Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
What Causes Pain In Left Side Of Abdomen Along With Chronic Fatigue?
My 12 year old neice has been complaining of stomach pain left side of her bellybutton. Bowel habits have not changed. She is scheduled for a upper GI and colonoscopy at the end of the month. However, she has been having chronic fatigue and frequent episodes of swollen glands mainly on the left side of her neck. She has been treated with antibiotics in the past and is currently on a steroid. She does not have a sore throat. Her PCP has done blood work, more recently a ASO level that was elevated. She has already had her tonsils removed. In Dec 2014, her alk phos level was 590, alt 13, neut pct auto 66.1%, lymph pct auto 26.1% and mpv 11.3. In Feb 2015, her alk phos was 459, alt 12, neut pct auto 60.1%, lymph pct auto 29.9%, mpv 10.9. she receives allergy shots but otherwise healthy. Her grandfather had a type of incurable leukemia. Does any of her blood work suggest anything odd? They have checked her for lyme disease, EBV, mono and all have been negative. Wandering if we chould ask to be referred to a specialist regarding the neck lymph nodes that seem to swell frequently and regarding her extreme tiredness which seems unusual for a 12 year old kid. Can you offer any suggestions?
Wed, 5 Apr 2023
Hi,
With several possible causes of left-sided abdominal pain, it is difficult to determine the cause without a physical examination and further testing. The fact that your niece is scheduled for an upper GI and colonoscopy suggests that her healthcare providers are trying to rule out gastrointestinal issues such as inflammatory bowel disease or polyps.
The chronic fatigue and frequent episodes of swollen glands on the left side of her neck may suggest an underlying infection or immune system issue. The elevated ASO level in her blood work may suggest a recent streptococcal infection. However, it is important to note that ASO levels can also be elevated in other conditions, such as rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis.
It is possible that her allergy shots may be contributing to her symptoms, as they can cause fatigue and flu-like symptoms in some people. However, it is also possible that her symptoms are unrelated to her allergy shots.
Given her symptoms and family history of leukemia, it may be worthwhile to request a referral to a hematologist or immunologist for further evaluation. They may want to do additional blood tests and imaging studies to rule out any underlying hematologic or immune system disorders.
Overall, it is important to continue working with your niece's healthcare providers to determine the cause of her symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
With several possible causes of left-sided abdominal pain, it is difficult to determine the cause without a physical examination and further testing. The fact that your niece is scheduled for an upper GI and colonoscopy suggests that her healthcare providers are trying to rule out gastrointestinal issues such as inflammatory bowel disease or polyps.
The chronic fatigue and frequent episodes of swollen glands on the left side of her neck may suggest an underlying infection or immune system issue. The elevated ASO level in her blood work may suggest a recent streptococcal infection. However, it is important to note that ASO levels can also be elevated in other conditions, such as rheumatic fever or glomerulonephritis.
It is possible that her allergy shots may be contributing to her symptoms, as they can cause fatigue and flu-like symptoms in some people. However, it is also possible that her symptoms are unrelated to her allergy shots.
Given her symptoms and family history of leukemia, it may be worthwhile to request a referral to a hematologist or immunologist for further evaluation. They may want to do additional blood tests and imaging studies to rule out any underlying hematologic or immune system disorders.
Overall, it is important to continue working with your niece's healthcare providers to determine the cause of her symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Loading Online Doctors....