Having Muscle And Joint Pain. Suffer Abdominal Cramps, Diarrhea And Back Pain. Prescribed Tylenol. What Can Be Done?
Most likely enteric fever.
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Dengue fever is a disease that presents with fever and rashes over the skin. The patient experiences severe muscle and joint pains. This disease is spread by mosquito bites and also leads to dangerously low platelet counts showing up as rashes and bleeding which may become life threatening. Supportive care is given in this illness.
If dengue has been ruled out then I guess the doctor is right in asking for stool samples. I suppose enteric fever (typhoid and parathyphoid fevers) is one of the diagnosis which needs to be investigated in your boyfriend. This is a bacterial infection and is often diagnosed in blood tests. Stool tests also become necessary if he is consistently having symptoms of diarrhea. Hydration is most important to control the fluid loss which can cause electrolyte disturbances. Oral rehydration solutions work the best in such situations. He must take healthy home cooked food which is less spicy at the moment.
If his problems do not improve or worsen even after taking antibiotics, an ultrasound scan may help in knowing if there is any thing serious with the abdominal organs and give a better clinical insight.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back in case of doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek.