7 Signs You Should Call 911 Right Away (And 5 False Alarms)
What do we label as a medical emergency?
This question has been long debated for ages; recently, I’ve noticed countless blog posts claiming that even the smallest health issues should send us straight to the ER. Not only are those articles confusing, but they can also induce us panic without any real reason.
And since Wellness Captain is dedicated to offering high-quality, real information to everyone, today’s experts will help us understand when we should really be worried.
Today, we’ll have a look at 8 signs you really should call 911 for yourself or a loved one. We’re also going to bust 7 health-emergency myths that will make us realize not every unpleasant symptom requires immediate medical assistance.
CALL 911: Severe allergic reactions
If you or someone else around you is suddenly starting to show severe signs of an allergic reaction, it’s definitely time to call 911 as soon as possible. The most common signs of severe allergy are:
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the throat and mouth areas
- Blue lips or skin
- Extreme dizziness
- Increased heart rate
ATTENTION! Severe allergic reactions can be fatal in less than one hour; this is a real medical emergency and there is absolutely no time to hesitate.
Luckily, though, there are solutions. My in-depth post discusses everything you should know about allergy shots, including potential adverse reactions and how long this procedure really takes; you can check it out right here.