Based on the search results, some of the most common presenting complaints at A&E departments in the UK include:
Musculoskeletal conditions, trauma and minor injuries - These were reported as the most frequent reasons for A&E visits in multiple sources [1][4][8].
Abdominal pain - Mentioned as a common reason in several sources [3][4][8].
Chest pain - Listed as a frequent complaint in multiple results [3][4][8].
Breathing difficulties/respiratory issues - Noted as a common presenting problem, especially for children [3][4][19].
Febrile illness - Particularly common for pediatric A&E visits [19].
Diarrhea and vomiting - Another frequent complaint, especially for children [19].
Head injuries - Mentioned as a common reason in some sources [3][4].
General feeling of being unwell - Listed as a frequent complaint [4].
Sepsis/septicemia - Noted as one of the top 10 reasons in one source [4].
Mental health issues - While not explicitly listed in the top complaints, several sources mentioned mental health as an increasing reason for A&E visits [11][17].
It's worth noting that the exact ranking and frequency of these complaints can vary depending on the specific hospital, time period, and patient demographics (e.g. adult vs. pediatric A&E). Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has likely impacted the typical pattern of A&E presentations in recent years.
Citations: [1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7735014/ [2] https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/ae-waiting-times-and-activity/ [3] https://www.healthforteens.co.uk/health/in-an-emergency/7-most-common-medical-emergencies/ [4] https://geekymedics.com/common-ed-presentations-majors/ [5] https://ckdexplained.co.uk/10-common-reasons-to-go-to-ae/ [6] https://www.nice.org.uk/bnf-uk-only [7] https://www.england.nhs.uk/guidance-for-emergency-departments-initial-assessment/ [8] https://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/19129574.common-reasons-e-visits-barrow-revealed/ [9] https://www.england.nhs.uk/urgent-emergency-care/ [10] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/12018566Determiningthecommonmedicalpresentingproblemstoanaccidentandemergencydepartment [11] https://www.redcross.org.uk/about-us/what-we-do/we-speak-up-for-change/exploring-the-high-intensity-use-of-accident-and-emergency-services [12] https://www.ox.ac.uk/students/welfare/health/emergencies [13] https://kclpure.kcl.ac.uk/portal/en/publications/determining-the-common-medical-presenting-problems-to-an-accident [14] https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/insight-and-analysis/long-reads/whats-going-on-with-ae-waiting-times [15] https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/urgent-and-emergency-care-services/find-urgent-and-emergency-care-services/ [16] https://digital.nhs.uk/data-and-information/publications/statistical/data-on-written-complaints-in-the-nhs/2021-22 [17] https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/accident-and-emergency-high-attendanceuk619e24a2e4b0451e5501cab1 [18] https://www.england.nhs.uk/urgent-emergency-care/about-uec/ [19] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1718762/ [20] https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/healthcaresystem/articles/inequalitiesinaccidentandemergencydepartmentattendanceengland/march2021tomarch2022
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