.

Body aches are feelings of pain or soreness all over your body. They are a common symptom of viral illnesses like the flu. If sickness is the cause of your body aches, you’re likely to also have a fever, but in some circumstances, you may have body aches without a fever.

Here are the most common causes of body aches without a fever. 

1. Stress 

Stress can cause body aches, but the pain differs from illness-related aches, says Nate Favini, MD, the medical lead at Forward, a preventive primary care practice. 

Body pain caused by stress typically manifests in the neck, shoulders, and back. Though it is possible for these pains to be felt in other parts of the body, like the legs, abdomen, or chest, Favini says. Illness-related body aches tend to be all-over and come on quickly, peaking in intensity over a short period of time —  typically hours or days.

Related

6 ways to relieve stress naturally

Stress causes your muscles to tense up. Once you relax, your muscles release, but ongoing or chronic stress can lead to longer bouts of muscle tension. 

A 2015 study found a correlation between stress and the function of many bodily systems, including the musculoskeletal, nervous, respiratory, and endocrine systems. According to the study, stress can negatively impact these systems and manifest as physical pains including muscle aches and headaches. 

Other symptoms of stress include:

If you think stress may be causing your body aches, try incorporating relaxation techniques into your day, like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.

2. Lack of sleep 

Sleep is essential for cell regeneration — the body’s process of replacing or restoring damaged cells and tissues. Not getting enough sleep can impact your body’s ability to produce new cells, which can result in feelings of physical exhaustion and pain. 

In addition to body aches, other symptoms of sleep deprivation include:

If you’re struggling to sleep seven to eight hours per night, Favini recommends:

• No screens at least an hour before bed. Blue light from laptops, phones, or televisions can disrupt the body’s natural sleep cycle.
• Establish a nighttime routine to prepare for sleep. Incorporate a relaxation element, like taking a warm bath or reading a book. 
• Go to sleep and wake up at the same time each day. This will reinforce your body’s natural sleep cycle. 

3. Chronic fatigue syndrome 

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme fatigue and sleepiness that interfere with daily life. The condition affects an estimated one million Americans.

Aches and pains are common in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, though the severity of pain varies by individual, says Robert Berghorn, DPT, owner of Ascent Physical Therapy based in New York.  

“Pain is supposed to act as a protective mechanism. However, in this case with chronic fatigue syndrome or any other chronic pain condition, it more acts like an uncontrolled wildfire,” Berghorn says. “In this type of condition, there is a ‘remapping’ or changes in the way that the affected person interprets pain and activity where even the most simple things like opening a door can be really painful without any specific reason for the hand to hurt.”

Other symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome include:

• Difficulties with concentration and memory
• Headaches
• Muscle weakness
• A recurring sore throat 

There is no cure for chronic fatigue syndrome, but many symptoms can be managed with medication or lifestyle changes. If you think you may be experiencing chronic fatigue syndrome, talk with your doctor about the best course of treatment for you. 

4. Fibromyalgia 

Fibromyalgia is a condition that causes pain and stiffness all over the body. The condition affects about four million adults in the US. Symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Problems with memory
• Depression and anxiety 

The condition can be managed with medication, stress management techniques, and cognitive behavioral therapy.

5. Medications 

Some medications can also cause body aches, Favini says. Some of the most common include:

If you’re on a medication that you think is causing your body aches, talk with your doctor about your symptoms and what other options may be available to you.

6. Dehydration 

Inadequate water intake reduces your body’s ability to remove inflammatory chemicals from tissues, causing achiness and soreness, Berghorn says. 

Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Dizziness
• Confusion 
• Exhaustion
• Extreme thirst
• Dark urine

Related

Why electrolytes are important — and when you may need them the most

One of the best ways to avoid dehydration is keeping a water bottle with you and drinking from it regularly, Berhorn says. If you do notice signs of dehydration, drinking a sports beverage with some sugar and electrolytes will help rehydrate you faster than just water.

7. Deficiencies 

Vitamin and nutrient deficiencies can also cause body aches, Berghorn says. Some of the most common ones include:

Our bodies need a certain level of vitamins and nutrients to function properly, and deficiencies can alter the way tissues interact with each other, causing aches and pains. 

“Each muscle contraction requires the appropriate levels of calcium, potassium, and sodium,” Berghorn says. “If one or more levels are low, it can result in spasms, reduced muscle contraction control, and muscle cramping.”

8. Autoimmune disorder 

An autoimmune disorder is when the body’s immune system attacks itself. Some autoimmune disorders can cause body aches.

There are many different types of autoimmune disorders. Some of the most common ones that can cause body aches include:

• Lupus. A condition where the body attacks healthy tissues. Lupus most commonly affects the skin, joints, and internal organs and can cause muscle and joint pain.
• Multiple sclerosis (MS). A condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the fatty substance protecting nerve fibers in the brain and spinal cord. The loss of this protective layer can cause tingling, numbness, and weakness in limbs, and sudden pain when moving the neck.  
• Dermatomyositis. A condition that causes muscle weakness, which can result in joint pain. 

There is no cure for autoimmune diseases, but medications may help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with these disorders. 

9. Lyme disease 

Related

Chronic Lyme disease is an uncommon, but serious condition — here’s how to know if you have it

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia Burgdorfer. Symptoms of Lyme disease include:

• Body aches
• Headache
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Rash
• Fatigue
• Chills
• Fever

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. Most people respond well to treatment and fully recover. 

10. A viral infection 

Both body aches and fever are common symptoms of viral infections, but it is possible to have a viral infection, like the flu, without having a fever, Favini says. Other viral infections may also cause body aches without a fever, like the common cold. Symptoms of a viral infection include:

A viral infection can last as long as a week or two, but over-the-counter medications, like Ibuprofen or Tylenol can help relieve many of the symptoms. 

