Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Can I have pain without an infection?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Can I have pain without an infection?
by kerlyn, Jul 17, 2004 12:00AM
I have a history of diverticular problems. On June 30 2004 I had a sharp pain in my left side at the waist. Also had a dull ache around my back. I was put on antibiotic and the symptoms went away...until yesterday when the sharp pain returned. I was sent to the ER by my doctor and a CT scan was done. The CT scan showed no problems with my colon so now it is thought I might have a kidney infection although they are taking a culture of my urine since no blood showed up in the urinalysis. Is it possible for me to have pain without a "condition"?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jul 18, 2004 12:00AM
, Jul 18, 2004 12:00AM
Abdominal pain can sometimes be frustrating to treat when all the tests come back negative. Possible causes in that area would indeed be diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel disease or a kidney infection. If you are female, a variety of gynecological diseases can also result in pain.
If the CT is negative, and kidney infection has been ruled out, then I would suggest a colonoscopy to ensure there is no further inflammation or polyps that can be causing the symptoms. If you are female, a transvaginal ultrasound can evaluate the ovaries for possible cysts.
If all the tests are negative, irritable bowel disease may be considered, and antispasmodic agents may help.
You may want to discuss these options with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
If the CT is negative, and kidney infection has been ruled out, then I would suggest a colonoscopy to ensure there is no further inflammation or polyps that can be causing the symptoms. If you are female, a transvaginal ultrasound can evaluate the ovaries for possible cysts.
If all the tests are negative, irritable bowel disease may be considered, and antispasmodic agents may help.
You may want to discuss these options with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
