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Published on: Apr 01, 2022
1 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

What’s Causing Pain In My Lower Left Abdomen?

There are many potential causes of pain in the lower left abdomen, and it's important to get checked out by a doctor to determine the cause. Some of the more common causes include:

- Gastrointestinal problems such as constipation, diarrhea, or inflammation of the bowel (colitis)

- Urinary tract infection or kidney stones

- Problems with the reproductive organs such as uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, or pelvic inflammatory disease

-Appendicitis

-Crohn's disease or other forms of inflammatory bowel disease

-Ulcerative colitis

-Kidney stones or infection

-Liver disease such as hepatitis or cirrhosis

-Pancreatitis

If you are experiencing recurrent or persistent pain in the lower left abdomen, it is important to seek medical attention in order to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Lower left abdominal pain can also be caused by less serious conditions, such as gas or indigestion. So if you're experiencing pain in your lower left abdomen, it's important to see a doctor to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment.

The pain could be caused by a number of things, such as a urinary tract infection, ovarian cyst, or appendicitis. However, the most likely cause is gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). GERD occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. This can cause a burning sensation in the chest or throat called heartburn. It can also cause pain in the lower left abdomen. Other symptoms of GERD include a sour taste in the mouth, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing.

It's impossible to know for certain without a physical examination, but it's possible that you might have an infection, such as appendicitis, in your left lower abdomen. Other possibilities could include Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or ovarian cysts. I would recommend seeing a doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis.

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Viral Fever vs Bacterial Fever: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Viral Fever vs Bacterial Fever: What’s the difference?

Fever is one of the most common health complaints. But did you know not all fevers are the same? While many people think of fever as just a high body temperature, it’s actually a sign that your body is fighting an infection. Two major types of infections that cause fever are viral and bacterial. Understanding the difference between viral fever vs bacterial fever is important because the treatment for each is different.

Let’s explore what makes them different, how to identify each, and what you should do when you or your loved ones have a fever.

What is a Fever?

A fever is when your body temperature rises above the normal range, which is typically around 98.6°F (37°C). A temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) is usually considered a fever. It is your body’s way of responding to infection, inflammation, or illness.

But what causes this infection? That’s where viruses and bacteria come in.

What is a Viral Fever?

A viral fever is caused by a virus. Viruses are tiny germs that enter your body and use your cells to reproduce. The body raises its temperature to make it harder for the virus to survive and spread.

Common Viral Fever Examples:

Common cold
Influenza (flu)
Dengue
COVID-19
Viral gastroenteritis

Symptoms of Viral Fever:

Mild to moderate fever (usually under 102°F)
Body aches
Headache
Sore throat
Runny or blocked nose
Fatigue
Cough
Diarrhea or vomiting (in some cases)

How Long Does it Last?

Most viral fevers go away in 3 to 7 days on their own with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medicines like paracetamol.

What is a Bacterial Fever?

A bacterial fever is caused by an infection from bacteria, which are different from viruses. Unlike viruses, bacteria can live and multiply on their own. Some bacteria are harmless or even helpful, but others can cause disease.

Common Bacterial Fever Examples:

Typhoid
Strep throat
Urinary tract infections (UTI)
Pneumonia
Tuberculosis

Symptoms of Bacterial Fever:

High fever (often above 102°F)
Chills or shivering
Localized pain (like throat, ear, or stomach)
Swelling or pus formation
Fatigue
Sometimes, rash or skin infection

How Long Does it Last?

Without treatment, bacterial infections can get worse. Most bacterial fevers need antibiotics and may take 5 to 14 days to resolve.

Viral Fever vs Bacterial Fever: Key Differences

Feature	Viral Fever	Bacterial Fever
Cause	Virus	Bacteria
Fever Level	Mild to moderate	High (often over 102°F)
Symptoms	General body symptoms (cold, cough, fatigue)	Localized symptoms (ear, throat, urinary pain)
Duration	3–7 days	5–14 days (with antibiotics)
Treatment	Supportive care (rest, fluids, paracetamol)	Requires antibiotics
Contagious?	Yes	Sometimes, depending on the type

When to See a Doctor?

While many fevers go away on their own, some signs indicate you should consult a doctor immediately:

Fever lasting more than 3 days
Very high fever (above 103°F)
Severe headache or confusion
Difficulty breathing
Rash with fever
Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
Painful urination

In such cases, a medical expert can diagnose whether the fever is viral or bacterial and suggest the right treatment.

How Do Doctors Identify the Type of Fever?

Doctors usually ask about your symptoms, how long you’ve had the fever, and may perform a physical exam. They might also suggest some tests like:

Blood test
Urine test
Throat swab
X-ray (if pneumonia is suspected)

These help determine whether your illness is due to a virus or bacteria.

Treatment: Viral Fever vs Bacterial Fever

Viral Fever Treatment:

Rest: Let your body heal.
Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids.
Medication: Paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever.
Isolation: To prevent spreading the virus.

Note: Antibiotics do not work on viruses and should never be used for viral infections.

Bacterial Fever Treatment:

Antibiotics: Only after proper diagnosis.
Hydration: Especially if there is vomiting or diarrhea.
Follow-Up: Complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve.

Caution: Never self-medicate with antibiotics. Wrong use can lead to antibiotic resistance.

Preventing Fevers from Infections

Here are simple ways to reduce your chances of getting viral or bacterial infections:

Wash hands frequently with soap
Avoid close contact with sick individuals
Eat hygienic and well-cooked food
Keep your vaccinations up to date
Use mosquito repellents in monsoon season
Avoid unnecessary antibiotics

Conclusion

While viral fever vs bacterial fever may seem similar at first, they are different in causes, symptoms, and treatments. Recognizing the signs early can help you avoid complications and get the right care. Always consult a qualified doctor if your fever persists or worsens.

At Second Medic, our expert doctors are available online to guide you with accurate diagnosis and treatment — whether it’s a viral fever or bacterial fever. Don’t guess your health; get expert advice from the comfort of your home.

Book an online consultation now for viral fever vs bacterial fever treatment with Second Medic.