When do you need to go to the emergency room? Key Symptoms and Emergency Guidelines

Emergency departments are used to treat sudden, critical health problems, but not all illnesses require an emergency visit. This article is divided into five parts:Critical symptoms requiring immediate medical attention(such as chest pain, difficulty breathing),Sub-emergency situations that need to be evaluated as quickly as possible(If the high fever does not go away),Observable mild symptoms(such as a minor sprain), andSuggestions on choosing between emergency and outpatient clinicsandSummarize the principles of judgment. Help readers prioritize and avoid delaying treatment or wasting medical resources.

1. Critical symptoms that require immediate emergency treatment

when appearsThreatening lifeWhen you have symptoms, you need to rush to see a doctor: ①persistent chest pain or pressure(Possibly myocardial infarction); ②Sudden severe headache with vomiting(Beware of cerebral hemorrhage); ③difficulty breathing or choking(such as acute asthma attack); ④Loss of consciousness or convulsions;⑤Severe trauma or heavy bleeding. The American Heart Association points out that for every hour delayed in receiving treatment for a myocardial infarction, the mortality rate increases by 10%. In this case, you need to call 120 and avoid driving by yourself.

2. Sub-emergency situations requiring emergency evaluation within 24 hours

Although some symptoms are not immediately fatal, they may worsen if delayed: ①High fever (body temperature >39°C) accompanied by listlessness(Children are especially wary of febrile convulsions); ②Severe abdominal pain that continues to get worse(Possible appendicitis or intestinal obstruction); ③Sudden visual impairment or slurred speech(Precursor of stroke); ④drug overdose or poisoning. Data from the emergency department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital shows that about 30% of abdominal pain patients develop perforation due to delay in seeking treatment. In such cases, it is recommended that family members accompany you and bring your past medical records.

3. Mild symptoms that can be observed or treated outpatient first

The following situations usually do not require emergency treatment: ①Common cold with low fever (<38.5℃);②Minor scrapes or sprains(No signs of fracture); ③Mild discomfort during the stable phase of chronic disease. But please note: If the redness and swelling of a small wound in a diabetic patient spreads, or if a patient with high blood pressure develops blurred vision, emergency treatment is still required. The Japanese Society of Emergency Medicine recommends that family doctors be given priority in non-emergency situations to avoid crowding in emergency rooms.

4. Summary: 3 principles for judging emergency needs

1.Are vital signs stable?(Pulse, breathing, consciousness); 2.Are symptoms sudden and rapidly worsening?;3.Whether there is a risk of worsening of underlying diseases. When in doubt, call the emergency hotline for consultation. Remember: emergency department resources are limited and only when used rationally can truly critical patients receive timely treatment.

Quote sources:
1. American Heart Association (AHA) "Guidelines for Cardiovascular Emergency Care" 2020 Edition
2. "Common Emergency Identification Manual" by the Emergency Department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital
3. Japanese Society of Emergency Medicine "Recommendations for Emergency Triage of Non-Emergency Patients" 2019