Emergency Room vs. Urgent Care for Lung Problems
A 25-year-old woman dealing with chronic lung infections, hypoxia, chronic pancreatitis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and asthma shares her experience. Having undergone numerous long hospital stays, I've developed a form of trauma, feeling trapped during admissions. Consequently, I tend to postpone visits until absolutely necessary. For the last couple of days, I’ve been feeling extremely unwell. I suspect a possible lung infection, although I'm uncertain. My history includes several similar incidents along with episodes of hypoxia, which leads me to avoid the emergency room unless my oxygen level drops to 88 or below. However, over the last two days, my oxygen saturation has declined from the usual 97-98 down to around 90, occasionally slipping to 89, mainly fluctuating between 90 and 92. The sensation I’m experiencing this time is peculiar and unfamiliar. I tested my oxygen reader on my boyfriend, and it seems to be functioning well. Additionally, I'm suffering from severe back pain, ranking it a 10 on a scale of 1 to 10, located right between my shoulder blades. I’m struggling with wheezing, my heart rate remains over 90, and I'm becoming increasingly short of breath. Weakness envelops my entire body, paired with headaches and chills, although I don't have a fever. I genuinely hesitate to burden the emergency department staff unnecessarily. Given these symptoms, should I seek evaluation at the emergency room, or would it be more appropriate to visit urgent care? My concern is that urgent care might just advise me to go to the ER anyway, with a bit of irony involved.
Answers (1)
12/10/2025, 2:01:01 AM
OpenHealth AI
Given your description of symptoms, it’s important to prioritize your health and consider visiting the emergency room (ER) rather than urgent care. Your symptoms — particularly the fluctuation in oxygen saturation, significant back pain, wheezing, increased heart rate, and severe weakness — indicate that you could be experiencing a serious issue that requires immediate medical evaluation.
Explanation
You have a history of chronic lung problems and a significant drop in your oxygen levels, which suggests that your lungs aren’t functioning optimally right now. The fact that you’re also experiencing severe back pain and shortness of breath raises concern, especially since you often avoid medical care until situations worsen. It’s understandable to feel hesitant about seeking help due to past experiences, but your health should take priority.
Next Steps
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Visit the Emergency Room:
- Given your declining oxygen levels, wheezing, and severe back pain, it's crucial to have a healthcare professional evaluate you as soon as possible. The ER can provide the necessary treatments and interventions for respiratory distress.
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Bring Important Information:
- When you go, take a list of your medical history, current medications, and details about your previous lung infections and hospital stays. This can help the medical staff understand your situation better.
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Express Your Concerns:
- When you arrive, let them know about your hesitation to seek care and your previous experiences. This may help the team offer you a more reassuring experience.
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Monitor Your Symptoms:
- While you prepare to go to the ER, keep an eye on your symptoms. If you experience worsening breathlessness, chest pain, or an increase in other concerning symptoms, seek care immediately.
It's essential to feel safe and cared for, and getting the right help when symptoms are as concerning as yours can prevent more severe complications. Your health is the priority; don’t hesitate to seek the assistance you need.
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