Is It Necessary for My Sister to Visit the Emergency Room?
My sister, a 22-year-old woman weighing 130 pounds and standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall, went to urgent care four days ago due to symptoms indicative of an acute urinary tract infection. The physician prescribed her cefuroxime axetil and sent her home with the medication. Fortunately, her symptoms improved over the following days. However, two days ago, she began to experience increasing discomfort in her back. Just a couple of hours ago, the pain escalated significantly, accompanied by tenderness in the costovertebral angle, prompting her to call me in tears due to the severity of her pain. She has not exhibited any signs of fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting. Should I consider taking her to the emergency room, bearing in mind that she continues her antibiotic treatment as prescribed?
Answers (1)
6/21/2025, 4:50:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like your sister is experiencing significant back pain that is concerning, especially because it is associated with her recent urinary tract infection (UTI) treatment. The discomfort in her back, particularly if there is tenderness in the costovertebral angle, could indicate a possible complication, such as a kidney infection (pyelonephritis), which warrants immediate attention.
Explanation:
The costovertebral angle is the area at the lower back where the ribs meet the spine, and tenderness there can suggest that the kidneys might be involved, especially following a UTI. While the absence of fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting might suggest that she’s not having a full-blown infection, significant pain in this area, especially if it worsens, should not be ignored.
Next Steps:
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Immediate Evaluation: Given her current symptoms and the escalation in pain, it's advisable to take her to the emergency room. Pain of this nature should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out serious conditions such as a kidney infection or other complications.
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Medication Review: Ensure she continues to take her prescribed antibiotics as directed, but do not wait for the next dose before seeking care. Inform the medical team at the ER about her antibiotic use when you arrive.
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Pain Management: Based on her comfort, consider providing her with a warm compress for temporary relief during transport, but be cautious that she is not feeling nauseous, as heat could sometimes exacerbate that feeling.
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Monitoring: Keep tracking her symptoms, noting anything new, such as changes in pain, onset of nausea, or urinary symptoms. Share this information with the healthcare providers.
It’s best to act quickly in this situation to ensure your sister receives the care she needs. Your support in this moment is crucial for her comfort and well-being.
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