Whats Treated At Urgent Care And Whats Not
Health, Medical Tips, Physician Stories
Life happens, and sometimes it hurtsliterally. At some point, most of us will twist an ankle, get an infected bug bite or deal with a child with a raging fever. When these ailments strike, it can be hard to know whether to go to the emergency department. Fortunately, an urgent care facility can treat many conditions, with shorter wait times and lower costs. But other problems, such as chest pain and suspected concussions, need to be seen in an emergency department, fast.
For a look at what can be treated at urgent care and what cant, Linwood Watson, MD, with UNC Urgent Care, shares a log of the patients he sees on a typical day.
9 a.m.: Patients are waiting outside the clinic before we open. The first six come in and are seen by our nurses to check their vital signs and decide whose condition is most urgent.
Every patient meets with a triage nurse after check-in to have his or her vitals taken: blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen levels. These numbers help tell the medical team if someone is in immediate danger of fainting or cardiac arrest.
9:25 a.m.: Nurses determine the patient who needs to be seen immediately is a 71-year-old woman with 2½ weeks of congestion, pulse of 120 and low oxygen saturation despite not being a smoker. The nurse and patients daughter are worried it may be pneumonia, and I agree. I examine the patient and order a chest X-ray.
10:05 a.m.: I treat an adult patient with sinus congestion and a cough.
When To Seek Urgent Care For A Sinus Infection
Most minor sinus infections get better on their own without the need for medical treatment. More severe sinus infections, however, require urgent care.
First and most importantly, it is important to seek urgent care for a sinus infection if the symptoms begin to worsen or last for an extended amount of time. In the event you have severe trouble breathing due to your sinus infection, then be sure to come in for a visit as soon as possible to have your sinuses cleared out. Also, keep a close eye on your symptoms and seek medical attention if they do not improve after a week.
Additionally, urgent care is highly encouraged if your child develops a sinus infection as they have less of an ability to fight off the infection quickly. Also, it can be much more challenging to diagnose the cause of the sinus inflammation in children. In some cases, the reason could be due to an underlying allergy that you were not aware about.
When you visit, expect us to thoroughly examine you or your childs symptoms and document any information that is relevant to make a proper diagnosis. It may be helpful for you and your child to make a list of all of the symptoms that you or your child has been experiencing, any medications that are currently being taken and any allergies that may exist. Also, consider any questions you may want to ask the doctor at your visit.
How Long Do You Stay In The Hospital For A Kidney Stone
Your hospital stay will depend on the severity of your case of kidney stones. If youre able to pass it without surgery or shock therapy , you may wind up staying in the ER for up 24 hours. While youre at the hospital, youll be given plenty of fluids and possibly an anti-inflammatory and painkillers to make the process more bearable. Ideally, the fluids will flush out the stones and youll find relief.
If not, however, your doctor may run a series of tests to see if further action is necessary. In the most severe scenario resulting in kidney stone removal surgery, you would only need to stay in the hospital for a maximum of a couple of days afterward, though many people are able to leave within a day after surgery. Your doctor will likely only recommend surgery if shock therapy doesnt work or if the stones are simply too big to be passed naturally, which they would determine through a CT scan.
You May Like: Sinus Rhythm With Sinus Arrhythmia
How Do I Get Tested For A Uti
You have to talk with a nurse or doctor to know for sure if you have a UTI. Testing usually begins with a nurse or doctor talking with you about your medical history and your symptoms. Theyll also do a simple test, called a urinalysis: all you do is pee in a cup, and theyll test it for certain bacteria or other signs of infection.
In addition to the urinalysis, your doctor or nurse might test you for certain STDs, which can lead to UTIs or have similar symptoms.
You May Like: Are There Different Types Of Uti Infections
Whats An Asthma Attack
When you breathe normally, muscles around your airways are relaxed, letting air move easily. During an asthma attack, three things can happen:
- Bronchospasm: The muscles around the airways constrict . When they tighten, it makes the airways narrow. Air cannot flow freely through constricted airways.
- Inflammation: The airway linings become swollen. Swollen airways dont let as much air in or out of the lungs.
- Mucus production: During the attack, your body creates more mucus. This thick mucus clogs airways.
Donât Miss: Can Allergies Cause Asthma Attacks
Also Check: How To Get Sinus Pressure To Go Away
How Do I Get Rid Of A Uti
Its important to get a UTI diagnosed and treated with antibiotics quickly. If left untreated, a UTI can spread to the bladder or even the kidneys. Seeing a physician or another provider for a diagnosis is critical, because the UTI could be a sign of an underlying medical condition or it could be a sexually transmitted infection presenting with similar symptoms.
Read Also: How Do You Get Malware Infections
How Can I Prevent Utis
If youve ever had a urinary tract infection, you know that once is more than enough. The good news is you may be able to prevent UTIs. Try these simple tips:
-
Drink a lot of fluids .
-
Pee when you need to. Dont hold it.
-
Pee before and after sex.
-
Wash the skin around your anus and genitals with warm water and gentle soap.
