Understanding When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

Emergency medicine doctors handle a wide range of serious medical issues. People of all ages depend on them when something significant goes wrong. But the question of what qualifies as “serious” — and what level of pain warrants a trip to the emergency room — is complex, experts say.

“It’s often variable from one patient to another. Sometimes, even someone with what seems like minor pain could have something seriously wrong. Pain shouldn’t be dismissed,” explained Dr. Michael Turturro, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

Essentially, if you’re experiencing any pain that concerns you, it’s wise to consult a doctor. Better to be reassured that nothing’s wrong than to regret not getting checked out sooner. (Of course, we understand that financial aspects also come into play — more on that later.)

Experts pointed out certain types of pain that are typically alarming enough to warrant immediate medical attention. Here are some key warning signs:

1. Sudden Pain That Doesn’t Fade

“Pain that comes on suddenly, is severe, and doesn’t go away is definitely something to pay attention to,” Turturro said. This can apply to any pain anywhere in the body.

A medical professional needs to evaluate it to determine its seriousness, but if you’re hit with an abrupt, concerning pain, don’t ignore it.

“Err on the side of caution,” he added. “If you feel something isn’t right, you should get evaluated, whether or not it’s something severe.”

So, if you suddenly notice new pain in your hand, don’t just brush it off. If it bothers you enough, especially if it’s a new sensation, consider getting urgent help.

2. Chest Pain

Chest pain is often associated with heart attacks, which makes it a critical issue to take seriously.

“If someone experiences sudden chest pain, especially if it’s unfamiliar or they have a history of heart issues, they should seek out medical attention quickly,” said Dr. Mark Conroy, an emergency medicine physician at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

Turturro noted that this type of pain is particularly concerning in older individuals or those with risk factors for heart disease, like high blood pressure or cholesterol.

Besides heart attacks, sharp chest pain could signal other serious conditions, such as a pulmonary embolism or tearing of major chest vessels. However, not all chest pain is alarming; it could also arise from something benign, such as heartburn. That said, it’s crucial not to ignore it. You should consult a doctor who can assess the situation.

3. Calf Pain Accompanied by Redness

Conroy mentions that calf pain can raise alarms when it’s paired with swelling or redness. “I often worry it could indicate a blood clot, or deep venous thrombosis (DVT),” he said.

If someone has recently had surgery or has been inactive for a long time, like during a lengthy flight, this type of pain warrants prompt attention.

4. Upper Back Pain with a Tearing Sensation

Back pain is quite common due to various activities, from poor sleeping positions to strenuous workouts. But a specific type of back pain requires immediate attention.

If you sense a tearing feeling in your upper back or chest, it’s advisable to seek professional help quickly. This sensation could indicate an issue with the aorta, the main blood vessel in the body.

5. Certain Lower Abdominal Pains

“Abdominal pain is often concerning because so many things can be happening,” Conroy said. It’s less about the specific issue and more about how the symptoms are presenting.

Abdominal or flank pain could be linked to kidney stones or, if accompanied by fever, a kidney infection.

Other possibilities include appendicitis, especially if you also experience nausea or vomiting. If you have concerning lower abdominal pain together with any troubling symptoms, it’s wise to consult a doctor promptly.

Conclusion: Don’t Ignore Pain That Worries You

While a trip to the doctor, especially an emergency department, can feel daunting, ignoring or downplaying pain is never a good idea.

Consulting a doctor regarding troubling symptoms is the best way to safeguard your health, even if it turns out to be nothing serious — and that’s ideally what you want to hear.

“You might receive a brief evaluation and some tests, and hopefully, reassurance that it’s not something serious,” Conroy pointed out.

It’s certainly frustrating to discover there’s nothing wrong, especially when facing high healthcare costs like those associated with emergency room visits.

If you need quick medical attention but it’s not emergent, urgent care is usually more affordable than the ER. Alternatively, contacting your primary care provider can help you find cheaper options, such as after-hours appointments. Nonetheless, there are situations that absolutely require immediate care, making the cost justifiable for your safety. Your primary care provider or urgent care staff can guide you in determining whether emergency services are necessary, and if there’s any uncertainty, it’s safer to head to the ER.