It can be difficult to decipher when to go to the emergency room or an urgent care center for an uncomfortable symptom, particularly during a public health crisis. In most cases, it’s better to go than to take risks. If you’re unsure about whether or not you or someone you know should seek immediate care, take a look at the following emergency-related symptoms. 

How to Know You Need Immediate Care

Brain

Conditions and injuries that affect the brain are not to be taken lightly, and it’s much better to be safe than sorry. From a stroke to a mild concussion, if brain function seems to have been altered in any way, you or your loved one should seek medical attention immediately. General symptoms requiring emergency care include:

• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Vision loss
• Trouble speaking

Respiratory

If you walk up the stairs or raise your heart rate with physical activity, there’s usually no need for alarm. If shortness of breath or difficulty breathing occurs for an unassociated reason, it could be cause for concern.

Causes could be immediate threats, such as a heart attack, anaphylaxis, choking, or a serious asthma attack. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of COVID-19 as well, so call 911 or an urgent care clinic to discuss how you feel.

Cardiac

Pain in the chest may not indicate a heart attack or another cardiac episode, but you should never take a chance. Unless you’re highly confident that it’s not a heart attack, call 911 or head straight to the emergency room. 

Symptoms aren’t always universal—they can feel like bad indigestion or present minimal pain—so use your best judgment. If you have shortness of breath, weakness, or a fainting sensation that won’t improve no matter what you do, seek immediate help.

Bleeding

Severe bleeding is a stark sign that immediate care is necessary. Blood loss can be life-threatening, so make every attempt to stop the bleeding on the way to the emergency room. If you’re alone, call 911 and wait for the paramedics.

Cuts and wounds that aren’t life-threatening still need prompt care, however. Visit an urgent care clinic as soon as you possibly can.

If you feel your life is in danger, call 911. When you need urgent care that’s not life-threatening, trust the industry-leading professionals at Palladium Primary Care in High Point, NC. Their positive environment and detailed examinations offer expert-level care for the whole family. Whether you’re in need of immediate care or treatment for a specific medical condition, the doctors are ready to assist. Visit their website for a complete list of services and call (336) 841-8500 for assistance.