When to visit hospital in this pandemic

A pandemic shifts focus. You are so focused on the current COVID crisis that you ignore other warning signals from your body. These symptoms, even if they are mild, are signs of an impending medical emergency. If you identify these signs early, you can prevent a full-blown medical emergency. Here are some of the major symptoms that should never be ignored.
 

Pain
When you get a sudden severe pain, it is unmistakable and you will rush to the hospital, but sometimes the pain is not very sudden or severe. It starts as a mild persistent pain, discomfort or pressure and gradually worsens. If it gets worse with movement, exertion or when you lie down, then it is time to have it checked out.
 Some major diseases and their pain symptoms:

• A pain/ discomfort in the chest, arm, shoulder, jaw or back could be a heart problem
• A pain that starts near your navel and drifts downwards and to the right abdomen could be an appendicitis
• Pain in the joints made worse when you move could be a joint injury or degenerative bone disease
• Abdominal cramps and pain could be ulcers or other gastrointestinal disease
• Persistent pain in the head could be a sign of stroke or any other brain problem

 
Fainting/ dizziness
Sudden onset of fainting and dizzy spells, and confusion and difficulty to wake up are all signs or major problems. These could indicate heart disease, brain or spine problems including stroke, major problems with the digestive organs including liver damage etc. Do not ignore any of these symptoms, as they will get worse requiring emergency care if not treated early.
 
Nausea/ vomiting
Persistent nausea and vomiting for more than a few days are symptoms of many major diseases. They could indicate food or other poisoning, infections, brain problem including tumour, digestive problem including ulcers and appendicitis, cancers and intestinal obstructions, kidney problems etc. If it persists for more than a few days, consult a doctor.
 
Injuries/ burns
Injuries and burns when minor can be treated at home, but if the burn is extensive with open wounds that leak fluid or if an injury is deep with uncontrolled bleeding, you will have to visit a hospital for immediate treatment. Head injuries are especially critical as they may lead to life threatening complications if left untreated.
 
Severe asthma/ wheezing
If you suffer from breathing problems, be aware of escalating symptoms. You may have inhalers to use in emergencies, but if your asthma or wheezing attack is severe, you will have to rush to the hospital to clear your airways.
 
Vision/ speech/ movement problems
Any sensory or balance problem is a symptom of brain disease or disorder. Sudden or gradual, they require immediate assessment, diagnosis and treatment to prevent their progress to life threatening conditions.
 
Diabetes/ hypertension
If you are a diabetes or hypertension patient, you will be aware of the complications that may arise when the conditions are not managed. Uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension can damage nearly all organs of the body. Heart attack, stroke, kidney failure, vision problems and foot sores are some of the complications caused. If you notice any developing symptom, visit the hospital at the earliest to prevent complications.
 
COVID-19 – symptoms that you should be aware of
Fever, dry cough, shortness of breath and fatigue are the early signs of COVID-19. If you have these symptoms, get medical help immediately.
 
MMRV Hospital is one of the best hospitals, which has been upgraded to a COVID ready hospital.
We have upgraded our disinfection and sanitization protocols to ICMR guidelines. All medical personnel are equipped with PPEs for total protection. Dedicated COVID isolation ward is available to treat COVID patients.  We are COVID ready to provide you the best treatment for all conditions.