When to see your doctor 

If your body aches are severe, lasting more than a few days, and impacting your daily life, you should seek medical attention, Favini says. A doctor can help you determine the exact cause of your symptoms and suggest proper treatment. 

Insider’s takeaway 

Body aches are a common symptom of viral infections, like the flu, but they could have several other causes, including autoimmune diseases or a nutritional deficiency. If you are experiencing persistent body aches that impact your daily life, reach out to your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. 

90,000 How to distinguish colds, flu and novel coronavirus pneumonia?

What is a cold?

Features

Nasal congestion, runny nose and sneezing, no apparent elevated body temperature, no obvious effect on physical condition and appetite, no severe headache, joint pain and general discomfort. In people with colds, the upper respiratory tract is affected, there is no threat to human life.

What is flu?

Acute respiratory viral infection caused by influenza viruses not only affects the upper respiratory tract, but also infects the lower respiratory tract, which leads to pneumonia.Influenza often spreads in winter and spring, there is influenza A and B.

Features

People with the flu have severe symptoms and fever, and the body temperature can rise to 39 degrees or more for one to two days. A person sick with the flu feels a headache, weakness, decreased appetite. For the elderly, children, obese people, pregnant women, and people with other medical conditions, influenza can cause severe pneumonia and even death.

What are the symptoms of pneumonia caused by a new type of coronavirus?

Patients with a mild form of the disease have only a low body temperature, cough, chills and malaise.

In patients with a severe form of the disease, in the first three to five days, fever, cough and increasing weakness are observed, the situation gradually worsens and turns into pneumonia and even severe pneumonia. In people with a severe form of the disease, breathing becomes more frequent, respiratory failure occurs, and some organs are damaged.If the situation deteriorates further, health support with a respirator or life support system may be required. The severe form of the disease is deadly. In cases of infection with a typical new type of coronavirus, a gradual progression of the disease is observed. In the second week, the patient’s condition worsens seriously.

How to determine an elevated temperature?

At rest, the body temperature exceeds 37.3 ℃

Subfebrile temperature – 37.3 – 38 ℃

Cardiothoracic temperature – 38.1 – 39 ℃

High temperature – 39.1 – 41 ℃

Ultra-high temperature – above 41 ℃

What to do in case of headache, runny nose, cough and sore throat?

At temperatures below 38 ℃, you should be in home quarantine, notify the necessary structures in accordance with local regulations, observe the changes. You can take ibuprofen or other medicines as directed.If the condition worsens, first of all it is necessary to contact the medical center in the microdistrict. If the temperature exceeds 38 ℃, then you need to go to the clinic.

What to do if there are no obvious signs of fever, but the body aches, abdominal pain and diarrhea are present?

Currently, among the first signs of infection with a new type of coronavirus, an upset of the gastrointestinal tract should be noted. With diarrhea, you need to be under home quarantine, pay attention to food, drink more salt sugar solution.If the situation worsens, you must go to the hospital.

Should you continue to monitor the patient at home in case of fever and chest tightness?

If a high temperature is accompanied by a feeling of tightness in the chest, you should be extremely vigilant, go to the hospital as soon as possible. It is best to walk to the nearest medical center (wearing a mask, avoiding the elevator), take blood tests, do a CT scan of the chest, etc.

What to do if there was contact with patients with suspected coronavirus, but there are no signs of discomfort?

It is recommended to stay in self-isolation for 14 days, mainly to monitor changes in body temperature. It is necessary to measure the temperature during the day and in the evening. In case of a fever and cough within 14 days, you must contact the nearest medical center.

Source: Beijing Qingnian Newspaper, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology

90,000 symptoms and treatment (note for parents)

Enterovirus infections – is a group of diseases that are caused by several types of viruses.The disease is caused by Coxsackie viruses, polioviruses and ECHO (echo).

After the transferred enterovirus infection, persistent lifelong immunity is formed, however, it is serospecific. This means that immunity is formed only to the serological type of the virus that the child has had and does not protect him from other varieties of these viruses. Therefore, a child can get sick with an enterovirus infection several times in his life. Also, this feature does not allow developing a vaccine to protect our children from this disease.The disease has a seasonality: outbreaks of the disease are most often observed in the summer-autumn period.

Reasons for infection with enterovirus infection.

Infection occurs in several ways. Viruses can enter the environment from a sick child or from a child who is a virus carrier. Virus carriers do not have any manifestations of disease, however, viruses are found in the intestines and are excreted in the environment with feces. This condition can be observed in children who have been ill after clinical recovery, or in children in whom the virus entered the body, but could not cause the disease due to the strong immunity of the child.Carriage of viruses can persist for 5 months.

Once in the environment, viruses can persist for a rather long time, as they tolerate adverse effects well. Viruses are well preserved in water and soil, when frozen, they can survive for several years, are resistant to the action of disinfectants (when exposed to solutions of high concentrations of phenol, chlorine, formalin, viruses begin to die only after three hours), however, they are susceptible to high temperatures (with when heated to 45 ° C, they die in 45-60 seconds).

How enterovirus infection is transmitted.

The transmission mechanism can be airborne (when sneezing and coughing with droplets of saliva from a sick child to a healthy one) and fecal-oral if personal hygiene is not followed. Most often, infection occurs through water, when using raw (not boiled) water. It is also possible to infect children through toys if children take them into their mouths. Most often children from 3 to 10 years old are ill. In children who are breastfed, the body has the immunity received from the mother through breast milk, however, this immunity is not persistent and after the cessation of breastfeeding quickly disappears.

