Roughly 124M individuals visit the ER annually, with 42M of those visits being for injury-related issues. Unfortunately, medical emergencies are so unforeseen. Most people who have had a medical emergency will typically state that the condition caught them unawares. For this reason, it is important to understand what concerns warrant an emergency visit. Continue reading to discover nine common reasons to see your Downey emergency medicine physician.
1. Chest Ache and Angina
Chest pains are one of the major reasons why people visit the emergency room. Chest pain must never be disregarded, as it may be an early sign of a heart attack. Heart attacks impact millions of individuals every year and are currently one of the primary reasons for death in the US.
2. Bone Fractures and Strains
Broken bones or fractures, as well as sprains, are among the most prevalent causes of emergency room visits. Most of these cases are due to athletic injuries or trauma. All fractures may necessitate immediate medical care.
Not all sprains demand immediate medical attention. Nonetheless, if you observe any discoloration or swelling, you should seek medical attention immediately.
3. Headaches and Migraines
Chronic headaches might hinder your ability to do daily tasks and even prevent you from sleeping. You should have your concerns evaluated to rule out serious conditions like brain tumors or cerebral hemorrhage.
4. Abdominal Pain
Surprisingly, many patients attend the emergency room daily with this health concern. You must never overlook abdominal aches as they may signal any of the following concerns:
- Viral or bacterial illnesses
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Appendicitis
- Food poisoning
- Kidney stones
- Ulcers
5. Dental Emergencies
Most people might not associate dental concerns with an ER visit, but many patients seek emergency care past normal dentist operating hours. For instance, a severe toothache might make it hard to sleep or go about your routine. Likewise, if dental health concerns like periodontal infections and abscesses are not treated soon enough, they might result in potentially life-threatening conditions.
6. Lacerations and Cuts That Bleed Excessively
Most lacerations are cuts that are associated with careless handling of glasses or knives. Whichever the cause, excessive bleeding requires prompt medical attention. Your emergency doctor will take measures to stop the bleeding, such as using bandages or stitches.
7. Upper Respiratory Tract Diseases
Viruses and infections are other prevalent reasons patients seek emergency care. In extreme cases, the common cold and influenza might necessitate emergency care. Common complications associated with untreated upper respiratory infections include lung abscess, mastoiditis, sinusitis, and even meningitis (especially in kids).
8. Sudden Dizziness or Fainting
Dehydration, fatigue, and long-standing hours, especially in hot temperatures, can all cause dizziness or fainting. If you are certain that these concerns are not to blame, then low blood sugar, low blood pressure, or a cardiac condition could be the underlying cause. These concerns require emergency care, which can sometimes cause life-threatening complications like stroke.
9. Back Pain
Backaches could result from overexertion or an accident during an athletic event. However, there are numerous other reasons for back pain, including spinal stenosis, muscle spasms, vertebrae fractures, and other spinal conditions. Back pain is quite disruptive; thus, you should address it immediately before the concern worsens.
Emergency care provides numerous benefits over the standard care approach, allowing patients to avoid long clinic wait times. At Younger World Med Spa, patients in and around California can access top-quality emergency care. Regardless of your condition, Dr. David Gutkin will examine your concerns and provide the most appropriate therapy. Schedule a consultation through mobile or book online.