Everyone has been there; it’s a weekend or a night during the week, your doctor’s office is closed and you or a family member is showing symptoms that can be serious – or not.
While a trip to the ER can give you peace of mind, there are many reasons why people tend to avoid it – from co-payments to waiting times to possible exposure to viruses like COVID-19. If you have ever wondered if a trip to the emergency room is necessary – especially during a pandemic – it is important to recognize the types of symptoms that require immediate medical help.
So don’t think twice; go straight to the emergency room if you or a family member experiences any of the following symptoms.
Last April, visits to the ER for symptoms of heart attack decreased by almost 40%, probably due to patients’ fear of exposure to COVID-19, reports the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.
But unexplained chest pain should never be ignored, warns the American Heart Association – especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms of a heart attack, such as shortness of breath, pain in one or both arms or other areas of the body, such as jaw, neck or back.
In addition, nausea, vomiting or dizziness can also accompany a heart attack. Get immediate medical attention if you experience sudden chest pain or any combination of these symptoms.
A bad fall, a deep cut, a car accident, an accidental gunshot wound or a head injury of any kind should always be treated by an emergency doctor. Whether the emergency room is a trauma center or not, it will have many more features than the local emergency care center, such as advanced imaging equipment and diagnostic tests, general surgeons available 24 hours a day and doctors trained in medicine. of trauma.
Don’t wait if you or a relative has had a serious trauma – call an ambulance or go straight to the emergency room.
Life can be a pain in the neck – so there are many reasons why you can experience pain in the neck. But if you are feeling stiff neck combined with a high fever, call 911 or go straight to the ER. Both are symptomatic of meningitis, a deadly infection of the membrane that covers the spinal cord and brain, says the Meningitis Research Foundation.
When it’s not just something you ate, it may justify a visit to the emergency room. Sudden pain on the right side of the abdomen can be a case of appendicitis and is usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting and bloating.
If you have appendicitis, time is of the essence, as a ruptured appendix spreads the infection throughout your abdomen and can be fatal.
If you experience the symptoms of a stroke, you need quick help – and FAST is the best way to quickly remember the telltale signs: drooping face, weak arm, slurred speech and time to call 911. The American Stroke Association recommends anyone any of these symptoms to call an ambulance or go to the emergency room right away.
For people with severe allergies, there are some things that Benadryl cannot cure. Severe anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock warrant a 911 call or a quick trip to the emergency room.
According to Everyday Health, symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include coughing, itching in the throat or mouth, nausea and vomiting, itching or rash or dizziness or dizziness. Every second counts when you are having anaphylaxis, so go to an emergency room with STAT.
In many people, COVID-19 can seem like a light bug. But keep in mind that the virus has killed more than 400,000 Americans according to the New York Times, and can be extremely serious, especially in older people or those with pre-existing medical conditions.
If you have COVID-19 and have difficulty breathing, blue lips, difficulty waking up or staying awake, confusion or pain or persistent pressure in the chest, it is important to seek emergency medical attention.
Remember that every second counts when you are experiencing a potentially serious medical condition, so never overthink a trip to the ER when your health is at stake. Steward Health Care healthcare professionals are prepared and ready to assist you when severe symptoms occur. Find the nearest emergency room for more information.