Symptoms of an enterovirus infection.

Viruses enter the body through the mouth or upper respiratory tract. Once in the child’s body, viruses migrate to the lymph nodes, where they settle and begin to multiply. Further development of the disease is associated with many factors, such as virulence (the ability of the virus to resist the protective properties of the body), tropism (the tendency to infect individual tissues and organs) of the virus and the state of the child’s immunity.

Enterovirus infections have both similar and different manifestations, depending on the type and serotype. The incubation period (the period from the entry of the virus into the child’s body until the first clinical signs appear) is the same for all enterovirus infections – from 1 to 10 days (usually 2-5 days).

The disease begins acutely – with an increase in body temperature to 38-39 ° C. The temperature most often lasts 3-5 days, after which it decreases to normal values. Very often the temperature has a wave-like course: the temperature lasts for 2-3 days, after which it decreases and for 2-3 days is at normal numbers, then rises again for 1-2 days and returns to normal again completely.When the temperature rises, the child feels weakness, drowsiness, headache, nausea, and vomiting may occur. With a decrease in body temperature, all these symptoms disappear, but with a repeated increase, they can return. Also, the cervical and submandibular lymph nodes increase, as viruses multiply in them.

Depending on which organs are most affected, several forms of enterovirus infection are isolated. Enteroviruses can infect: the central and peripheral nervous systems, mucous membranes of the oropharynx, mucous membranes of the eyes, skin, muscles, heart, intestinal mucosa, liver; in boys, testicular damage is possible.

When the mucous membrane of the oropharynx is affected, enterovirus sore throat develops. It is manifested by an increase in body temperature, general intoxication (weakness, headache, drowsiness) and the presence of a vesicular rash in the form of bubbles filled with fluid on the mucous membrane of the oropharynx and tonsils. These bubbles burst, in their place are formed ulcers filled with white bloom. After recovery, no traces remain at the site of the ulcers.

With eye damage, conjunctivitis develops.It can be one- and two-sided. It manifests itself in the form of photophobia, lacrimation, redness and swelling of the eyes. The presence of hemorrhages in the conjunctiva of the eye is possible.

When muscles are damaged, myositis develops – pain in the muscles. Pain appears against the background of an increase in temperature. Soreness is observed in the chest, arms and legs. The appearance of pain in muscles, like temperature, can be wavy in nature. With a decrease in body temperature, pain decreases or disappears altogether.

With the defeat of the intestinal mucosa (enteritis), there is a liquid stool.Stool of normal color (yellow or brown), liquid, without pathological (mucus, blood) impurities. The appearance of loose stools can be either against the background of an increase in temperature, or isolated (without an increase in body temperature).

Enterovirus infections can affect various parts of the heart. So when the muscle layer is damaged, myocarditis develops, when the inner layer is damaged with the capture of the heart valves, endocarditis develops, and when the outer shell of the heart is damaged, pericarditis. The child may experience: increased fatigue, weakness, heart palpitations, drop in blood pressure, rhythm disturbances (blockade, extrasystoles), chest pain.

With damage to the nervous system, encephalitis, meningitis may develop. The child has: severe headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, convulsions, paresis and paralysis, loss of consciousness.

With liver damage, acute hepatitis develops. It is characterized by an enlarged liver, a feeling of heaviness in the right hypochondrium, pain in this place. Perhaps the appearance of nausea, heartburn, weakness, fever.

With skin lesions, exanthema may appear – hyperemia (red coloration) of the skin, most often on the upper half of the body (head, chest, arms), does not rise above the level of the skin, appears instantly.

Boys may have inflammation in the testicles with the development of orchitis. Most often, this condition develops 2-3 weeks after the onset of the disease with other manifestations (tonsillitis, loose stools, and others). The disease passes rather quickly and does not bear any consequences, however, in rare cases, development of aspermia (absence of sperm) at puberty is possible.

There are also congenital forms of enterovirus infection, when viruses enter the child’s body through the placenta from the mother.Usually, this condition has a benign course and heals on its own, however, in some cases, an enterovirus infection can cause an abortion (miscarriage) and the development of sudden death syndrome in a child (the death of a child occurs against the background of full health).

Very rarely, damage to the kidneys, pancreas, and lungs is possible. The defeat of various organs and systems can be observed both isolated and combined.

Treatment of enterovirus infection

There is no specific treatment for enterovirus infection.Treatment is carried out at home, hospitalization is indicated in the presence of damage to the nervous system, heart, high temperature, which cannot be reduced for a long time with the use of antipyretic drugs. The child is shown bed rest for the entire period of increase in body temperature.

Meals should be light, rich in protein. A sufficient amount of liquid is required: boiled water, mineral water without gases, compotes, juices, fruit drinks.

Treatment is carried out symptomatically, depending on the manifestations of the infection – angina, conjunctivitis, myositis, loose stools, heart damage, encephalitis, meningitis, hepatitis, exanthema, orchitis.In some cases (angina, diarrhea, conjunctivitis …), bacterial complications are prevented.

Children are isolated for the entire period of the disease. The children’s team can be after the disappearance of all symptoms of the disease.

Prevention of enterovirus infection.

For prevention, it is necessary to observe the rules of personal hygiene: wash your hands after using the toilet, walking on the street, drink only boiled water or water from a factory bottle, it is unacceptable to use water from an open source (river, lake) for a child to drink.

There is no specific vaccine against enterovirus infection, since a large number of serotypes of these viruses are present in the environment.

Main causes of chills without fever

Chills are a feeling of coldness and even shivering throughout the body, even up to “goose bumps”. Physiologically, chills are a spasm of small vessels under the skin.

