8 Health Conditions That Should Never Be Ignored

“Waiting and delaying even when you are having symptoms or a medical emergency can be life threatening. While it is important to stay at home and follow social distancing, it is critical to know when to go to the emergency department” said Dr Dr Sree Sowjanya Patibandla, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department, Continental Institute of Trauma and Emergency Medicine
Some minor health issues can be managed at home but it is vital to understand symptoms and signs that need medical attention. Here are a few that everyone should know about.

Bleeding that Doesn’t Stop

Severe wounds that cannot be controlled with bandages and pressure need attention quickly, otherwise they can lead to life threatening blood loss and even death. Especially internal bleeding, which can become life threatening very fast.

Breathing Problems

Difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, uncomfortable breathing are extremely important symptoms and must be reported promptly.

Changes in Mental State

Unusual behaviour, confusion and low arousal along with disorientation could be signs of something more sinister.

Chest pain

Usually associated with a heart attack, chest pain can be a symptom of a disorder in multiple systems like heart, lungs, oesophagus, nervous system and muscles. The pain may also spread to neck, back and abdomen.

Blood in Cough

A serious symptom that must never be ignored. This usually is a sign of a major disease.

Fainting or Loss of Consciousness

There could be many possible causes of loss of consciousness and this or any other change in mental status must be treated as a medical emergency.

Severe Abdominal Pain

Severe pain may be from something as simple as gas or cramps, or it can be a sign of something more serious that needs immediate attention.

Sudden Dizziness, Weakness or Change in vision

These can all be signs of a stroke or other neurological problems. Even poisoning or infectious diseases can have these symptoms and therefore, rushing to a healthcare facility is important.
Beyond these, here are some more symptoms for which you should seek medical attention:

• Head or spine injury.
• Severe or persistent vomiting.
• Sudden injury due to a motor vehicle accident, burns or smoke inhalation, near drowning, deep or large wounds or other injuries.
• Sudden and severe pain anywhere in the body.
• Swallowing a poisonous substance.

“If you feel something is not right or if some signs are getting worse, go to a trusted hospital. At Continental Hospitals, we are following the best standards of patient safety with segregated entry, floors, equipment and staff to ensure that every patient gets the required medical care. We are committed to it.” says Dr Rahul Medakkar, Chief Executive Officer, Continental Hospitals.

Dr Sree Sowjanya Patibandla

Chief Executive Officer
Continental Hospitals

Disclaimer: : The views and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author. They do not reflect the opinions or views of the organization.