Good Healthcare Requires Treatment of Your Mind, Body, and Soul

3 Common Symptoms That Usually Don't Require A Trip To The Emergency Room

23 September 2014 by Hugh Larson

The average emergency room patient waits 58.1 minutes before being seen by someone -- and that "someone" might not even be the doctor. After finally being admitted to the hospital, you may even rack up another 97 minutes in transfer time as you wait to go to your assigned room. When you're in severe pain or feeling ill, every minute counts. Skip the long wait times at your local ER and head to a walk in clinic for prompt care if you're experiencing any of these 3 symptoms. 

Cough

In most situations, a cough is an annoying but benign symptom. Coughing usually occurs when an excess amount of mucus drains down the back of the throat, but infection or inflammation of the upper respiratory system can also cause a cough. An experienced healthcare practitioner at the nearest clinic can examine your throat for signs of infection and listen to your lungs with a stethoscope. If an infection is suspected, the practitioner can prescribe antibiotics and recommend an appropriate recovery plan that may include plenty of liquids and rest. 

There are some instances where a cough can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Consider going to the ER rather than the clinic if you experience any of the following:

• A cough that accompanies severe chest pain and swollen legs, as this may indicate a pulmonary embolism
• A barking or wheezing cough that leaves you gasping for breath, especially if you have asthma 
• Coughing that causes bloody mucus to come out of your throat, which can be a sign of several different dangers issues

Rash

A rash is the general term used to describe any outbreak or discoloration of the skin, from poison ivy to hives caused by allergic reactions. Rashes may be raised or flat, and they may itch, burn, or feel warm to the touch. Some rashes are noninfectious, while others can be spread easily if another person comes in contact with your skin, clothing, or bedding. 

If you have a rash, it is best to head to a clinic as soon as you can. The doctor on duty can prescribe an ointment or lotion to dry up the rash, which can help make you more comfortable and reduce your chances of spreading the condition to others. If your rash was caused by a food allergy, the clinic workers may be able to run blood tests or use other methods to pinpoint what caused the reaction. 

A rash that is accompanied by badly swollen lips, wheezing, disorientation, or confusion may be a sign of a severe allergic reaction. If you have these serious symptoms along with your rash, visit the ER. 

Bruises 

It is common to end up with a bruise after bumping into something or falling on the ground. Poor dietary habits or issues with blood clotting may also cause bruising. Most bruises heal on their own and do not require immediate medical care, but some need to be evaluated. Visit the doctor at a walk-in medical office immediately if you:

• Have bruises on your face, particularly around the temples or forehead, as this may indicate a concussion
• Wake up covered in bruises and have no clue how they got there, as you may be sleepwalking
• Have scrapes that accompany your bruises and are worried they may be infected
• Notice that your bruises are very slow to heal 

There are some symptoms and conditions that require an immediate trip to the ER, such as severe chest pain or broken bones. Most other conditions can be treated at your local clinic or urgent care center, and you don't even need to make an appointment in advance. If you're battling aches and pains or a fighting off the unpleasant symptoms of a virus, stop by a walk-in medical center to get checked out by an experienced, compassionate medical team. 

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