Chills are caused by the following diseases: infectious, indigestion, internal bleeding, pressure, chronic diseases.
In a child, chills most often occur against the background of colds, viral diseases.

Consider why chills occur without fever.

Subcooling . When the body gets too cold, the blood vessels constrict and blood does not circulate properly through the body. In this case, the body will turn on the natural process of thermoregulation and muscle contractions are turned on, as a result of which heat is released and the body thus tries to maintain body temperature.In such a case, it is recommended to drink hot tea and dress warmly.

Colds or ARVI . Everyone is used to the fact that the temperature is the first sign of a cold, but as it turned out, not always. There are viral diseases that do not give a temperature. The treatment for this symptom is to go to bed, take more liquid, tea with raspberry jam or lemon. If, in addition to chills, other dangerous symptoms, vomiting, nausea, etc., begin, then you should consult a doctor.

Chills can also be caused by infectious diseases. In this case, the chills indicate the intoxication of the body, since viruses or bacteria that release toxins in the body. To understand that this is an infection, you should pay attention to whether you still have symptoms such as weakness, headache, disorders of the digestive tract.

Endocrinological disorders. Chills may be present with decreased thyroid function.The thyroid gland is responsible for the hormone that is responsible for the thermoregulation of the body.

Diabetes mellitus. When the regulation of blood sugar levels is disturbed in the body, the feeling of chills cannot be avoided.

Stress and emotional outbursts . Stressful situations simply contribute to the release of adrenaline into the body, which causes vasospasm, a person becomes cold and shivers. One can only move away from this state by sleep.

Allergy to anything.Remember that allergies can be different both to pathogens flying in the air and to food. Remember that chills are often accompanied by a rash, itching, swelling and other adverse reactions.

Vegetovascular dystonia – a disease that affects the autonomic nervous system and manifests itself as symptoms of decreased vascular wall tone, which is accompanied by abnormal blood circulation in the body and affects the feeling of chills. With this disease, hardening and strengthening of immunity help.

When blood pressure readings change sharply , the body is naturally not used to such changes and will manifest everything in the form of chills. Additional symptoms are sweating, nausea, vomiting, severe weakness.

Causes of chills without fever in women

Climax . In such a difficult period for the body, women will experience both chills and hot flashes. The whole reason is a change in the hormonal balance in the body.

Monthly .In addition to chills, they are accompanied by pain in the lower abdomen, headache, but they pass quickly.

Pregnancy . Basically, chills are more characteristic of the early stages, everything is associated with hormonal changes in the body.

Causes of chills in children

In children, chills are a harbinger of acute respiratory diseases, food poisoning, and diseases of the genitourinary system. At an older age, more precisely in the adolescent period, chills mean that there is a restructuring of the body’s hormonal background, and against this background, attacks of vegetative-vascular dystonia may become more frequent.

How to Treat Chills

If the feeling of chills is not caused by hypothermia, then you should consult a doctor and identify the causes of this state of the body. After all, chills are a symptom, the doctor can determine the real cause by doing additional tests.
If this is an infection, then the intoxication of the body caused by developing bacteria can only be stopped by special treatment, namely the one that the doctor prescribes.

90,000 Pain in the lower abdomen – causes, symptoms and diagnosis, indications for seeking medical attention

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A stomach ache is a fairly common complaint in people of all ages. They come with it to therapists and gynecologists, urologists and gastroenterologists, and more often they treat themselves and try to justify its appearance by normal physiological processes.

With the participation of doctors of different specialties, we have compiled a detailed list of possible causes of pain in the lower abdomen. Where exactly, how, after which it hurts, what additional symptoms are there – after analyzing all this, you can guess why the stomach is worried and how dangerous it is.Such information will not be superfluous in order to understand when you can get by with just a pill, and when you need to call emergency help. But we remind you that making an accurate diagnosis and prescribing treatment is a task for a doctor. And this is done not only on the basis of complaints and feelings of the patient, but with the help of informative diagnostic methods. However, first things first.

What can hurt in the lower abdomen

There are quite a few organs in the lower abdomen:

• Urinary system.
• Reproductive system.
• Gastrointestinal tract.

There is also a large number of nerve plexuses, the lumbosacral spine. All this can cause pain and discomfort.

There may be different pains in the lower abdomen:

• Pulling, dull, aching, reminiscent of a feeling of heaviness.
• Sharp, colic, cramping.
• Recurring after a certain period of time or constant.
• Light or intense.
• Short-term (for an hour or two) or long-term (which does not go away for several days or even more).

But even mild and chronic pain is not worth getting used to and thinking that it should be so. Each pain is caused by a malfunction of one of the organs, and this is a symptom of a disease. This shouldn’t be the case.

Causes of pain in the lower abdomen

The main causes of pain in the lower abdomen:

