Q When should epigastric pain send me straight to hospital?
A Sudden unbearable pain, pain with cold sweats or breathlessness, and pain boring into the back require emergency care immediately. The same applies with black stools, vomiting blood, jaundice or high fever. If weight is falling on its own or swallowing is difficult, arrange testing promptly.
Detailed Answer
The following signs mean testing or emergency care comes before Korean medicine care.
- Sudden severe pain, or pain so intense you cannot bear the abdomen being touched
- Cold sweats, nausea, breathlessness or chest tightness alongside it (the heart must be ruled out)
- Pain boring through to the back or shoulder
- Black stools, or vomiting blood
- Fever, or yellowing of the eyes and skin
- Unintended weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or repeated vomiting
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
We check these items first at the clinic and refer you for testing when they apply. Beginning only after dangerous causes are excluded is the rule.
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