“Knowing symptoms that require emergency medical care can help save you time and ensure that you get proper medical attention when you need it,” says Walter Atha, M.D., medical director of the Howard County General Hospital Emergency Department (ED).

According to the American College of Emergency Physicians, the following symptoms may warrant a trip to the ED*:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Abdominal pain
• Severe or persistent diarrhea
• Coughing or vomiting blood
• High fever
• Fainting, sudden dizziness or weakness
• Confusion or changes in mental status
• Changes in vision
• Difficulty speaking
• Severe headache
• Weakness in your arm or leg
• Suicidal feelings

* Please note that this list is not all inclusive.

“While this list of symptoms is a helpful guideline for adults, adults and children differ both in the medical issues that affect them and the symptoms they exhibit,” explains Atha. “Symptoms that are serious for a child might not be as serious for an adult. Always seek immediate medical attention if you think your child is having a medical emergency.”

For a life-threatening medical condition, call 911 immediately. For less acute medical conditions, check with your primary care physician before coming to the ED as this may prevent an unnecessary visit.