When to Go to an ER for: Breathing Problems

When to Go to an ER for: Breathing Problems

Of the many things and processes as far as our bodies are concerned, there is none that comes more naturally, almost like second nature, such as breathing. It is something that just happens and it we hardly ever think about it. That is why, when we suddenly begin to experience breathing problems, it is usually very scary as it is something that shouldn’t happen normally and that is why most folks head to an ER, with FrontlineER.com being the best of the lot, as soon as they start to experience some difficulties breathing. This is not surprising as shortness of breath is associated with some very serious conditions such as a heart attacks and should therefore always be taken seriously. The panic associated with the fact that something that happens so naturally without one having to even think about it, is all of a sudden starting to become a problem is what usually makes it difficult to know cases of breathing problems requiring an ER visit and those where one can wait until they see their doctor or just head over to an urgent care facility. For example, a normal asthmatic attack is something that can be handled with asthma medicines and doesn’t necessarily warrant a visit to an ER. This article will therefore look to highlight instances where breathing problems mean that one should head over to an ER as soon as possible.

As a rule of thumb, something that is backed up by the subject matter experts over at FrontlineER.com, if you one starts experiencing breathing difficulties suddenly and they are unexplained, they should ensure that they head over to an ER as soon as possible to be assessed. This is important especially if the breathing problems are so severe, they are making it difficult or are interfering with your daily routines and activities. Another instance where one should go to an ER as soon as possible is if you start to experience difficulties breathing that come on suddenly and they are accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain. Sweating, dizziness and pain that spreads to your arms, jaw, neck or back. These are all telltale signs of a heart attack and should be taken very seriously as this is a legitimate medical emergency. As mentioned above, while minor or normal asthma attacks may not be medical emergencies, if the reason behind your breathing problems is a severe asthma attack that is not responding to your regular treatments and medications, and it is actually getting worse, then you should also head over to an ER as soon as possible. The same applies for cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, where the attack isn’t responding to medication either.

If you are a member of the high-risk groups which includes infants and young children, those over the age of 65 and those with a weakened immune system, and start having breathing problems which is accompanied by other symptoms that indicate that one is suffering from pneumonia, then visiting an ER should be the next thing you do, with FrontlineER.com being the best choice of them all. Common symptoms as far as pneumonia goes include persistent coughing, a very high or low heart rate, extreme fever as well as extreme fatigue. Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs and can be life-threatening especially for those in the above high-risk groups and should be taken seriously. If you start experiencing breathing problems after having taken a knock in the chest, from playing sport, an accident among other scenarios, then you should also head over to an ER as soon as possible. This is because this may indicate that you may have broken a rib or two and need to be attended to as soon as possible. Broken ribs can puncture underlying organs which they protect such as the lungs and as such an instance should be taken seriously.

If you start to experience difficulty breathing after having inhaled a toxic chemical, then as per the subject matter experts over at FrontlineER.com, you should ensure you head over to an ER as soon as possible to be assessed. The same applies in instances where you may have inhaled a toxic chemical and are coughing up blood as this may mean that the chemical may have damaged your lungs or airways and as such you require immediate emergency care. If you were using a charcoal burner for warmth and you start to experience breathing problems, it may indicate that you are suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning and may also need to head over to an ER so that you are assessed and attended to. Breathing problems may also be as a result of airway obstruction, which is something that is common in children. If therefore, you suspect your child may have swallowed something and that is why they are having breathing problems, they may have swallowed a toy for instance, you need to take no chances and take them to an ER as soon as possible to be attended to.

The above are some of the scenarios where one should look to go to an ER for breathing problems, with the best place to go being over at FrontlineER.com.

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