• Spasms of the intestines, excess flatulence from poor diet, when the large intestine is full.
• Hemorrhoids – varicose veins of the rectum. In most cases, it is clearly visible externally, and the varicose node causes pain during bowel movements, walking. Other symptoms include itching around the anus and blood during bowel movements.
• Appendicitis – inflammation of the appendix of the cecum. At the same time, it hurts in the lower right abdomen (although phantom pain can also be in the left side), groin, muscle tension, fever, constipation or diarrhea.The condition is dangerous with peritonitis – inflammation of the abdominal membrane and general intoxication of the body.
• Cystitis is an infectious inflammation of the bladder mucosa. It is more common in women due to its anatomical features. It causes a sharp pain that radiates to the lower back, increases with urination. I constantly want to go to the toilet, there may be pus, blood in the urine, the smell may change. The nature of pain in cystitis is different from pulling to sharp and burning. Male cystitis is more difficult, and one of its symptoms is a violation of normal urination.
• Cancer of the rectum and other organs more often appears in the later stages, when the functionality of the organ is impaired.
• Bowel diseases – dysbiosis, SIBO, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other pathologies. Usually they are accompanied by symptoms such as constipation or diarrhea, flatulence.
• Inguinal or umbilical hernia – protrusion of internal organs through anatomical holes in the peritoneum. More often accompanied by dull pain, which increases with movement.May be visible as an external bulge on the abdominal wall or groin area.
• Herniated disc, protrusion – protrusion or rupture of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc. With them, nerves are irritated, pain appears, which can radiate to the leg, groin, buttocks. Not uncommon – a feeling of numbness in the limbs, muscle weakness.
• Urolithiasis – the formation of solid deposits in the organs of the urinary system. Severe pain in the lower abdomen – colic occurs at the time of the advancement of calculi of various sizes along the urinary tract.Blood may appear in the urine, and in some cases emergency care and even surgery will be required to remove the stones.

These causes can cause pain in people of any gender and age, but there are others that can affect women and men.

Causes of lower abdominal pain in women

A significant place in the small pelvis is occupied by the organs of the reproductive system. Therefore, the possible causes of pain in women are gynecological pathologies.In addition, in women, pain in the lower abdomen, when pulling the bottom, gives to the lower back, can be physiological manifestations of the norm:

• At the beginning of menstruation. Most women experience pulling pains in the lower abdomen these days. There is no cause for concern if the pain is moderate and it recurs during every menstrual period. But if the spasms are too strong, have appeared recently, it is necessary to be examined.
• Ovulatory syndrome – pain that occurs during ovulation (on average 14 days before the onset of menstruation).It can occur from different sides (where ovulation has occurred), accompanied by cramps, abdominal discomfort, increased gas production in the intestines, and increased secretions. Everything goes away by itself in a day and is repeated regularly.
• During pregnancy, when the growing uterus or the pressure it exerts on neighboring organs becomes the cause of discomfort.

Possible causes of lower abdominal pain in women:

• Acute or chronic inflammation of the uterus (its cervix, inner layer), and its appendages (fallopian tubes and ovaries).Additional symptoms may include fever, soreness during intercourse, profuse (or uncharacteristic) vaginal discharge, and back pain.
• Ovarian cyst – Single or multiple benign neoplasms in the ovaries. They make themselves felt with pain in the lower abdomen on the left, right or on both sides, depending on the place of formation. A cyst can also cause acute pain when its legs are twisted (the process on which the formation is attached) or when it ruptures.In the latter case, internal bleeding occurs, and in addition to pain, nausea and increasing weakness appear.
• Endometriosis is a common pathology in women of childbearing age, when epithelial cells proliferate from the uterine cavity to other organs.
• Myoma of the uterus (fibroma) is a benign tumor that has formed and grows in the uterine cavity and can reach significant sizes. The pain in this case increases gradually as the tumor grows and squeezes the adjacent organs.
• An ectopic pregnancy, when the embryo has anchored and grows in the fallopian tube rather than in the uterine cavity. The pain gradually increases, and when the pipe ruptures, it becomes acute. In this case, emergency help is needed to stop the internal bleeding.

Causes of lower abdominal pain in men

Men also have reasons to consult a urologist (andrologist) – a specialist who deals with the health of the genitourinary system. Pain in the lower abdomen in men, in addition to the general reasons listed above, may appear against the background:

• Inflammatory processes in the testicles, orchitis, vesiculitis.
• Testicular torsion. In this case, the pain is quite severe, and emergency help is needed to save the testicle.
• Diseases of the prostate gland – prostatitis or adenoma.

Men can complain of unpleasant pulling sensations even with a prolonged absence of sexual activity.

Diagnostics

Do not self-medicate, it may worsen your condition. Only a qualified specialist is able to determine the real causes of abdominal pain.

Patients often mistake the symptoms of one disease for another. Even a doctor can find it difficult to recognize the true cause of pain only from complaints. In order to find the most suitable therapy, an experienced specialist will refer the patient for examination. Depending on the symptomatology, the following methods are used:

• Blood tests – they can be used to assess the level of leukocytes and the presence of inflammation in the body.
• Urinalysis.
• Analysis of discharge from the genitourinary tract.
• Ultrasound to visualize internal organs and assess their condition.
• MRI is the most accurate and highly informative examination technique.
• Radiography.
• Hysterosalpingography, colposcopy – extended gynecological examinations for women.

This is the only way to identify the disease and begin to treat it.

The best thing you can do for your body is to consult the doctors of our clinic at the first manifestations of painful sensations.Remember that self-medication is not acceptable.

When to see a doctor

Emergency care is needed for:

• The pain is acute, increases and did not go away after taking anesthetic.
• There is a high temperature of 39 ° C and higher.
• There is severe vomiting or traces of blood in the vomit.
• The stool is black or streaked with blood.
• Great difficulty urinating.
• The abdomen is firm, tense, enlarged.
• Pain appeared after impact, abdominal trauma.

Routine consultation with a therapist or specialist doctor is necessary if:

• There is discomfort, minor persistent or recurring pain that lasts 3-4 days or more.
• Frequent and painful urination.
• Nausea or diarrhea for more than 2 days.
• The nature of vaginal discharge has changed.

Modern research methods allow the doctors of the Kutuzovsky Medical and Diagnostic Center to most effectively find the causes of lower abdominal pain.Diagnostics using ultrasound, MRI, X-ray machines allow you to determine the diagnosis.

It is extremely rare that a disease can be recognized correctly only by its symptoms, and our experienced doctors know this.

