From The Front Lines

Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the tonsils that is relatively common. It’s contagious and can lead to a very sore throat, so the earlier it’s treated, the better. Emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen discusses four tell-tale signs you should be looking for to determine if you have strep throat and how to treat it.

In this episode of ER or Not, we find out what sorts of trouble you could be in if you accidentally swallowed the not-so-tasty part of a chicken wing. Should you go to the ER immediately or wait for the situation to pass? Dr. Troy Madsen has the answers.

It may seem like a given—if you run long distances regularly, then you’ll eventually need a knee replacement. But from a doctor's perspective, that's actually not true. Emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen, a runner, looks at the research on knee damage and running. He shares his findings and why he thinks running is a great way to stay healthy.

You feel a pain in your chest and left arm. You immediately start worrying that you're having a heart attack. At what point do chest pains equal a heart attack? Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen shares what chest pains can mean. He also discusses the symptoms and feelings of a heart attack versus "regular" chest pain.

Diarrhea is a not-so-pleasant condition we have all experienced at one point or another. But what should you do if it lasts longer than a day? Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about how to treat the problem of diarrhea and what symptoms mean you should seek your doctor’s help.

Have an extreme pain or discomfort in your stomach? Has it lasted longer than five minutes? Many sufferers avoid going to the emergency room for fear they’ll just be told it’s nothing and then sent home. As a follow-up to “ER or Not: Severe Stomach Pain,” emergency physician Dr. Troy Madsen takes us step-by-step through what physicians do when a patient with abdominal pain comes into the ER and what signs you can look for at home when deciding whether to go to the hospital.

Should you go to the ER for back pain? In this episode of ER or Not, emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen details the two symptoms you should be looking for that could be signs of something requiring immediate emergency care. The second one might surprise you.

According to pediatrician Dr. Cindy Gellner, a child coughing until they puke is actually pretty common. Children—especially those under 12 months of age—have a very sensitive gag reflex. But if vomiting after coughing happens too often, it could be a sign of something more serious. Learn the signs to watch out for the next time your child coughs.

The next time you have trouble swallowing a piece of food, try drinking a soda. On today's Health Minute, emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about how carbonation from soda can help dislodge the food stuck in your throat.

Staples, stitches, and even super glue are all options for treating large cuts. But how do emergency physicians decide what to use to get wounds back together? Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about how he makes his decisions for what suture tool to use.

Emergency rooms and clinics sometimes use glue rather than stitches for smaller lacerations. On today's Health Minute, emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen share one of his favorite health hacks: using super glue to save a trip to the ER.

Somehow, you got sprayed with pepper spray. It’s in your eye, it stings, and you’re probably feeling really uncomfortable. But is getting pepper strayed a reason to go to the ER? Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen says, “probably not.” Hear what you can do at home, and when a trip to the ER might be needed for pepper spray.

For those who are suffering a panic attack, a trip to the ER might seem necessary. And while ER doctors can give medication to help calm you down, emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen says most panic attacks are probably not something you absolutely need to go to the ER for. Listen to find out the reasons for when a trip to the ER is a must in the case of panic attacks.

If you are present during an overdose, do you know what to do? According to emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen, the most important thing you should do is call 911 and seek emergency help. Learn about the myths about overdose treatment and the potential complications that can come if you attempt to take care of the problem yourself.

If you find your heart suddenly racing, is that cause for concern? Whether to worry or not depends on other symptoms and how long the racing lasts. Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about some potentially serious conditions you should be mindful of, and how ER doctors might treat them.

You’re helping friends move some heavy furniture and suddenly feel a pop in your abdomen. Maybe you have a small protrusion and think it could be a hernia. It may look scary, but is it a reason to rush to the ER? Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about what exactly a hernia is, how some people live with them for years, and when it’s serious enough to seek immediate help.

High blood pressure can be a reason for concern, but is it worth an expensive trip to the ER? Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about when a trip to the ER for high blood pressure is needed, and how you can relax to reduce your blood pressure.

A broken blood vessel in the eye can look nasty. But is it worth a trip to the ER? Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen talks about when you should seek emergency help and when you can just see your ophthalmologist.

The room is spinning, you feel off balance, and it doesn't seem to be getting better. Should you go to the ER? Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen says, depending on the person, it could be a sign of stroke. Find out the risk factors to consider and learn when to seek immediate help.

If you live in Salt Lake City, you know it’s not a good idea to exercise outside during a muggy inversion. But did you know you should be concerned even on a clear summer day? Emergency room physician Dr. Troy Madsen explains how even though ozone isn’t visible, it can cause serious breathing issues. Learn the steps you can take to protect yourself this summer.