Which of the following is a potential symptom of pelvic inflammatory disease?

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) is an infection of the female reproductive organs, and one of the hallmark symptoms associated with this condition is abdominal pain. This pain typically arises from inflammation caused by the infection, which may involve structures such as the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries. Patients with PID often report a range of symptoms, but abdominal pain is particularly common and significant.

The presence of abdominal pain helps to distinguish PID from other potential conditions, as it is closely linked to the reproductive organs' health and could indicate an underlying infection. Understanding this symptom is crucial for recognizing and diagnosing PID early, as untreated PID can lead to serious complications, including infertility.

The other options, while they may represent symptoms of various conditions, are not characteristic of pelvic inflammatory disease specifically. Severe headaches, muscle cramps, and nasal congestion do not typically correlate with PID, making abdominal pain the most relevant symptom in this context.