Many people try to avoid seeing physicians for minor illnesses, but certain health conditions require urgent care from medical professionals. While cuts, scratches and discomfort can often be treated on your own at home, it’s important to see an urgent care professional when you’re experiencing serious symptoms such as:
Weakness in Limbs
If your arms or legs become suddenly weak or numb, you should seek medical attention immediately, especially if you feel a tingling sensation. These symptoms may indicate a pinched nerve, but can also occur during a stroke, particularly when felt on one side of the body. Strokes can lead to permanent body and brain damage, so it’s critical to address them immediately.
Acute Headaches
Headaches can be caused by many factors from fatigue to dehydration and are not always serious. When headaches last longer than a few hours or coincide with vomiting or other changes in health, you should see an urgent care professional immediately.
Dizziness and Loss of Balance
When you lose your balance or feel dizziness, it can mean you have an ear infection or possibly an interrupted flow of blood to the brain. The latter scenario can be very dangerous and should be reported to medical professionals immediately.
Chest Pains
Sharp pain or pressure in the chest area can indicate problems with the heart or lungs. While these symptoms can also point to a minor respiratory infection, it’s best to visit urgent care to take tests to diagnose the discomfort.
Stomach Aches
Abdominal pain can have multiple causes, but in general, the sharper the pain, the more reason you should seek urgent care as soon as possible. Stomach aches that persist longer than a day or bloody stools should also be treated with serious concern.