Emergency medicine physicians frequently encounter a wide spectrum of medical situations, making them uniquely positioned to identify potentially serious conditions based on patient-reported pain. While the interpretation of pain can be subjective and vary significantly between individuals, certain types of pain are consistently flagged as reasons for immediate medical attention.
Dr. Michael Turturro, a professor of emergency medicine at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, advises that pain should never be ignored. He notes that what might seem minor to one person could indicate a serious underlying issue in another. "It's better to be told nothing is wrong than to regret not seeing a medical professional sooner," he stated.
Sudden and Persistent Pain
A sudden, severe pain that does not subside is a key indicator that requires medical evaluation, according to Turturro. This applies to pain anywhere in the body. If a new pain is particularly troubling or unlike anything experienced before, seeking urgent medical attention is recommended. "We'd rather people err on the side of caution," Turturro added.
Chest Pain
Chest pain is a significant concern due to its association with potentially life-threatening conditions such as heart attacks. Dr. Mark Conroy, an emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, highlights that sudden onset chest pain, especially in individuals with pre-existing heart conditions or risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, or high cholesterol, warrants prompt evaluation. Beyond cardiac events, chest pain can also signal other serious issues like a pulmonary embolism or aortic dissection. However, Conroy also notes that chest pain can stem from less severe causes, such as heartburn, underscoring the need for professional diagnosis.
Calf Pain with Redness
Lower leg pain, specifically in the calf, accompanied by swelling or redness, is a cause for concern regarding deep vein thrombosis (DVT), according to Conroy. This is particularly relevant for individuals who have recently undergone surgery, experienced immobility, or taken long flights.
Upper Back Pain with Tearing Sensation
While back pain is common, an upper back pain described as a tearing sensation warrants immediate medical attention. Conroy explains that this symptom could indicate a problem with the aorta, the body's main artery.
Certain Lower Abdominal Pains
The abdomen presents diagnostic challenges due to the variety of potential causes for pain. Conroy notes that pain in the lower abdomen or flank area, especially when accompanied by fever, could suggest kidney stones or a kidney infection. If this pain is associated with nausea and vomiting, appendicitis is a possibility.
The overarching advice from these medical professionals is that any pain causing significant worry or presenting with alarming symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor. While the outcome may be reassurance that no serious condition is present, seeking medical advice is always preferable to ignoring potentially critical symptoms. For non-emergent but urgent needs, alternatives like urgent care centers or primary care physician offices may offer more affordable options than emergency departments. However, for any doubt about the severity of symptoms, emergency department visits are recommended for safety.