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Lesser-Known Issues You Can Go to the ER For

You may already know that we can quickly treat minor illnesses like pink eye, ear infections, strep throat, allergic reactions, and fevers at our emergency care centers. But the ER’s capacity to treat minor wounds is less well known. 

We treat sprains, fractures, burns, asthma attacks, and more. Along with EKGs, lab services, X-ray and imaging equipment, and access to advanced testing like ultrasound and CT scans, our emergency room also offers IV fluids and medications to treat dehydration, vomiting, and migraines. 

Some symptoms indicate a life-threatening emergency. You should seek care immediately if you experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or fainting. But we also treat many lesser-known issues at Houston Medical ER in Houston and Spring, Texas. 

Should you visit the ER?

Do you need to go to the emergency room if your child wakes up with a fever? Is a trip to the ER necessary if you cut your finger while preparing dinner? Making the right decision about where to receive care can be challenging, but you might be surprised to learn about these and other lesser-known issues that we treat.

Vertigo

Dizziness or vertigo is a symptom rather than a medical condition. You may feel like you're spinning or moving in relation to your surroundings. This sensation may be barely perceptible or so strong that it makes it difficult for you to maintain your balance and carry out daily tasks.

Vertigo can start slowly and last just a few seconds, or it can last much longer. Symptoms may persist and last for several days. With a simple examination, we may be able to determine the cause of some types of vertigo, but we may also recommend further testing.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) typically doesn't cause symptoms until serious health issues have developed. A third of American adults who have high blood pressure aren't even aware of it and aren't receiving treatment to lower it. 

Being overweight, not exercising, and having diseases like diabetes all increase your risk of high blood pressure. 

There are instances when high blood pressure is a medical emergency that needs to be treated immediately, such as when your blood pressure increases suddenly and significantly.

Seek treatment in the emergency room if your blood pressure is 180/120 or higher and you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or difficulty speaking. If you’re pregnant, visit us if your blood pressure is 140/90 or higher.

Rash

Most rashes are not life-threatening, but some rashes may indicate a more serious condition. Visit Houston Medical ER immediately if your body is covered in a rash. A rash that covers the entire body may be a sign of an infection or an allergic reaction.

If you are feverish, notice a rapidly growing rash, or blisters appear, seek emergency room treatment. These symptoms can indicate measles, mononucleosis, an allergic reaction, shingles, or an internal cause. 

Our providers at Houston Medical ER treat all kinds of problems, including earaches, sore throats, migraines, colds, lacerations, nausea and vomiting, and more. 

For questions or concerns, visit us at one of our emergency rooms in Houston and Spring, Texas. We never require an appointment, so you can call or walk in at any time.