What could cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, joint pain, and extreme tiredness in a 35-year-old patient?

Question

Hello doctor,

My husband is 35 years old and has severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and joint pain, and he is feeling very tired too. He has had this for two days, and the symptoms are not reducing even after taking medicines for fever and vomiting. Is this anything serious? Will he require hospitalization? Before that, can I get him tested for any specific infections? Please, we need your opinion and suggestions regarding this. Can these symptoms be treated?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to Icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

It would be impossible to determine if he requires admission without physically examining him. Admission depends on the physical state of a patient such as his blood pressure, pulse and respiratory rate otherwise known as his vitals. There are other factors but those are the most common determinants. The symptoms you describe are most likely due to malaria depending on if it is endemic in your region or it could be due to sepsis with a gastro-intestinal focus. Your husband would most likely benefit from a malaria test and a complete blood count. A blood culture may be further needed based on those results. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with them, and take the examinations with their consent. In the meantime, you could give him 1000 milligrams of Paracetamol (Calpol) every eight hours and try to get a prescription of Promethazine (Phenergan) oral tablets 25 milligrams from a doctor . This only treats the symptoms and is not a cure. You can only be sure of the right treatment after the results of the investigations are available. I hope your husband gets well soon.

Do have a great day.

Thank you.