Tuesday, January 06, 2015

Tips on deciding what medical treatment is needed


January is here and it brings lots of situations where we need medical care.

● Should I get help for a cold?

● What if I fall on the ice or snow?

● How do I decide what kind of treatment is needed and who to see?

Some good answers are provided in part of a December 9th post on Forbes by Robert Glatter, MD entitled – Urgent Care or ER.

I’m pleased to share this information:

[snip]
Emergency Care or Urgent Care?

In general, urgent cares are appropriate for minor medical ailments (sprains, minor lacerations, sinus infections, sore throats, bronchitis, ear infections) or for a medical condition that could be treated in your family physician’s office, but the office is closed.

You should proceed to an emergency department if you feel that you might be experiencing a medical emergency. The following are some examples of warning signs of a medical emergency:

● Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath
● Chest pain or upper abdominal pain or pressure lasting two minutes or more
● Fainting, sudden dizziness, weakness
● Change in vision
● Difficulty speaking
● Confusion or changes in mental status, unusual behavior, difficulty walking,
● Any sudden and severe pain
● Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
● Coughing or vomiting blood
● Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
● Unusual abdominal pain
● Severe headache or vomiting after a head injury, unconsciousness, uncontrolled bleeding
[snip]