Somebody's going to emergency: What lands people in the ER

Nobody wants to visit the emergency room if they don’t have to, but many common reasons for ER visits can be linked to activities we all enjoy.
New research has revealed the most common causes for ER visits in the US, and experts have revealed steps you can take to avoid these symptoms in 2025. 
Las Vegas personal injury lawyers at H&P Law analyzed data from the National Center for Health Statistics on the number and reason for emergency room visits from 2016-2022 in the United States. They also found which gender, age group and region visits the ER the most.  
Stomach and abdominal pain, cramps and spasms are the most common reason for emergency room visits in the U.S., with an average of 38 in 1,000 ER visits being for this reason from 2016-2022
.While one day of overeating won’t typically harm your health, consistently going overboard can lead to uncomfortable stomach pain, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
After indulging over Christmas, consider setting a New Year’s resolution for 2025 to enjoy treats in moderation; eat smaller, satisfying portions as part of a healthy, balanced diet and save indulgent meals for special occasions rather than making them a daily habit. 
Chest pain ranks second, with an average of 23 in 1,000 ER visits from 2016-2022 being due to this reason. According to the Cleveland Clinic, stress and anxiety can contribute to chest pain.
While Christmas is an exciting time of year, it can bring added stress and pressure. As you head into the New Year, set a resolution to better manage stress throughout 2025.
Practicing mindfulness, exercising regularly, staying organized and making time for friends and family can all help to reduce stress throughout the year. 
Fever places third, with an average of 17 in 1,000 ER visitors experiencing this symptom from 2016-2022. While fevers can have many causes, one culprit is food poisoning.
For your New Year’s resolution, consider taking steps to be more food-safe. For example, keep raw meat separate from other foods, clean surfaces thoroughly after preparation, and always ensure meat is cooked to the proper temperature. These easy resolutions will help protect yourself and your loved ones in 2025. 
Who visits?
Females are more likely to visit the emergency room than males, with an average visit rate of 469 per 1,000 people compared to 405 per 1,000 people for males.  
The 65-plus age group visited the ER the most from 2016-2022, with an average visit rate of 498 per 1,000 people.
Closely following are the 18-44 and 0-17 age groups, with visit rates of 456 and 417 per 1,000 people, respectively. This leaves the 45-64 age group visiting the ER the least, with an average visit rate of 393 per 1,000 people.  
People in the South region of the US are the most likely to visit the ER, with an average visit rate of 461 per 1,000 people. Those in the Midwest and Northeast follow, with visit rates of 457 and 410 per 1,000 people, respectively. The region least likely to visit the ER is the West, with an average visit rate of 404 per 1,000 people.  
A spokesperson for H&P Law said:
“This research provides valuable insights for people in the healthcare industry. As we enter 2025, understanding the most common reasons for ER visits, as well as which groups are the most affected, can help allocate resources more effectively, design targeted health interventions, and educate the public on preventative care.
“While it is crucial to seek medical attention if you experience stomach pain, chest pain or fever, taking simple steps to look after yourself in the new year can help to reduce your risk of developing these symptoms.”