Have you ever had a health condition that initially didn’t seem like a big deal but eventually made you need emergency care? Minor emergencies are classified as conditions that can be both solved in and outside of an emergency room. These can be issues that are common like headaches but grow severe over time.
Sometimes, people believe they can handle it on their own or it will eventually go away. While this is the case in some scenarios, other cases become what could be deemed minor conditions severe and even life-threatening. Here are three minor medical emergencies that you can prepare for ahead of time.
Toothaches
Have you ever experienced a toothache? These are usually the byproduct of an oral infection. Even if your tooth pain comes from a recent fracture, the damage often comes from tooth erosion you may or may not have noticed.
Trying to ignore this condition can lead to excruciating pain, tooth loss, and costly treatment. This is especially true if you have a cracked tooth. As soon as your tooth gives you a bit of discomfort, seek help as soon as you can. If the pain becomes too intense to handle, consider seeking emergency dental care. Finding a professional to help you right away can prevent your tooth from experiencing severe decay. If you have lost your tooth, you may be able to save it with immediate treatment.
Lingering Cold and Flu-Like Symptoms
The symptoms of a common cold usually last for up to two weeks. During this time, your immune system is working overtime to fight infection and restore wellness as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the longer your cold and flu-like symptoms last, your body becomes more vulnerable to other conditions. This is because your immune system doesn’t have time to rest and gradually weakens.
If your symptoms haven’t gone away within two weeks, you should schedule a doctor’s appointment. They can give you insight into why your health isn’t improving as well as the best treatment options for your condition.
Migraines
Like toothaches, migraines often go ignored. Headaches can be a sign of minor issues like forgetting to drink water or stress. These symptoms go away relatively quickly. On the other hand, migraines can be a sign of a serious underlying health condition like a stroke. If it’s considered one of the worst headaches you’ve had in your life, the pain wakes you up, or your body goes numb, seek emergency care immediately.
Going to the emergency room can be inconvenient. However, lingering or abnormally painful symptoms can be an indication of a life-threatening illness. Get to urgent care quickly to avoid further injury.
This article is from Brooke Chaplan, a freelance writer and blogger. She lives and works out of her home in Los Lunas, New Mexico. She loves the outdoors and spends most of her time hiking, biking, and gardening. For more information contact Brooke via Twitter @BrookeChaplan.
