If you’ve fallen ill or you’re experiencing sudden pain, you may be questioning whether your symptoms are serious enough to warrant a trip to the emergency room. When it comes to your health, you should never doubt yourself and risk allowing a condition to go unaddressed. Hospitals are staffed with emergency personnel who are trained and equipped to handle injuries and illnesses at all times. Here are situations that call for immediate medical care.

Symptoms That Warrant a Visit to the Emergency Room

1. High Fever

A sudden, high fever is usually an indication of a serious infection or illness which must be treated with medications. In children, fevers above 104 degrees are considered dangerous, as they could cause brain damage if not treated promptly. In adults, fevers accompanied by a rash, a stiff neck, diarrhea, nausea, or trouble breathing, demand prompt medical attention.

2. Difficulty Breathing

There are many potential underlying causes of labored breathing. The culprit could be a severe allergy, or it may be a life-threatening complication. It’s important to visit the emergency room to rule out any cardiac issues. A trip to the hospital means a quicker diagnosis and treatment, which can prevent symptoms from getting worse.

3. Severe Cuts, Burns & Wounds

If you have a deep cut, burn, or a possible broken bone, it’s critical to get treated immediately. Cuts and burns often require medical treatment to prevent infection or further damage and to minimize pain. With severe injuries, sutures, X-rays, and casts may also be required, and it’s important that these services are delivered quickly so that the injury doesn’t worsen.

4. Pain on the Right Side of the Abdomen

Experiencing abdominal pain on the lower right side of the body can indicate appendicitis, a rare but serious condition that can cause a deadly infection without medical intervention. Appendicitis may also be accompanied by vomiting, nausea, fever, and loss of appetite. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, visit your nearest hospital so you can receive treatment.

5. Head Injuries or Severe Pain

Certain head injuries and pain require immediate medical attention. It’s important that a patient sees a doctor after a head injury, especially if they lose consciousness, vomit, or become disoriented. This could indicate a concussion, which requires monitoring and may necessitate further treatment. Any severe headaches paired with visual disruptions or fever should be addressed as well.

Should you or a family member ever need timely, high-quality care, look no further than Fairbanks Clinic, Inc. in Alaska. This medical facility has a physician on call nightly to answer your questions after normal business hours. They will help determine if your situation necessitates a trip to the emergency room. They also have an interactive patient portal on their website where you can schedule appointments, request refills, and access medical information. Learn more or schedule an appointment by calling (907) 452-1761.