Sudden Back Pain and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help?

Q: Sudden Back Pain and Nausea: When to Seek Medical Help?

Hello： If you have symptoms such as fever, lower back pain, and vomiting blood, you should go to the emergency room immediately to determine the cause. <br>Thank you for your message!

Sudden lower back pain accompanied by nausea?

Hello doctor, I urgently need advice.
My girlfriend woke up that morning with lower back pain and discomfort.
When she got to work, she started vomiting and even vomited blood.
Later, she felt like she had a fever.
At that moment, she found someone to cover her shift.
After work, she continued to complain about lower back pain, nausea, and general discomfort.
Once she got home, her temperature was 37.0°C.
Not long after, she fell asleep.
Which specialist should she see?

Afu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/09/11

Dr. Xie Rongyuan reply Internal Medicine

Hello: If you have symptoms such as fever, lower back pain, and vomiting blood, you should go to the emergency room immediately to determine the cause.
Thank you for your message!

Reply Date: 2022/09/11

More Info

When experiencing sudden back pain accompanied by nausea and vomiting, especially if there is the presence of blood in the vomit, it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. The combination of these symptoms can indicate a variety of underlying conditions, some of which may require immediate intervention.

Firstly, the sudden onset of back pain can be caused by numerous factors, including muscle strain, herniated discs, or even kidney issues. Given that your girlfriend also experienced nausea and vomiting, this raises the possibility of more serious conditions such as kidney stones, pancreatitis, or even an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The presence of blood in the vomit is particularly concerning and could indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which can arise from several causes, including ulcers or severe gastritis.

In this situation, it is advisable to visit an emergency department or urgent care facility. Medical professionals there can perform a thorough evaluation, which may include a physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies such as X-rays or a CT scan to determine the cause of the symptoms.
If the back pain is severe and associated with fever, it could suggest an infection, such as pyelonephritis (a kidney infection) or even an abscess. In such cases, antibiotics or other treatments may be necessary. Additionally, if there are any signs of neurological deficits (such as weakness, numbness, or changes in bowel or bladder control), this would further necessitate immediate medical evaluation.

In summary, the combination of sudden back pain, nausea, vomiting (especially with blood), and fever warrants urgent medical assessment. It is essential to act quickly to rule out any serious conditions and to receive appropriate treatment. Your girlfriend should see a healthcare provider as soon as possible, ideally in an emergency setting, to ensure her safety and well-being.

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