One day, without warning, intense pain arises: on the chest, in one leg or even in the head. It can happen to everyone. Logical reflex? Consult immediately. However, in many cases, we trivialize, we wait, we hope it will go … An error potentially heavy with consequences.
Dr. Gérald Kierzek, an emergency doctor, sounds the alarm and lists the ten pains that should never be taken lightly. Because they can be a sign of a serious problem, their rapid recognition can change everything.
Sudden chest pain
This is one of the most taken in the emergency room. “Brutal pain in the chest can reveal a infarction, pulmonary embolism, even aortic dissection” warns Dr. Kierzek. “”If it is accompanied by sweats, a shortness of breath or it radiates in the left arm, it must be called the 15 immediately “.
A lightning headache
A headache that suddenly arises, like a “thunderbolt in a serene sky“, must immediately arouse suspicion.”We think of brain hemorrhage or meningitis“Specifies the doctor.”If you also feel a stiffness in the neck, vomiting or speech disorders, it is necessary to act quickly “.
Intense abdominal pain
Live pain in the belly, especially if it is located or accompanied by fever, must alert. “”This can be appendicitis, occlusion, even peritonitis “ explains Dr. Kierzek. “”If the belly becomes hard, that you can no longer eat or go to the saddle, consult in an emergency. “
A calf pain with swelling
“”A swollen and painful calf can hide a deep venous thrombosis “ warns the doctor. “”Danger is pulmonary embolism if a clot stands out. Better to check with a doppler and start treatment without delay“.
A sharp testicular pain
In humans, sudden pain in the testicle should never be ignored. “”It is often the sign of a testicular torsion. And without rapid treatment, the testicle can necrosis in six hours “ alerts Dr. Kierzek.
Brutal eye pain with blurred vision
“”Intense eye pain, halo around lights, blurred vision or nausea can translate acute glaucoma or optical neuritis“Indicates the doctor.”In this case, you must consult in an emergency to avoid irreversible consequences“.
High back pain with fever
Pain in the upper back, coupled with fever or neck stiffness, can have a formidable origin. “”This can be a spinal abscess or meningitis. Confusion, photophobia or conscience disorders are all alert signs to take very seriously “ explains the doctor.
Pain in jaw or left arm
In some people, notably women or diabetics, a infarction can manifest itself without frank chest pain. “”A feeling of embarrassment in the jaw, on the left arm, accompanied by sudden fatigue or nausea can betray a heart problem. You should never miss it. “
Acute pelvic pain in women
“”Intense pain in the lower abdomen in a woman of childbearing age should make one think of an extra-uterine pregnancy or an ovary torsion“warns Dr. Kierzek.”If it is accompanied by dizziness or bleeding, the emergency is real “.
A belt pain radiating in the back
High abdominal pain, on a belt, which goes back in the back, can be a sign of acute pancreatitis or aortic aneurysm. “This table is often accompanied by persistent vomiting, a rapid pulse, and requires immediate management”.
The golden rule to never forget, according to Dr. Kierzek
“”Any new, intense pain, which worsens or does not give in to conventional analgesics must be the subject of medical advice “ Recalls Dr. Kierzek. Without forgetting the pains “Who wake up at night, which are accompanied by an unexplained weight loss, or which resist paracetamol and ibuprofen “.