Seek medical advice: symptoms you should never ignore now

TL;DR:

Call emergency services for chest pain, stroke signs, severe breathing trouble.
Go urgent care for deep cuts, bad sprains, mild dehydration, high fever.
See a doctor fast for worsening cough, new severe headache, or confusion.
Seek help now for suicidal thoughts or intent, wherever you live.
Keep a personal plan, meds list, local numbers, and insurance info handy.

What this guide covers

This guide explains when to seek medical advice. It is for a global audience. It uses plain language. It does not replace a clinician. If in doubt, get help.

Three paths to care

You have three common options.

Emergency services. Use your country’s number, for example 112, 911, or 999. Call for any life threatening problem. MedlinePlus lists trouble breathing, severe bleeding, unconsciousness, and suspected heart attack as emergencies. Paramedics stabilize you and take you to hospital care.
Urgent care or same day clinics. Use these for serious but not life threatening issues. Examples include deep cuts that may need stitches, bad sprains, or painful ear infections. NHS guidance notes that A&E is for emergencies, and other cases can be directed to urgent treatment centers or a GP.
Primary care or telehealth. Use this for routine care and follow ups. Examples include long term back pain, prescription refills, or mild rashes without red flags.

Emergency red flags you should not ignore

Act fast if you notice any of the following in yourself or someone else.

Breathing or chest symptoms

New or worsening shortness of breath.
Chest pain or pressure, or pain spreading to arm, jaw, back, or shoulder.
Bluish lips or face.
The CDC lists these as emergency warning signs in adults and highlights them for heart attack risk.

Stroke signs: remember F.A.S.T.

Face drooping.
Arm weakness.
Speech difficulty.
Time to call emergency services.
The American Stroke Association urges calling right away, even if symptoms fade.

Head injury and severe headache

Headache after a head injury.
Sudden, severe headache unlike past headaches.
Headache with fever, neck stiffness, confusion, or vomiting.
Emergency physicians include these in their go now list.

Bleeding, injuries, or severe pain

Uncontrolled bleeding.
Deep wound with visible tissue or bone.
Severe or increasing pain.
These are common triggers for emergency care.

Confusion, seizures, or fainting

New confusion or inability to wake.
Seizures.
Fainting with injury or chest pain.
CDC emergency signs and MedlinePlus include these as reasons for urgent help.

Possible sepsis
Sepsis is a life threatening response to infection. Warning signs include confusion, fast breathing, very high or low temperature, and extreme discomfort. WHO and leading clinics warn to seek urgent care if sepsis is suspected.

When urgent care or same day care makes sense

Choose urgent care if you have:

Cuts that may need stitches, but bleeding is controlled.
Sprains and strains with swelling, but no limb deformity.
Mild dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea, but you can drink.
NHS guidance explains that non emergency cases can be redirected to urgent centers or GP services.

When to book a doctor visit within 24 to 72 hours

Arrange fast primary care if you have:

Fever that returns or worsens after getting better.
Worsening cough, wheeze, or shortness of breath in asthma or COPD.
New severe back pain, or pain with numbness or weakness.
A mole or skin lesion that changes quickly.
CDC includes “fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen” among adult warning signs that merit immediate care. If severe or with breathing trouble, seek emergency help.

Mental health: seek help right away if you feel unsafe

Mental health crises are medical emergencies. Get immediate help if you have suicidal thoughts, intent, or a plan, or if you might harm others. Many countries offer 24 hour lines. In England, people can reach a mental health professional by calling NHS 111 at any time. The WHO also reports high mental health needs in emergencies and conflicts.

If you are in the United States, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. SAMHSA provides resources and links to crisis services. National groups also list common warning signs and next steps.

If you are outside the U.S. or U.K., search “[your country] suicide hotline” or use local health ministry sites. If a hotline is not available, go to the nearest emergency department.

Children and older adults: take extra care

Babies and young children can get sick fast. Difficulty breathing, severe drowsiness, dehydration, or a rash that does not blanch need urgent assessment.
Older adults may show subtle signs. Confusion, low urine, or sudden weakness can signal serious illness.
CDC adult warning signs include no urination, severe weakness, and confusion, which are key in older adults.

How to prepare before you need help

Create a simple emergency plan. Keep it in your phone and wallet.

Your quick grab list

Personal ID and insurance or coverage details.
Current medications, doses, and allergies.
Key diagnoses and surgeries.
Primary doctor and pharmacy contacts.
Local emergency number and urgent care locations.

Home kit

Oral rehydration salts.
Thermometer.
Pain and fever medicine suitable for your age group.
Bandages and antiseptic.
A charged power bank.

What will happen after you call or arrive

Emergency teams triage based on urgency. In the U.K., the NHS may direct non emergency cases to urgent treatment centers or GP services after assessment. Expect checks of vital signs, a short history, and tests like ECG, blood tests, or imaging based on your symptoms.

Quick decision guide

Use this table to decide faster. When unsure, choose the safer option.

Situation	Action	Reason
Chest pain with pressure or spreading pain	Call emergency services now	Possible heart attack, time saves heart muscle.
Face droop, arm weakness, or slurred speech	Call emergency services now	Possible stroke, clot busting is time sensitive.
Severe breathing trouble or bluish lips	Call emergency services now	Risk of low oxygen.
Head injury with worsening headache or confusion	Emergency care now	Risk of bleed or concussion.
Deep cut with steady bleeding	Urgent care or emergency if heavy	May need stitches or vessel repair.
High fever that returns or worsens	Doctor today or urgent care	Could be a secondary infection.
Suicidal thoughts or intent	Crisis line or emergency now	Mental health emergency.

Common mistakes to avoid

Waiting to see if stroke signs pass. Call even if they improve.
Driving yourself with severe chest pain. Call for an ambulance. Paramedics start treatment sooner.
Ignoring confusion, low urine, or severe weakness in older adults. These can signal sepsis or dehydration.
Using online advice to rule out emergencies. Use it to prompt faster care, not delay it.

Why it matters

Minutes matter in heart attack and stroke. Fast action lowers death and disability. Quick help for breathing problems and sepsis also saves lives. Getting the right care level keeps emergency departments free for the sickest patients and speeds your own recovery.

What happens next after urgent care or ER

You may be discharged with instructions, admitted, or sent to a specialist. The NHS notes that after assessment, people may be referred to on site services or back to their GP for follow up. Ask for a written plan and return precautions before you leave.