We Provide Comprehensive Care and Treatment For The Following Acute Illnesses:
| Allergies | Sinus Infections |
| Cold | Pink Eye |
| Cough | UTI |
| Sore Throat | Minor Injuries |
| Flu Exposure | and more! |
A Detailed Explanation of Each Acute Illness is Listed Below
Allergies:
Allergies happen when the body’s immune system reacts to foreign substances it identifies as dangerous, sparking an allergic reaction. Such a reaction can be an inconvenience or potentially fatal in extreme cases of anaphylaxis. Common allergens include airborne allergens like pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. Also, certain foods like nuts or shellfish, some medications, insects, and more. Allergy symptoms can present as:
- Swelling of the throat
- Hives, rashes, and itching
- Anaphylaxis
- Chest tightness or shortness of breath
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Tingling
Cold:
The common cold is caused by viruses that are contagious. While there is no cure, the symptoms can be managed to keep you comfortable and help you recover quickly. If you have a cold you may experience the following symptoms:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Aches
You can prevent a cold by keeping your hands, and possessions disinfected and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. To get over a cold, make sure you are well-rested, hydrated, and take over-the-counter cold medication. It is important to consult your doctor if symptoms persist for longer than two weeks.
Cough:
Coughing is the body’s voluntary or involuntary reaction to irritants in your throat. It is a symptom of many common ailments like a cold, or allergies. However, coughs can become chronic and last for months or even years. A doctor can run tests to determine the cause of your chronic cough and treat any underlying issues, but smoking is the most common reason. At-home treatments such as cough medication, warm drinks, and honey are usually sufficient for clearing up your cough.
Sinus Infections:
The cavities around your nasal passages are called sinuses, and they can become inflamed leading to a Sinus infection. They have many of the same symptoms as a cold but you may also experience pressure, swelling, or pain around the sinuses, ear or tooth pain, and nasal discharge. Treatments for sinus infections include:
- Pain relievers
- Saline nasal spray
- Nasal corticosteroids
- Decongestants
- Surgery
Flu Exposure:
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by viruses that affect the respiratory system that can vary in severity. It is highly contagious, particularly in the first three to four days after entering the body. There are several strains of the flu, and it sees a seasonal increase. The most common symptoms are:
- Fever
- Aches
- Fatigue
- Cough/ sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
Prevention is key, starting with the annual flu shot vaccine that can be found at your local pharmacy or doctor’s office. You should also cover your sneeze or cough, wash your hands regularly, and stay about six feet away from those who are sick. Antiviral prescription medication is used to treat the flu if you've contracted it, as well as getting plenty of rest.
Sore Throat:
A sore throat is a symptom of viral infections like a cold or the flu. If you have a sore throat you are likely to experience:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Scratchy sensation
- Difficulty speaking or swallowing
Treating the underlying reason for the sore throat is necessary, but you can also soothe your throat with honey, warm beverages, a humidifier, and rest. Strep throat, on the other hand, is caused by bacteria so your doctor will prescribe antibiotics to treat it.
Pink Eye:
Conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, is an eye infection that can be viral, bacterial, allergic, or caused by irritants. The most common symptoms of pink eye are:
- A pink or red color in the white of the eyes
- Itching, irritation, and burning
- Feeling like something is in the eyes or an urge to rub the eyes
- Swelling of the inside or outside of the eyelids
- Increased tear production
- Discharge (pus or mucus)
- Crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning
You should avoid irritants like contact lenses while you recover, and reduce discomfort with an ice compress or artificial tears. Most cases of pink eye will clear up on their own within two weeks, so you should see a doctor if your symptoms last longer than that.
UTI:
Urinary tract infections are infections affecting any part of the urinary tract, but most commonly present in the lower tract and bladder. Women get UTIs more often than men due to their anatomy, sexual activity, menopause, and certain birth control methods. Doctors treat UTIs by prescribing antibiotics, but you can take preventative measures at home. Be sure to keep hydrated, wipe front to back to avoid spreading bacteria to the urethra, empty the bladder after intercourse, and avoid any feminine products or birth control methods that have irritated the urethra.
Minor Injuries:
Minor injuries include cuts, scrapes, bruises, and small burns that typically happen by accident. If you have a minor injury you may need a topical cream or a few stitches. It is important to avoid infection by keeping the affected area clean. Consult a doctor if you suffer from diabetes as that can affect your recovery and risk of infection. Remember to seek emergency medical services if you have excessive pain or bleeding because you could be dealing with a more severe injury.
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