Severe stomach pain near the belly button, pain near the rib. Have asthma. Headache, sneezing. Pneumonia?
Patient: Hi, I have asthma . Tuesday night I ate a a restaurant and became sick that night. For the next three days I experienced severe stomach pain near the belly button that would come and go. Friday night I developed sinus symptoms that I believe has lead to a sinus infection . Headache , fever, stuffy nose, sneezing , yellow snot, etc. I think it s starting to go to my chest. I have a dry cough but it s not constant. I do have to clear my throat. I m also experience an ache in my lower right rib when I touch it. Could these all be symptoms of pneumonia or something else? I m not sure if the vomiting was related to my sinus issue. Doctor: Hello Melissa,  Your initial symptoms of a stomach bug and the ongoing symptoms of sinusitis, headache, sneezing, cough could all be connected with a viral gastroenteritis followed by a chest infection.  The pain in the rib is usually an inflammation of the lining surrounding the lungs, called pleura, and hence referred as pleuritis.  I hope the stomach or gastrointestinal symptoms have now cleared up and if not, you will need a stool c/s followed by a Chest X Ray to ensure there is no pneumonia; and urine c/s (if there are urinary symptoms as well). Additional blood tests would be a complete blood count, liver function tests, CRP. The treatment will then depend on the results.   Typically a viral gastroenteritis does not require any therapy, but you must ensure you drink a lot of water, take rest, have some anti-emetics (anti-sickness drug) if nausea is severe. Antihistamines such as cetirizine and paracetamol will help with the sinus symptoms.  Hope that helps. Best Wishes.