Dealing with an illness is never easy. Many types of illnesses can harm one’s overall health, some of which require immediate medical attention. And this is especially important to pay attention to for those who have preexisting medical conditions.
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Significant issues with one’s physical health can cause a tremendous amount of anxiety, stress, and pain for those suffering from them and their family and friends. Learning about these illnesses’ symptoms can help you take preventative action, which could be life-saving.
General Signs That You Should See a Physician Right Away
There are obvious signs that you need to immediately visit the nearest urgent care center and see a doctor. These include:
If you feel any of these symptoms, it is vital to seek medical attention right away. This is because the symptoms you’re feeling may indicate that you have an underlying health condition that needs to be treated immediately.
The 5 Illnesses That Require Immediate Medical Attention
While most chronic illnesses can be treated with medications or modified behavior, some require immediate medical attention. These include:
1. Diabetes
Diabetes is one of the most common chronic illnesses in America today. The disease results from high blood sugar levels, or glucose, which can cause health problems if not adequately treated.
When you have diabetes, your body cannot produce enough of the hormone insulin, or it can’t properly use the insulin that is present. Because of this, the sugar in your blood builds up and causes problems. Diabetes is divided into two types: Type I and Type II.
2. A Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood and oxygen can’t reach parts of the brain. It is triggered by a blockage or rupture of a blood vessel in the brain, depriving the brain of oxygen.
The most common sign is paralysis on one side of the body, often accompanied by slurred speech, confusion, and facial drooping. A person having a stroke should see a doctor immediately to prevent additional damage.
3. Heart Attack
A heart attack occurs when blood flow to the heart is blocked, resulting in damage or death of the tissue. The most common signs are sudden chest pain, shortness of breath, back or jaw pain, dizziness, fainting, nausea, or vomiting.
When this happens, you should call 911 immediately. While you are waiting for medical help to arrive, chew an aspirin or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (like ibuprofen) to help prevent additional damage from occurring.
4. A Brain Tumor
A brain tumor is a growth of abnormal tissue in the brain, which means it requires immediate medical attention. This is because it can cause seizures, headaches, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, slurred speech, weakness or numbness in the face or limbs, or changes in behavior.
It can be challenging to prevent a brain tumor, so you should see a doctor right away if you have any of the symptoms listed. Brain cancer can also spread to other parts of the body, so visiting a doctor as soon as possible may be able to prevent it from getting worse.
5. A Bacterial Infection
Bacterial infections are serious because they can lead to severe illness, sepsis, gangrene, or death. They include pneumonia, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, peritonitis, and septicemia.
Some signs that your body is infected include high fever, rapid breathing, bluish skin color, confusion or drowsiness, difficult or painful swallowing, and night sweats. If you begin experiencing any of these signs, immediately see a doctor for treatment because this could lead to a severe bacterial infection.
Why You Should Take Better Care of Yourself
If you don’t take care of yourself when you’re sick or injured, you may end up in the hospital. Not taking care of yourself can lead to health problems like dehydration, malnutrition, and infection.
When you’re sick, it’s essential to drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and get enough rest. If you’re injured, it’s critical to keep the wound clean and dry and seek medical attention if it doesn’t start healing correctly. Taking care of yourself when you’re sick or injured can prevent these problems from occurring and make your recovery easier.
