Everyone was already there; it’s a weekend or a weekday evening, your doctor’s office is closed and you or a family member are experiencing symptoms that may be severe – or not.
Although a visit to the ER can give you peace of mind, there are many reasons why people tend to avoid it – from copays to waiting times to possible exposure to viruses such as 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 attention.
So do not think twice; go directly to the ER if you or a family member experiences any of the following symptoms.
Last April, emergency room visits for heart attack symptoms decreased by nearly 40%, probably due to patients’ fears about 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 pain in other parts of the body, such as in your jaw. , neck or back.
In addition, nausea, vomiting or dizziness can also be accompanied by a heart attack. Seek medical attention immediately 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. Whether the emergency is a trauma center or not, it will have far more resources than your local emergency care center, such as advanced imaging equipment and diagnostic tests, general surgeons available 24 hours a day, and doctors trained in trauma medicine.
Do not wait if you or a family member has experienced severe trauma – call an ambulance or go directly to the ER.
Life can be a pain in the neck – so there are many reasons why you may experience pain in your neck. But if you experience neck stiffness and high fever, call 911 or go directly to the emergency room. Both are symptomatic of meningitis, a deadly infection of the membrane that covers the spinal cord and brain, says the Meningitis Research Foundation.
If it’s not just something you’ve eaten, it can visit emergency. Sudden pain in the right side of your abdomen can be a case of appendicitis and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting and bloating.
If you have appendicitis, time is of the essence, as a ruptured appendix infection can spread through your abdomen and can be life-threatening.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of a stroke, you need help quickly – and QUICKLY is the best way to quickly recall the signs: face hanging, weakness in the arm, sluggish speech and time around 911. The American Stroke Association encourages someone who experience any of these symptoms to call an ambulance or go to the ER immediately.
For people with severe allergies, there are some things that Benadryl cannot cure. Severe anaphylaxis or anaphylactic shock justifies a 911 call or a quick trip to the emergency room.
According to Everyday Health, symptoms of severe allergic reaction include coughing, itchy throat or mouth, nausea and vomiting, itching or rash or dizziness or lightheadedness. Every second counts if you experience anaphylaxis, so go to the STAT of an emergency.
In many people, COVID-19 can feel like a soft bug. But keep in mind that according to the New York Times, the virus has killed more than 400,000 Americans and that it can be extremely serious, especially in the elderly or people with pre-existing medical conditions.
If you have COVID-19 and have difficulty breathing, bluish face lips, difficulty waking or staying awake, confusion or persistent pain or pressure in the chest, it is important to seek medical emergencies.
Remember, every second is important if you are experiencing a serious medical problem, so never consider a trip to the emergency room if your health is at stake. The health workers at Steward Health Care are ready and willing to help you when severe symptoms occur. Find your nearest emergency room for more information.