Emergency medical discomfort affects 25-29% of people worldwide, making it one of the most common reasons patients seek emergency care. In fact, pain-related disorders account for over 70% of emergency room visits. Emergency doctors see patients of various ages, but deciding what constitutes a “serious” disease is not always simple.

According to experts, there is no set guideline for determining which types of pain require immediate medical attention. “Unfortunately, it can vary so much from patient to patient, and even moderate pain can indicate a more serious condition. Dr. Michael Turturro, an emergency medicine professor at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, stated that pain should not be ignored.

Having said that, if you are experiencing pain, it is critical to seek medical attention. Addressing it early will help prevent consequences, and it is always advisable to be cautious. While all pain should be recognized, doctors told HuffPost that some symptoms, particularly those associated with emergency medical discomfort, are very troubling and should never be disregarded.

Here are the ones that need immediate medical attention. 1. Chest pains. Chest pain is often associated with heart attacks and should be addressed seriously. Dr. Mark Conroy, an emergency medicine specialist at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, recommends anyone suffering unexpected chest pain, especially if it is new or they have a history of cardiac problems, should seek medical attention immediately.

Dr. Turturro went on to say that this is especially critical for older persons and those with risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Chest discomfort is typically connected with heart attacks, but it can also indicate more serious diseases such as a blood clot in the lung or a tear in a major chest arterial.

However, not all chest discomfort is severe; some occurrences may be caused by less serious conditions such as heartburn. Because chest pain can be caused by a variety of circumstances, it is critical to avoid drawing premature judgments. While there is no need to panic, getting medical assistance to discover the cause is critical.

2. Specific lower abdominal pains. Abdominal discomfort can be difficult for doctors to identify due to its numerous origins. “So instead of specific conditions, it’s really more, how are the symptoms presenting?” Dr. Conroy explains. He emphasizes that pain in the lower abdomen or sides of the lower back could suggest kidney stones. A fever may indicate a kidney infection. Pain mixed with nausea and vomiting may indicate appendicitis. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek medical assistance immediately.

3. Upper back ache that seems to be tearing. Back discomfort is frequent and can be caused by ordinary activities such as bad sleeping position, ineffective exercise, or sitting in an unsupportive chair. While most back pain can be handled at home, Dr. Conroy cautions that some types require rapid medical attention. If you have a tearing feeling in your upper back or chest, it could be an indication of emergency medical pain, and you should seek medical attention right soon. Dr. Conroy notes that this type of pain could signify a significant problem with the aorta, the body’s main blood vessel, which could be fatal.

4. Unexpected and persistent pain Dr. Turturro adds that sudden, acute pain that does not go away should always be treated seriously. Any sudden and persistent discomfort is cause for concern and requires immediate attention. While a doctor must assess the pain to establish its severity, it is critical not to dismiss acute or severe discomfort.Even if the discomfort is little, it is prudent to seek medical attention.

For example, if you feel acute discomfort in your hand, don’t ignore it. If it’s distressing or unlike anything you’ve experienced before, you should seek immediate medical assistance.

5. Calf pain and redness. Dr. Conroy advises that pain in the lower leg, particularly in the calf, together with swelling or redness, may suggest a blood clot known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT).”That would be a concerning pain that I would definitely want someone to get seen sooner rather than later for, especially if they recently had surgery and they’ve been just laying in bed, or … they had a long plane ride recently,” he told me.

According to experts, any worried discomfort can be classified as emergency medical pain. Visiting a doctor, particularly in an emergency room, can be daunting. Still, it is critical not to overlook or discount any pain, especially if it is an emergency medical condition. Dr. Conroy emphasizes that obtaining medical assistance for concerned symptoms is always the best option for your health, regardless of how minor the problem is. A doctor’s appointment may include a fast evaluation and basic tests to confirm that the worst-case scenario is not the cause.

While emergency hospital visits can be costly, there are less expensive options for non-emergency situations, such as urgent care facilities or after-hours appointments with your primary care physician. However, some conditions necessitate rapid emergency care, and these visits are well worth the cost for your safety. If you are unsure about the gravity of your issue, urgent care workers or your doctor can advise you. When in doubt, visiting the emergency department is always a safer option.

NP Lorrie Pool discusses when you considered pain as an emergency medical pain on CLS Health.