Medical emergencies can happen without warning, and recognizing when to seek urgent care is critical. Urgent care clinics are designed to handle non-life-threatening emergencies quickly, providing fast access to medical professionals without the long wait times often associated with emergency rooms (ERs). However, knowing when to visit urgent care versus the ER can make all the difference.

Signs of a Medical Emergency

Here are some common symptoms that indicate you may need to visit an urgent care facility:

Severe or Uncontrollable Pain  

Intense, sudden pain—whether in your abdomen, head, back, or joints—may signal a serious condition like appendicitis, migraines, or a kidney stone. If over-the-counter pain medications don’t help, seeking urgent care can ensure the cause is diagnosed and treated quickly.

High Fever  

Fevers are often the body’s response to infection, but when a fever exceeds 103°F or lasts for more than three days, medical attention is needed. Conditions like pneumonia, severe flu, or sinus infections can result in high fevers that may lead to dehydration or more serious health issues if left untreated.

Difficulty Breathing

Shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in the chest could be related to asthma, bronchitis, or even heart conditions. According to the CDC, nearly 16 million adults have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), many of whom experience breathing difficulties that require urgent medical attention. If you’re having trouble breathing, an urgent care clinic can provide oxygen or medications to help stabilize your condition.

Persistent Abdominal Pain  

While occasional stomach pain might be attributed to indigestion, severe or lasting abdominal pain could be a sign of a more serious issue like appendicitis, gallstones, or a kidney infection. Urgent care centers can provide diagnostic tests like ultrasounds or blood work to determine the cause and offer appropriate treatment.

Unexplained Nausea or Vomiting

Persistent nausea or vomiting, especially when accompanied by dizziness, fever, or dehydration, may indicate an infection or food poisoning. If you can’t keep food or liquids down for more than 24 hours, you should visit urgent care for rehydration and treatment. 

Cuts or Wounds Needing Stitches

Minor cuts and scrapes can often be treated at home, but deeper wounds that won’t stop bleeding after applying pressure for 10 minutes may need stitches. According to recent statistics, nearly 10% of urgent care visits in the U.S. are due to lacerations.2 Urgent care centers can clean the wound, apply stitches, and provide tetanus shots if necessary.

Sprains and Fractures  

If you’ve fallen or have injured a limb and suspect a sprain, strain, or fracture, urgent care is the place to go. Mild sprains can often be treated with rest, ice, and elevation, but more severe injuries may need X-rays, splints, or casts for proper healing.

When to Go to the ER Instead

Some symptoms indicate a more serious condition that requires emergency room care, such as:

• Chest pain or pressure, which could indicate a heart attack.
• Stroke symptoms, including sudden numbness, weakness, or slurred speech.
• Severe burns or deep wounds involving bones or muscles.
• Severe allergic reactions, particularly those involving breathing difficulties or facial swelling.

Benefits of Urgent Care

One of the main benefits of visiting an urgent care clinic is the shorter wait time compared to an emergency room. Urgent care is also more cost-effective for non-life-threatening conditions, offering affordable treatment for issues like minor injuries, infections, and cuts.

Your Oakbrook Urgent Care Team

Recognizing the signs of a medical emergency and knowing when to visit urgent care can help ensure timely and appropriate treatment. By acting quickly and understanding the best care options, you can better protect your health and well-being.

DuPage Immediate Care is your trusted urgent care clinic in Oakbrook. If you are having a medical emergency that doesn’t require a trip to the ER, come visit us! We’ll take great care of you without the hassle.