The 5 Most Common Reasons Seniors Visit the Emergency Room

January 3, 2022

20% of emergency room visits each year are made by people 65 and older. The reasons for these visits range from injury to heart disease. Can you recognize the symptoms if you or a loved one need an ambulance for potentially life-saving treatment?

Do You Need An Emergency Room?

Let’s look at some of the most common reasons for emergency room visits among seniors.

Chest Pain & Heart Disease

Shortness of breath and chest pains are common symptoms of a heart attack and precursors of heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death in the United States. These symptoms can also be indicators of other serious medical conditions such as injury, blood clots, respiratory infection, etc. Because of this, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Stroke

The chances of having a stroke increase with age. It is important to understand the early signs and symptoms of a stroke and to receive medical attention, as treatment is most effective soon after a stroke occurs.

Injuries and Accidents

Even a simple fall or accident for those over the age of 65 is cause for concern. From broken bones to concussions, or a result of an underlying condition such as osteoporosis, falls are a leading cause of hospitalization and injury-related deaths in the US.

Complications From Medical Treatments or Drugs

About 28% of hospitalizations among seniors are caused by adverse drug reactions or complications from medical treatments. Be sure you and your loved ones follow directions from prescription medication and discuss with your physician or pharmacist before using any over-the-counter medications, as they may interact adversely with prescribed medicines.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTIs are dangerous and frequently more difficult to diagnose because they may cause not necessarily physical but also behavioral changes. Symptoms can include confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and dizziness. If left untreated, UTIs can lead to kidney infections or sepsis, an infection of the bloodstream that can be fatal.

Other common reasons for emergency room visits include pneumonia, abdominal pain, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you or your loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, leave nothing to chance and seek medical assistance immediately.

At a time when you or your loved one’s health should be the center of your attention, preventing yourself from any worry about any medical expense is essential.

Medical Air Services Association (MASA) membership can help. MASA provides coverage from emergency medical transport bills and protects you from the expensive cost of ground and air ambulances. Most insurances and Medicare do not provide full coverage for these costs. MASA covers you anywhere in the world, 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.

More Than Emergency Medical Transport

Peace of mind is essential during a medical emergency. That’s why:

• When a member requires emergency air transport, MASA will fly the member’s spouse, family member or friend to travel with them.
• When a member requires hospitalization while away from home, MASA will fly them home. We know how important it is to recuperate among loved ones.
• When minor children or grandchildren are left unattended, MASA provides one-way common carrier air transport for their return home.

A trip to the Emergency Room is stressful enough – the bill for the ride doesn’t have to be. MRTA makes joining MASA easy. You can even sign up online. Learn more here.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6915e3.htm

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