Severe Allergic Reactions
Severe Allergic Reactions When you experience a severe allergic reaction, particularly if you have any trouble breathing or swallowing, your skin begins to swell and break out in rashes, or your throat starts to close up, call for emergency medical assistance. Anaphylaxis is often caused by insect bites and stings (especially bees), food allergies and […]
Breathing Difficulties
Breathing Difficulties If you’re having trouble breathing, medical attention is crucial. Call 911 right away, but if you can’t get an immediate response—and it’s an emergency—go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Doctors will help you determine whether you need treatment there or can be transported elsewhere for follow-up care. Never try to wait it […]
Loss of Consciousness
Loss of Consciousness When you lose consciousness or experience confusion, you need medical attention right away. Have someone call 911 and get to an emergency room as soon as possible. Breathing Problems: Trouble breathing isn’t just scary—it could be deadly. If your chest feels tight, you’re having trouble breathing, or someone notices that you’re gasping […]
Unbearable Pain
Unbearable Pain If you’re in pain, it’s generally a good idea to go to an emergency room. It’s especially important if your pain is associated with tingling, numbness, or any loss of sensation (sometimes known as paresthesia). Whether or not you go will depend on how long you’ve had your symptoms and how long they’ve […]
Rashes or itchiness
Rashes or itchiness There could be serious underlying issues such as an allergic reaction, and itching can mean there’s a potential for infection. Seek medical attention right away if you have a rash that doesn’t go away after several days, or if it looks infected—for example, if it’s spreading or you see redness around your […]
Nausea, digestive issues
Nausea, digestive issues Nauseous and have abdominal cramps? You may need some Pepto or Imodium, but you can probably wait a day before you head out. Odds are it’s something minor that will resolve itself on its own with a little rest and relaxation. Yes, in rare cases it could be appendicitis or something else […]
Cuts that don’t involve much blood but might need stitches
Cuts that don’t involve much blood but might need stitches The amount of blood visible is minimal, but there’s too much at risk to wait. If a cut is deep enough that it could involve tendons or nerves, which are just under the skin and hard to see, head to an ER immediately. Tendon injuries […]
Moderate breathing difficulties
Moderate breathing difficulties If you have any doubt about your ability to breathe on your own or whether a bout of wheezing is normal, it’s best to get yourself checked out at an emergency room. These things can be symptoms of something serious, but they’re also more common than people realize. More than 10 million […]
Sprains and strains
Sprains and strains If you sprain or strain a muscle, ligament, tendon or joint—even if it doesn’t hurt much—you should go to your doctor. If you don’t get treatment for small injuries like these, they can lead to other problems down the road. Signs that a small injury might be developing into something bigger include […]
Persistent eye discomfort
Persistent eye discomfort Severe eye pain can be a sign of anything from dry eye or conjunctivitis (pinkeye) to glaucoma. Dry eye and pinkeye both cause persistent discomfort, and are generally easily treatable. That said, you should seek out medical attention for either condition. Glaucoma symptoms include blurred vision, changes in your peripheral vision, or […]