There are many reasons why men should visit the ER. Severe headaches, unrelenting stomach pain, serious injuries, and shortness of breath are all symptoms that warrant a visit to the emergency room. And men should never ignore symptoms like chest pain or difficulty speaking that might signal a heart attack or a stroke. Knowing when to visit the ER might just save your life—here are six common situations where men should seek emergency care.
Six Reasons for Men to Go to the Emergency Room
1: Chest Pain
Everyday complaints like heartburn, strained muscles, and indigestion can all cause chest pain. However, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men in the United States, which makes any unusual chest pain worth checking out. Men should seek emergency care if their chest pain becomes persistent, starts to radiate to other parts of the body, causes a sudden cold sweat, or is accompanied by nausea.
2: Major Cuts, Wounds, and Injuries
Did you know that unintentional injuries are the third highest cause of death among men in the United States? Men often engage in sports and strenuous activities, home improvement projects, or risky behaviors that can lead to serious injuries. Whether it’s a deep cut that needs stitches, a broken bone that needs x-rays, or another type of wound, it’s crucial to know how to recognize the signs of a serious injury so you can seek help.
4: Severe Stomach Pain
Stomach pain can range from minor issues like gas and indigestion to more severe conditions like appendicitis or ulcers. Stress, diet, and gas often cause minor stomach pain that resolves on its own. However, persistent or severe abdominal pain is something that should never be ignored.
When stomach pain is constant, intensifies, or is accompanied by symptoms like fever, vomiting, or changes in bowel movements, it can indicate a more serious condition. For example, stomach ulcers cause significant discomfort and may lead to more serious health issues if left untreated. And appendicitis is a condition that requires immediate medical attention to prevent life-threatening complications.
5: Respiratory Illness or Pneumonia
Because men are more likely to develop pneumonia, they should never ignore respiratory symptoms. Shortness of breath, a continuous cough, fever, body aches, and excessive mucus are typically signs of a serious respiratory illness. Symptoms can be brought on by the common cold, flu, bronchitis, or other respiratory conditions. But because men often wait longer to seek medical treatment for respiratory symptoms, they also have a higher risk of dying from pneumonia.
6: Strokes
Strokes are more common in men than women, and are the fourth leading cause of death in men in the United States. Although strokes are more likely to happen to men over the age of 65, it is also common for men to experience strokes earlier in life.
Having a stroke can lead to death, but even non-fatal strokes can have lasting debilitating effects like paralyzation and loss of speech. Symptoms of a stroke in men include face drooping, arm weakness, speech difficulty, vision problems, trouble walking, a lack of coordination, and severe headaches.
If you think someone may be experiencing signs of a stroke, remember to act quickly. Whenever there are signs of arm weakness, face drooping, and speech difficulty, it’s time to call 911. If you believe you may be experiencing a stroke, call for emergency assistance immediately.
Emergency Care for Men in Texas
At Total Point ER in Spring, Texas, we are always prepared to treat you or your loved ones in an emergency. From cuts and bruises to respiratory conditions, heart attacks, and strokes, our professionally trained medical staff is here to provide you with exceptional care around the clock.
With many convenient locations throughout the Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth areas, you can count on us whenever an emergency strikes.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels | used under the creative commons license for commercial use.