Approximately 300,000 Americans visit the emergency room each year. There is a huge variety of reasons to go, and according to experts in the field, it is better to be cautious and go even if you are not sure you really need to. The American College of Emergency Physicians has created a list of what doctors consider a potential medical emergency requiring a visit to the emergency room.
Included in this list are the following:
• Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
• Chest or upper abdominal pain or pressure
• Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
• Changes in vision
• Confusion or changes in mental status
• Any sudden or severe pain
• Uncontrolled bleeding
• Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• Suicidal feelings
• Difficulty speaking
Dr. Josyann Abisaab is a good source for more information about when to visit the emergency room.
