Ask a Doctor

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call or visit your local emergency service or go to a hospital.

The American College of Emergency Physicians  considers the following as warning signs of a medical emergency:

Bleeding that will not stop.

Breathing problems (difficulty breathing, shortness of breath).

Change in mental status (such as unusual behavior, confusion, difficulty arousing).

Chest pain.

Choking.

Coughing up or vomiting blood.

Fainting or loss of consciousness.

Feeling of committing suicide or murder.

Head or spine injury.

Severe or persistent vomiting.

Sudden injury due to a motor vehicle accident, burns or smoke inhalation, near drowning, deep or large wound, etc.

Severe, sudden pain anywhere in the body.

Dizziness, weakness, or change in vision.

Swallowing a poisonous substance – Upper abdominal pain or pressure.

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