Monday, April 2, 2018

When to Go to the Emergency Room


As attending physician in a busy Baltimore hospital’s emergency department, Dr. Kenneth “Ken” Mwatha cares for patients with a variety of life-threatening conditions, including heart attacks and serious trauma. Before establishing himself, Dr. Ken Mwatha underwent his residency in emergency medicine through Johns Hopkins Hospital, one of the most highly ranked hospitals in the world.

Patients may be reluctant to go to the emergency room (E.R.) since it costs significantly more than an office visit with their primary care doctor. However, emergency rooms can deliver life-saving interventions for time-sensitive conditions, and therefore patients with serious or alarming symptoms ought not to hesitate to visit their local E.R. 

One condition that necessitates a visit to the E.R. for immediate care is a heart attack. Symptoms of a heart attack include chest pain, shortness of breath, and a sudden outbreak of sweating. Ignoring these symptoms or delaying treatment can result in serious consequences, including death.

Moreover, any symptoms that interrupt or prevent breathing, like those coming as a result of allergic reactions, require immediate medical attention. The same goes for bleeding events such as those caused by deep cuts or internal injuries.