Trips to the emergency room are extremely serious. The ER is a place for sudden and immediate medical conditions. For many medical emergencies, time is of the essence. However, crowded or understaffed hospitals can result in much longer wait times. In response, many people wonder if this delay in treatment leads to even more damage. This is a valid concern. Here are a few ways that extended wait times in the emergency room can negatively impact your health.
Allergic Reactions
There are some people who suffer from severe allergies. When triggered, they require medical attention very quickly. Special medications help, but these reactions can lead to other complications. For example, if your particular allergy triggers an asthma attack, waiting too long for treatment can cause respiratory failure. This means you will no longer be able to breathe on your own.
Transmittable Diseases
Emergency room waiting areas admit patients from all walks of life. Because of this, it is entirely possible for you to be seated near someone with a serious infectious disease. Most facilities provide masks to protect your nose and mouth, but there is still cause for concern. If your infant has prolonged exposure to someone who has never been vaccinated, the results can be fatal.
Chronic Conditions
Those who suffer from chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes or hypertension, are already at risk for developing more serious problems. This means an emergency should be given a high priority. Insufficient treatment for diabetics, for example, can cause a diabetic coma or irreparable kidney damage. If it isn’t, you should consider finding a medical malpractice lawyer in Cleveland Ohio.
ER doctors are expected to make important decisions about several different patients in an often chaotic environment. This significantly increases the chances of making a mistake. However, medical malpractice in an emergency room can be difficult to prove. If you believe you are a victim of medical malpractice, you should consult a Cleveland medical malpractice attorney as soon as possible. Legal experts, like those at Novak LLP., can evaluate your case, and, ultimately, get you the respect you deserve.
