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Symptoms and signs of potentially serious illness |
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Written by Emma Ginn
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Disturbance of any of the "vital signs" can indicate serious illness. Use your common sense though, if someone looks obviously unwell or is in great distress, s/he may need urgent medical attention. The following are not in order of priority - the presence of one or more of any of these should prompt you to seek medical advice from a doctor.
Disturbance of any of the "vital signs" can indicate serious illness. Use your common sense though, if someone looks obviously unwell or is in great distress, s/he may need urgent medical attention. The following are not in order of priority - the presence of one or more of any of these should prompt you to seek medical advice from a doctor. - Bleeding from anywhere, which is persistent or severe
- Severe pain anywhere
- Severe distress
- Person looks very unwell
- Chest pain, especially if in the centre of the chest or when breathing
- Shortness of breath
- High fever, especially with chills or shivers
- Fainting spells or blackouts
- Recurrent falls without obvious cause
- Fits or seizures
- Vomiting which is persistent especially with inability to keep down fluids
- Diarrhoea with is severe, especially if accompanied by vomiting
- Bizarre behaviour, unintelligible speech
- Confusion - ask if they know you, where they are or what day it is
If there are 2 or more serious signs and symptoms this is more likely to indicate serious illness. |
