Dealing with Non-Emergency Medical Issues

When You Should Reach Out to Your Healthcare Provider
It's essential to know when to seek advice from your healthcare provider for non-emergency medical issues. Here are some scenarios where you should make that call:

• Persistent High Fever: If your temperature exceeds 103˚ Fahrenheit (39.4˚ Celsius) for a prolonged period or if you experience a fever lasting more than three days.
• Severe Cold Symptoms: Contact your doctor if you have a severe cough lasting more than two weeks, symptoms resembling the flu such as fever and muscle aches, significant difficulty in swallowing, chest pain, shortness of breath, or if you're unable to retain food and fluids.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: If you've lost more than 10% of your body weight in the past six months without trying and you're not considered obese.
• Sudden Shortness of Breath: Seek medical advice if you experience breathlessness suddenly and intensely without being at a high altitude, engaging in strenuous activity, being overweight, or being in extreme temperatures.
• Severe Pain: Immediate medical attention is necessary for ongoing severe chest, abdominal, or pelvic pain, indicating possible conditions like a heart attack, gallstones, appendicitis, or a kidney infection.
• Changes in Bowel or Urination Habits: Alert your healthcare provider about any noticeable changes such as bloody or black stools, persistent diarrhea or constipation, or unusually frequent urination.
• Visual Disturbances: Sudden, bright flashes in your vision may indicate retinal

detachment, a condition requiring urgent care. (Note: Bright flashes and spots may also occur
with migraines.)

• Mental Health or Cognitive Changes: If you notice confusion, changes in

mood, difficulty concentrating, irregular sleep patterns, or feelings of anxiety
or depression, it could signify mental health issues or other physical conditions.

• Post-Injury Concerns: After a head injury, if symptoms like difficulty concentrating

headache, irritability, or a change in sleep patterns arise, it may
suggest a concussion.

• Postoperative or Medication-Related Symptoms: Should you

experience unexpected symptoms following surgery, a medical
procedure, or after starting a new medication, reach out to your
healthcare provider.
Understanding when to consult your healthcare provider for these
non-emergency situations can ensure you receive the right
care at the right time.