Emergency medicine can be life-saving. Even if you have some philosophical, religious or financial objection to doing this, it is in your best interest to take action unless you are very sure of what is causing the significant symptoms you have reported or you have already seen a qualified doctor recently regarding them.
Signs, symptoms & indicators of A Potentially Urgent Medical Need
Black or tarry stools
Blood, as seen in the stool, can originate anywhere along the intestinal tract. A black stool (called melena) usually means that the blood is coming from the upper part of the tract. At least 2 Tablespoons (60ml) of blood must have been lost in order to make the stool black. Maroon-colored stools suggest that the blood is coming from the middle portion of the intestinal tract, and bright red from the large bowel or rectum. If stools change color suddenly, it can be evidence of internal bleeding which requires immediate medical attention.
The ingestion of black licorice, lead, iron pills, Pepto-Bismol, or blueberries can all cause black stools or false melena. Stools should be tested for the presence of hidden blood.
(Frequent/significant) blood in stools
Significant bleeding from anywhere in the body requires immediate medical attention. Small amounts of red blood, especially on the toilet tissue, are most likely from hemorrhoids.
Severe abdominal discomfort
Severe acute or prolonged abdominal pain is a possible symptom of many serious conditions. You are advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible, unless you already know the cause of the pain.
Severe right/severe/severe left lower abdominal pain
Acute/recent abdominal pain
Counter Indicators
Chronic abdominal pain
Unilateral/bilateral eye pain
Severe eye pain should be investigated aggressively to prevent the possible consequence of blindness.
Chest pain when breathing or chest pain when breathing in or chest pain when breathing out
The sensation of a “catch” at the end of a deep breath is clinically important as a symptom of pulmonary embolism (a clot to the lung). This requires immediate evaluation by a physician.
Having blood in urine
Conditions that suggest A Potentially Urgent Medical Need
Ulcerative Colitis
Due to blood and electrolyte loss, as well as the need to prevent further tissue damage, early diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease is important.
Anorexia / Starvation Tendency
Hospitalization is recommended for anorexics with any of the following characteristics:
Not being under doctor's supervision
Seeing a doctor on a regular basis can help prevent the sudden and unexpected health crisis.
Risk factors for A Potentially Urgent Medical Need
Being under medical/being under alternative care or being under joint medical supervison
No recent pap smear test
Recommendations for A Potentially Urgent Medical Need
Key
| Weak or unproven link |
| Strong or generally accepted link |
| Proven definite or direct link |
| Strongly counter-indicative |
| Very strongly or absolutely counter-indicative |
| Highly recommended |
Glossary
Tablespoon
(Tbsp) Equivalent to 15cc (15ml).
Iron
An essential mineral. Prevents anemia: as a constituent of hemoglobin, transports oxygen throughout the body. Virtually all of the oxygen used by cells in the life process are brought to the cells by the hemoglobin of red blood cells. Iron is a small but most vital, component of the hemoglobin in 20,000 billion red blood cells, of which 115 million are formed every minute. Heme iron (from meat) is absorbed 10 times more readily than the ferrous or ferric form.
Hemorrhoids
Varicose disorder causing painful swellings at the anus; piles.
Acute
An illness or symptom of sudden onset, which generally has a short duration.
Pulmonary
Pertaining to the lungs.
Embolism
Obstruction of a vessel by an abnormal body, usually a detached blood clot.
Electrolyte
An element or compound that, when melted or dissolved in water or other solvent, breaks up into ions and is able to carry an electric current.