Therefore, the first thing the patient is sent for examination. All types of prescribed diagnostics are available with us, so you don’t have to look for other clinics. Attractive prices, no queues, fast and accurate results – all this is available in our center.And the professionalism of our doctors is a guarantee that your treatment will be effective and comfortable.

Medical center “Kutuzovskiy” is a medical center where doctors of many specialties see every day. We have everything you need, from high-precision equipment to experienced doctors, to understand the causes of pain. Quickly, professionally, without queues and on any convenient day. Sign up for a consultation so as not to risk your health!

The content of this article has been checked and confirmed for compliance with medical standards by a physician-therapist of the highest qualification category, an allergist-immunologist Butskikh Yulia Vladimirovna.

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90,000 Moscow Healthcare Department – 7 reasons to call an ambulance for a child

Hello, Ambulance? 7 reasons to call an “ambulance” for a child

Urgently call “03” or wait any longer? – the parents of a sick child often hesitate.Doctors are convinced: in such cases it is always better to “overdo it”

Our expert is an assistant at the Department of Pediatric Surgery of the Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, a surgeon in the Department of Emergency Surgery of the N.F. Filatov Children’s City Clinical Hospital, Ph.D. Maxim Golovanev.

You should go to the emergency room in the following situations:

If the child complains of abdominal pain and at the same time he has severe vomiting and / or diarrhea mixed with blood.

In case of acute abdominal pain, the child lies in an uncomfortable, forced position or walks, hunched over.

Probable causes: trauma to internal organs, acute appendicitis or peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum), intestinal infections, poisoning, including drug poisoning, acute pancreatitis, intestinal obstruction.

What to do before the doctor arrives?

Do not give an enema or give any medication.

If the child has severe vomiting, which is not accompanied by diarrhea. The presence of temperature in such cases is unimportant. Vomit is greenish or contains traces of blood, mucus.

Probable causes: botulism, appendicitis, poisoning, including drug poisoning, some infectious diseases, intestinal damage or obstruction, concussion, meningitis.

What to do before the doctor arrives?

Children are placed on their side so that in case of sudden vomiting, the secreted masses are not thrown into the upper respiratory tract. Completely exclude drinking and feeding until an accurate diagnosis is established.

If the high temperature does not decrease after taking antipyretics or lasts more than three days.

Probable causes: influenza, SARS, infectious diseases (including serious ones), heat stroke, poisoning with toxic substances.

There is no clear relationship between the temperature of a child’s body and the severity of the disease. But babies at temperatures above 38.0–38.5 ° C must be called an ambulance.

What to do before the doctor arrives?

Give the child a drink at room temperature – preferably boiled water, undress it, wipe it off with a damp towel. Remove the diaper from the baby.Change your baby to dry clothes if he sweats a lot.

If the child has black stools and an unusual consistency, or you notice blood in the stool. Remember if you gave your child drugs that can cause a similar effect (activated charcoal and iron supplements, bismuth), or food (beets or treats with artificial colors) that is intensely red.

Probable causes: peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, dysentery, polyps and fissures of the rectum.

What to do before the doctor arrives?

Do not give an enema or give any medication.

If a child has dry lips and tongue, urine flow stops, he cries, but without tears, he has sunken eyes, and the baby’s fontanel is a little squeezed.

Probable causes: dehydration. Occurs with frequent diarrhea or vomiting. With angina, when it hurts the child to swallow and he drinks little, with heatstroke.

What to do before the doctor arrives?

Give the child a sip, with pauses to prevent vomiting.

Hydration solution: 0.5 tsp salt, 1 tsp. soda, 4-8 tsp. sugar per 1 liter of water. You can add 150-200 ml of any juice as a source of potassium. It is enough for a child under two years old to give 50-100 ml of this liquid after each bowel movement, for older children – 100-200 ml. If vomiting occurs, continue to drink 1 teaspoon every 2-3 minutes.

If the child has difficulty (noisy, hoarse, intermittent) breathing, which lasts more than half an hour.

Probable causes: asthmatic attack, swallowed foreign body, allergic edema, pneumonia, pleurisy.

What to do before the doctor arrives?

Provide your baby with fresh air – put it on warmly and open the window, you can take it out to the balcony. Drink warm boiled water or sweet tea. If you cannot rule out the presence of a foreign body in the respiratory tract, you should refrain from drinking.

If a child has unreasonable aggression or, conversely, excessive sleepiness, confusion of consciousness, convulsions (rhythmic twitching of the head or other parts of the body), the behavior differs sharply from usual.If he went to bed after falling and after an hour you cannot wake him up, if the child is sick …

Probable causes: brain contusion, high temperature, accidental intake of psychotropic drugs, household chemicals, inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) or inflammation of the lining of the brain brain (meningitis).

What to do before the doctor arrives?

In case of seizures, do not give the child food and drink – he may choke. Lay the baby down, provide him with peace. If the child is already large, ask him to understand what caused this condition.

http://www.aif.ru/health/article/66181

What to do if your stomach hurts – Medicaid 24 Clinic

Many winter holidays are a wonderful time. Gifts are presented, everyone is happy and contented, they go to visit, meet with friends and loved ones. Well, what a holiday without a feast ?! Mom baked her own delicious cake, and grandmother cooked an unusually tasty jelly, but you can’t do without salads with mayonnaise.

However, the time of relaxation and joy can turn into health problems.For example, according to statistics, it is during the New Year holidays that the number of patients with a surgical and gastroenterological profile increases sharply.

So what if you have a stomach ache?