-
Use barriers like condoms and dental dams during sex, especially during sexual contact with your anus.
Also, anything that touches or goes into your anus like a finger, penis, or sex toy should be thoroughly washed before touching other genitals.
If youve got a vulva, wipe from front to back after using the bathroom and keep your vulva clean and dry. You can do this by wearing underwear with a cotton crotch and not using douches, powder, or deodorant sprays in your vagina.
If you get frequent UTIs, drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry supplement pills might help prevent them. If none of these things help, your nurse or doctor may give you a low dose antibiotic to take on a regular basis or after sex. So its also a good idea to talk to a doctor or nurse to see if there are any other reasons you might be getting UTIs.
Also Check: Most Effective Antibiotic For Sinus Infection
Diagnosing & Treating Urinary Tract Infections
Diagnosing a UTI begins with seeking medical attention, where you will most likely be asked to give a urine sample that can be tested for certain types of bacteria. In the vast majority of cases, UTIs will be treated with antibiotic therapy, which can help to clear up the infection quickly and effectively. Your treating provider may also recommend treating UTI-related pain with anti-inflammatory medications and/or a heating pad, both of which can help ease symptoms.
First See If You Can Get A Prescription For Asthma Medication
The most effective way for people with asthma to avoid the emergency room is by managing the condition with medication so it doesnt escalate to emergency status. Experts are even recommending stocking up on a three-month supply if you can. Even if its hard for you to get affordable asthma medication in normal times, it may be somewhat more accessible during the pandemic.
Health care professionals are doing their best right now to help make essential medications more accessible so we can keep people out of the E.R., Dr. Chinthrajah says. As Dr. Chinthrajah points out, in early April, the Food and Drug Administration approved a generic form of an inhaler to help make this in-demand medication easier for people to get.
So the first thing you need is a prescription for asthma medication. You may be able to get one online. The telemedicine service Galileo has waived its fees for people who need prescriptions in hard-hit COVID-19 areas like California, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington State.
You could also try calling a local pharmacy. Dr. Cohn explains that many pharmacists are more likely to refill a past prescription for asthma medication during the pandemic, or at least coordinate with a doctors office to make it happen. Everything is very different right now, she says.
Don’t Miss: What Is Chronic Sinus Disease
Deeper Look: Can You Go To Urgent Care For A Yeast Infection April 27 2018
deeper look, yeast infection
Can you go to urgent care for a yeast infection? you ask. Of course, you can! Yeast infections are common, and most urgent care centers are equipped to treat them. You dont always need to go to urgent care for a yeast infection, though. While its always best to err on the side of caution with any medical problem, we should discuss what yeast infections are, and when they need medical attention.
Are You Looking For The Best Kids Urgent Care
Parents want nothing but the best for their kids thats why its only right to treat their discomfort from injuries or illnesses at the best urgent care for children in Orlando, FL. We offer 24/7 medical services, so you dont have to worry about rushing to the emergency room when your child gets sick after-hours.
Recommended Reading: How Do You Treat A Yeast Infection On Your Scalp
You May Like: Best Supplements For Sinus Infection
An Urgent Care Treats A Variety Of Conditions Such As Minor Illnesses & Injuries Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries Seasonal Allergies Colds Stds Sprains Strains And Minor Breaks Our Urgent Care Also Provides Services Such As Physical Exams Laboratory Services Occupational Medicine Family Practice Dot & Sports Physicals Flu Vaccinations And Pediatric Urgent Care Call Us Or Simply Walk In
Its really nice to have an urgent care clinic in your community. You can go there for any common health condition you have or even for a physical exam. The clinic will help keep you, your family, and the community healthy and happy.
Health conditions can affect individuals, families, and even entire communities, so its important for us all to stay healthy. To help with this in your community, Quick Family Urgent Care provides treatments for any common conditions. Heres what we can do to help!
How Can You Prevent A Uti
Here are a few important habits you should develop to help prevent UTIs:
- Drink plenty of fluids every day to dilute your urine and urinate more frequently. This helps flush bacteria from your urinary tract before an infection can begin.
- Wipe from front to back every time. This helps prevent bacteria in the anal region from going into the vagina and urethra.
- Empty your bladder and drink a full glass of water before intercourse and urinate soon after intercourse to help flush bacteria from your urethra.
- Avoid irritants like deodorant sprays or other feminine products, like douches and powders, as they can irritate the urethra.
- Change pads and panty liners every 3-5 hours to help keep extra bacteria from entering the urethra.
- Avoid diaphragms, unlubricated condoms, and spermicide-treated condoms, as they can all contribute to bacterial growth.
Safe, effective, and fast urgent care UTI services are available 7 days a week at State Urgent Care. We recommend visiting at the first signs of infection to avoid more severe symptoms of pain and discomfort.
Recommended Reading: Non Prescription Sinus Infection Medicine
Can You Effectively Treat A Uti At Home
While most all UTIs require a course of antibiotics, there are a few things you can do to help alleviate your symptoms until you can get to an urgent care clinic:
- Stay hydratedDrinking plenty of fluids not only helps remove bacteria from your urinary tract but also helps lessen the painful, burning sensations while urinating.
