Flu, cold, sore throat, cough, fever
Flu, cold, sore throat, cough, fever You’re sick, but is it a trip-to-the-ER type of sick? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) urges patients with these kinds of symptoms to visit their primary care physicians. But if you can’t get in right away or your doctor isn’t available, emergency rooms are an option. […]
Six Reasons to Go to the Emergency Room
Six Reasons to Go to the Emergency Room If you are having trouble breathing, have chest pain or are experiencing a lot of swelling in your body, go immediately. Minor swelling, such as in your fingers or toes (which is caused by extra fluid), can be treated with medication at home. If it becomes painful, […]
High fever in infants
High fever in infants In infants, a high fever can be a sign of serious infection, including meningitis. Also look for signs of dehydration and shock in children. Parents often consider taking their child’s temperature rectally (this is only accurate if you are consistent with placement) or underarm but these methods are less reliable than […]
Uncontained bleeding
Uncontained bleeding You may have an internal injury that could get worse if you don’t seek treatment. If your head, face or neck is injured, don’t use a tampon or fingers to stop bleeding — these can push a sharp object further into your body and cause further damage. You may need stitches in your […]
Serious injury to your head, neck, or back/spine
Serious injury to your head, neck, or back/spine If you’ve been in a serious accident and sustained an injury that affects these areas, you should absolutely head straight for an emergency room. Head injuries are delicate and can be extremely dangerous if they aren’t treated immediately, while neck and back injuries need to be attended […]
Coughing up or vomiting blood
Coughing up or vomiting blood Though a common occurrence in many accidental injury scenarios, coughing up or vomiting blood is a telltale sign of internal bleeding that needs medical attention right away. Coughing up blood can occur when you’ve hurt your throat and there’s damage to a small vein; vomiting blood could indicate that there’s […]
Serious burns or cuts
Serious burns or cuts If you have a serious burn or cut, head to an emergency room. For burns over 20 percent of your body or burns that cover your hands, feet, face, groin or buttocks, call 911 and don’t delay in getting medical help. These burns need immediate treatment at a hospital. The exception […]
Serious bone breaks
Serious bone breaks If you’ve broken a bone and it’s sticking out of your skin, don’t try to push it back in. Seek medical attention. If a bone is sticking out of your skin, get immediate medical attention! First responders typically use compression wraps for suspected broken bones until they can get you to an […]
Animal bites
Animal bites Although animal bites may not sound dangerous, they are a common cause of injury. Most commonly these bites occur from dogs, although cats and other pets can also inflict serious harm. A bite from any animal should be taken seriously, as bacteria such as Pasteurella and Staphylococcus can quickly infect a wound. Infection […]
Chest pain or symptoms of stroke
Chest pain or symptoms of stroke If you’re having chest pain or stroke symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness or loss of movement in an arm or leg, see a doctor immediately. Chest pain that lasts longer than 15 minutes is typically not caused by indigestion or heartburn. It could be a sign of a serious […]