As we age, our bodies often remind us of our limitations through various aches and pains. While some discomfort can be attributed to the natural wear and tear of life, there are certain types of pain that should never be ignored, regardless of your age.
These pains could be harbingers of serious health issues that require immediate medical attention.
Dr Michael Turturro, a seasoned emergency medicine professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Dr Mark Conroy, an emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, have shared their insights on the types of pain that warrant a trip to the emergency department.
We believe our readers must be well-informed about these warning signs.
1. Sudden and Persistent Pain
If you experience a sudden onset of severe pain that doesn’t subside, it’s time to take notice. This type of pain can occur anywhere in the body and should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible.
It could be a sign of something serious, and delaying medical attention could have dire consequences.
‘We’d rather people err on the side of caution,’ Dr Turturro said. ‘If they’re concerned enough that they feel something is not right and they need to be evaluated, then they should be evaluated, whether or not it’s related to something serious or not.’
2. Chest Pain
Chest pain is a well-known symptom of heart attacks, but it can also indicate other severe conditions, such as blood clots in the lungs or tears in major chest vessels.
‘Chest pain is definitely a concerning one to us. If people are developing that sudden onset of chest pain, something they’ve never felt before, or they’ve had it before and they’ve been told that they have heart problems, they should be checked out sooner rather than later,’ Dr Conroy said.
Given the high stakes, chest pain should never be taken lightly, especially in older individuals or those with risk factors for heart disease, including hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
While chest pain can sometimes have benign causes like heartburn, it’s essential to get it checked out to rule out life-threatening issues.
3. Calf Pain with Redness and Swelling
Pain in the lower leg, particularly the calf, accompanied by swelling and redness, could signal a deep venous thrombosis (DVT), a type of blood clot.
This is especially concerning if you’ve recently had surgery, been bedridden, or taken a long flight.
‘That would be a concerning pain that I would definitely want someone to get seen sooner rather than later for, especially if they recently had surgery and they’ve been just lying in bed, or … they had a long plane ride recently,’ Dr Conroy said.
4. Upper Back Pain with a Tearing Sensation
Back pain is common, but if you feel a tearing sensation through your upper back or behind the chest, it could indicate a problem with the aorta, the body’s main artery.
‘Having that tearing sensation can represent a problem with the main large blood vessel in your body, called the aorta,’ Dr Conroy said.
This type of pain is a red flag for an aortic dissection, a serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention.
5. Specific Lower Abdominal Pains
The abdomen is a complex area with many potential pain sources, making it a concern for emergency physicians.
Pain in the lower back or lower abdomen, particularly if it’s accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting, could be a sign of kidney stones, kidney infection, or appendicitis. These conditions often require prompt treatment to avoid further complications.
‘If you’re having abdominal pain, or what we call flank pain … kind of the right or left portion of your lower back or lower abdomen, then certainly that could be concerning for things like kidney stones, or if you’re having fevers with it, it can be a kidney infection,’ Dr Conroy said.
The Bottom Line: Trust Your Instincts
When it comes to pain, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you’re worried about any pain you’re experiencing, it’s a valid reason to visit a doctor.
While the prospect of unnecessary medical bills can be daunting, especially with the higher costs associated with emergency room visits, your health and safety are paramount.
Consider visiting an urgent care centre or contacting your primary care provider for non-emergent but urgent issues.
Remember, our readers at YourLifeChoices, your health is your most valuable asset. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention when your body sends you a warning signal.
Have you ever experienced a pain that prompted an emergency visit? Share your experiences in the comments below, and let’s discuss the importance of listening to our bodies.
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