In most cases, abdominal pain is attributed to quite common causes, such as emotional distress, overeating or poisoning. However, similar pain symptoms can be caused by more serious diseases. Only a doctor can clearly determine the cause of pain.

It is important to distinguish when pain is a consequence of increased intestinal motility, for example, with excessive gas formation, and when it is a serious symptom of a pathological process. Usually, abdominal pain that lasts from a few seconds to a minute is not a major cause for concern.

Acute abdominal pains most often occur in surgical pathology and are characterized by pronounced intensity, sudden onset, spread throughout the abdomen or in various parts of the abdomen, can be constant, cramping, give to the shoulder and back, chest, etc.n. There are also nausea, vomiting, weakness, chills, palpitations, as well as protective tension of the abdominal wall – local or diffuse. Such symptoms occur in acute appendicitis, acute peritonitis, perforated stomach and duodenal ulcer, acute cholecystitis and pancreatitis, acute intestinal obstruction, as well as acute inflammation of the appendages, etc.

Naturally, in such situations, in no case should you self-medicate, drink painkillers or use a heating pad! These cases require emergency medical attention! Before the arrival of the ambulance team, it is better to be in a prone position, you can use cold on the stomach (ice from the refrigerator, wrapped in a bag, a bottle of ice water), which will reduce pain and slow down the inflammation process.Apply cold on the stomach for 15 minutes, replacing it, as needed, before the arrival of the doctor. Also, you can not drink and eat, as this can blur the picture of the disease, worsen the course and provoke complications in the event of surgery.

Chronic or recurrent abdominal pain is less intense, without indications for immediate surgery. In classical cases, there is a correspondence between the localization of pain and the affected organ.

Pain in the upper third of the abdomen on the right is most often observed in diseases of the gallbladder and biliary tract, duodenum, pancreas, and right kidney.

In the upper abdomen in the center (in the epigastric region), pain associated with diseases of the stomach, lungs, even myocardial infarction, as well as with an enlarged liver, can be localized.

Pain in the epigastric region on the left occurs with damage to the stomach, pancreas, enlarged spleen, diseases of the colon, left kidney, and also with hernia of the esophageal opening of the diaphragm.

In the umbilical region, most often there are pains caused by a disease of the small intestine, damage to the vessels that feed the intestines.

The appearance of pain in the lower abdomen above the pubis can be associated with inflammation of the bladder, in men – problems with the prostate, and in women – with the uterus or ovaries.

Pain in the lower abdomen on the right (right groin) can be caused by appendicitis, diseases of the colon, kidneys, as well as inflammation of the appendages in women, ectopic pregnancy, or ovarian cysts.

Pain in the groin on the left can be a symptom of diverticulitis. This disease occurs in patients with long-term constipation.Other symptoms of diverticulitis include fever, nausea, vomiting, chills, and constipation. Treatment for diverticulitis usually includes a colon cleanse. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics and / or pain relievers, a liquid diet, and bed rest for several days.

Localization of pain does not always correspond to the location of the affected organ. In addition, complaints of abdominal pain can occur in a number of extraperitoneal diseases.

Thus, the symptom “abdominal pain” can hide a wide variety of diseases, mostly associated with damage to the gastrointestinal tract, but also diseases of other organs and systems, which require a comprehensive examination and sometimes supervision of different specialists.Not always even an experienced doctor without diagnostic procedures can accurately name the cause of the pain. However, self-medication or a late visit to a doctor can not only harm health, but also become a threat to the patient’s life. Be attentive to your health, even if the pain is tolerable, but persistent or recurrent – this is a reason to consult a therapist, gastroenterologist or surgeon!

Why does the child have a stomach ache? Causes, symptoms, first aid :: Clinician

fourteen
eleven.2017

Abdominal pain in young children is often the first symptom of any beginning disease, since pain associated with almost all organs is concentrated in the solar plexus region.

In most cases, a child’s stomach hurts due to digestive problems, from the fact that he has overeat. But, despite the seeming frivolity of such complaints, they can be very dangerous and require emergency medical intervention.

Abdominal pain in infants

Newborn babies often suffer from colic caused by inaccuracies in maternal nutrition or changes in the weather. The real cause of these infant pains lies in the unstable work of the infant’s digestive system and adaptation to new conditions of existence. By the age of two months, the situation in most families has stabilized, the child no longer cries from colic as often as before.

Congenital abnormalities of the digestive system, for example, gallbladder dyskinesia, can cause pain in newborns and preschoolers.At the same time, the child not only experiences pain, he has diarrhea. Treatment is prescribed by a pediatrician after examining the baby.

The symptom of intestinal intussusception, which occurs predominantly in infants from four to nine months, is acute pain in the child’s abdomen, which manifests itself in the child’s sudden anxiety, crying and unwillingness to eat. After a while, the attack also stops abruptly, but then it resumes again, and then the baby’s condition becomes very difficult.Vomiting appears, blood instead of feces during bowel movements, vomit with a fecal odor. Hospitalization is mandatory – call an ambulance at the first sign!

Volvulus and volvulus of the stomach – also occur mainly in newborns. Characterized by acute abdominal pain, vomiting, intestinal motor function is practically absent, as well as stool. The child rushes about, the tummy swells up asymmetrically. Treatment is surgical, be sure to call an ambulance.

Constipation in an infant causes abdominal pain and lack of approaches to the pot for more than three days, this condition often occurs after a high temperature.The child’s anxiety can be eliminated by giving him an enema, after which the intestines are emptied in the form of abundant stool and the baby calms down.

Abdominal pain in preschoolers

The most common cause of abdominal pain in preschoolers is gastritis, which occurs when the stomach is full or when a child eats rough food. The disease can be triggered by prolonged stress or a viral infection. Gastritis is manifested by pain in the stomach area, that is, in the upper abdomen, which accompany the symptoms:

• swelling;
• loss of appetite;
• nausea.