- Drink unsweetened cranberry juiceCranberry juice helps stop bacteria from adhering to the urinary tract.
- Take vitamin CIncreasing your vitamin C intake helps make your urine more acidic, which helps kill infection-causing bacteria.
Read Also: Antibiotics For Strep Skin Infection
Causes Of Mucus Production
- Aspiration Inhaling foreign substances like water, dust, powder, pollen, or in the case of babies, meconium can lead to excessive mucus production
- Choking Choking on food, medicine or beverages can people with the condition to experience mucus product that can lead to an asthma attack
- Allergies Seasonal or chronic allergies often encourages excessive mucus to build in the throats, noses, and airways of people who have the disease
Recommended Reading: Saline Nasal Spray For Sinus Pressure
Is There Anything I Can Do To Prevent Ingrown Toenails In The Future
Yes. When trimming your toenails, cut them straight across instead of rounding them. You should also check your shoes to ensure there is plenty of room for your toes. Cramped toe space raises your risk of ingrown toenails.
COMMITTED TO KEEPING HOUSTON FAMILIES HEALTHY
With locations conveniently located in Southeast Texas, we are committed to providing the best of care to our families in our communities. Columbus Urgent Care provides a wide range of services to patients of all ages. Our staff members are more than happy and qualified to identify any issues you might have.
Contact Us Today
Have a question? Contact us today. We welcome patients of all ages and backgrounds. Our Healthcare Providers will be able to find a solution for you.
Columbus Urgent Care
Overview On Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection is an infection in any part of your urinary system including your kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract which is the bladder and the urethra.
Women are at greater risk of developing a UTI than are men. Infection limited to your bladder can be painful and annoying. However, serious consequences can occur if a UTI spreads to your kidneys.
Doctors typically treat urinary tract infections with antibiotics. But you can take steps to reduce your chances of getting a UTI in the first place.
Urinary tract infections dont always cause signs and symptoms, but when they do, they may include.
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
- Urine that appears cloudy
- Urine that appears red, bright pink or cola-colored a sign of blood in the urine.
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain, in women especially in the center of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone.
UTIs may be overlooked or mistaken for other conditions in older adults.
Read Also: Can Macrobid Treat A Sinus Infection
Recommended Reading: Advil Cold And Sinus Walgreens
Appendicitis: Early Signs & Urgent Care Treatment
It is a medical emergency that requires urgent care with surgical treatment at the walk-in clinics. If left untreated, the appendix can burst or perforate, discharging infectious materials into the abdominal cavity. Although appendicitis can happen at any age, it is most common among older children and adults between ages 10 and 30.
The Do’s And Don’ts Of Sinus Infection Treatment
31 millionDo Get a Diagnosis
- The cold. Nasal and sinus congestion are hallmarks of the common cold. Even though the cold may cause sinus pain, pressure, or stuffiness, it’s caused by a virus and not bacteria. This distinction makes it important to get a doctor’s diagnosis before treatment.
- The flu. Like a cold, the flu is also caused by virus. Again, a virus requires a different course of treatment than a bacterial infection would. Even though the flu is most often seen in the cooler winter months, it’s still possible to catch the virus year-round.
- Allergies. Spring showers bring spring flowers and nasal allergies. Congestion from pollen, ragweed, pet, and other allergies can mimic a sinus infection. While both sinusitis and allergies cause similar symptoms, the two conditions have different treatments.
- The coronavirus. Nasal congestion can manifest as an early symptom of the coronavirus, or COVID-19. If you have nasal congestion accompanied by telltale symptoms such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately.
Don’t Ignore the SymptomsDo Follow the Medical Provider’s Directions
You May Like: Advil Cold And Sinus Ingredients
Should I Go To Urgent Care For A Uti
Many people regard a urinary tract infection as little more than a painful nuisance. In reality, however, UTIs can lead to serious, permanent health problems when proper treatment is delayed. If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, learn why you should visit your local PhysicianOne Urgent Care.What Is A UTI?A urinary tract infection results when harmful bacteria are able to enter any part of the urinary tract, including the bladder, kidneys, ureters or urethra. Most UTIs involve painful or annoying symptoms in the lower urinary tract however, infections can cause serious problems when they spread to the kidneys.What Are the Symptoms of a UTI? Urinary tract infections wont always cause noticeable symptoms. When they do, you may experience any or all of the following:Persistent or strong urge to urinateBurning while urinatingPassing small amounts of urine frequentlyPelvic pain in womenUrine that appears pink, red, cola-colored or cloudyUrine with a foul smellIf an infection spreads to the kidneys, a person may experience additional symptoms, including high fever, nausea, chills, vomiting and/or pain in the side or upper back.When to Seek HelpWhen treated promptly and properly with antibiotic medications, lower urinary tract infections rarely lead to complications. If left untreated, however, serious problems can occur, including:Permanent kidney damage