Treatment consists of diet, enzyme preparations and herbal medicine. Of the plants that have the most beneficial effect on the gastric mucosa, plantain can be called fresh or dried. There is a freeze-dried plantain extract called Plantaglucid in pharmacies.

Intestinal infections cause most irritating effects:

• cramping abdominal pain;
• diarrhea;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• temperature rise;
• weakness.

Pain is localized most often in the upper abdomen, but in older children, pain in the intestines can be observed. This group of infections is treated only with antibacterial drugs prescribed by a doctor.

Appendicitis is such a serious cause of acute abdominal pain that children suspected of having it are immediately admitted to the surgical department of the hospital. Distinguish between acute and catarrhal appendicitis, both are characterized by the occurrence of dull, aching pain in the right lower abdomen.At the very beginning of the development of the disease, a child may feel mild nausea, weakness and a slight rise in temperature. After a while, the pain becomes acute, unbearable, the baby cannot move, the abdominal muscles are tense. All these symptoms serve as an indication for emergency, urgent surgery, which does not pose a threat to the health of the child.

Worms are also the culprits of abdominal pain in children of any age, as they cause intestinal obstruction and inflammation of the appendix.The pain is paroxysmal, there may be diarrhea and vomiting, as well as a deterioration in the overall well-being of the baby. Treatment consists of eliminating intestinal obstruction and taking medications that destroy parasites.

Inflammation of the lungs causes acute pain in the abdomen when breathing, and the more often the baby breathes, the more it hurts. Pneumonia can be disguised as acute appendicitis, therefore, if a similar pathology is suspected, an X-ray examination is required. Treatment of pneumonia is always long, in a hospital setting, the recovery period is quite long.

Acute bronchitis, tracheitis and especially whooping cough, which causes a debilitating cough, the day after the attack can give abdominal pain when laughing, coughing and any physical exertion. This is not dangerous, because the pain is muscle and does not require treatment.

Stomach pain in schoolchildren

Almost all children after a long run have abdominal pain, as well as muscle pain in the abdominal press on the next day after intense exercise.This is completely normal and does not require medical attention.

Girls with the onset of the menstrual cycle may feel severe pulling pains in the lower abdomen in the first days of menstruation, most often after prolonged sitting at a desk at school. This symptom speaks of the physiological features of the structure and location of the uterus, such as bending. A hallmark of these pains is their sudden cessation after a few minutes of walking. Treatment is not required, but for painful periods, consultation with a gynecologist is required.

Children of primary school age and adolescents who are prone to hysteria and have heightened emotionality often disturb parents and doctors with bouts of acute or muted abdominal pain. Especially often they occur before the start of events that are unpleasant for the child – a control at school or classes with a tutor. But this is not a fiction, children actually experience pain, nausea, they can vomit or diarrhea begins. Psychosomatic diseases are the child’s response to too high loads, most often children with a fine nervous organization, prone to self-hypnosis, suffer from this.Treatment in this case is only symptomatic, consultation of a psychologist or psychiatrist is required.

Hepatitis is a serious disease in which the liver becomes inflamed and enlarged, stretching the capsule in which it is located, thereby causing a dull, aching pain in the right hypochondrium. In addition, symptoms of hepatitis may include:

• rash;
• temperature rise;
• nausea;
• vomiting.

Treatment is always inpatient, since hepatitis is transmitted mainly by contact, with the exception of some forms transmitted through blood.

Girdle pain, radiating to the back and lasting, with impaired appetite, vomiting and nausea, signs of intoxication are characteristic of acute pancreatitis. This is an inflammation of the pancreas, which is most often caused by a complication after an infectious or viral disease. With pancreatitis, children lie on their left side, trying not to move, as this aggravates the pain. The pediatrician prescribes treatment depending on the stage of the disease, and surgical intervention is also possible.

Pain spread all over the abdomen, radiating to the back or groin, can occur in children with any urological syndrome. So, with acute pyelonephritis, the pain is not strong, dull, there is a feeling of discomfort, the child tries to take a more comfortable position. Acute pyelonephritis is always accompanied by high fever.

Renal colic due to prolapse of the kidney or kidney stones gives the most severe and intolerable pain, comparable only to the pain of appendicitis.The child’s abdomen is very tense, there may be signs of bloating, nausea and vomiting appear, and there may be chills. With renal colic, children must be taken to the urology department.

Abdominal trauma can be very dangerous for a child, as it can lead to rupture of internal organs. Complaints of a child about abdominal pain after falling from a height or fighting, not to mention car accidents, should definitely alert parents. A visit to the hospital for such complaints is necessary in any case, especially if the child is feeling worse and worse.Internal bleeding is extremely dangerous for children.

First aid for abdominal pain

Parents with the appearance of abdominal pain in a child, especially if they are acute and aggravated by other alarming symptoms, should first call an ambulance. The child should be put to bed, not given any pain medications until the doctor arrives, as this can smooth out or distort the picture of the disease. Self-treatment of acute pain with antibiotics is unacceptable, since the cause of the disease may be completely different.

The importance of going to the doctor in the first hours of the onset of pain is that if the situation requires urgent surgical intervention, for example, with a strangulated hernia or acute appendicitis, then delay will lead to tragic consequences for the health, and maybe the life of the child. Especially dangerous in this respect are the newborn and adolescence of children. The clinical picture of the disease in infants often suffers from the absence of reliable symptoms or their smoothness, and adolescents tend to keep silent about the manifestations of pain, fearing medical intervention and the collapse of their plans.