When most individuals think of diseases, they probably frequently consider acute concerns without even realizing the term’s meaning. An “acute” illness is simply a way of a disease that develops suddenly and seriously. An acute disease differs from a chronic illness, which develops gradually with time. In some cases, over-the-counter medication might be all you require, but in others, a visit to the acute primary care goodyear az is necessary. However, how do you determine if you have acute illness symptoms and require medical attention or simply over-the-counter solutions? Here are five common acute concerns and how to treat them.
- Common Cold
The common cold is something most people experience at least once every year. A visit to your primary care doctor is unnecessary to address a cold because you can try numerous effective at-home remedies. These suggestions include rest, staying hydrated, utilizing over-the-counter medications to alleviate fever, gargling salt water to alleviate sore throat, relieving clogged or stuffy nose, and alleviating coughing.
- Flu
Typical flu symptoms include aching muscles, headache, fever, dry cough, runny nose, fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, and sweats and chills. Generally, adequate rest, pain medications, and hydration can help alleviate these acute symptoms. However, if you got a pre-existing health concern or a young child or an elderly adult suffers the flu, a doctor’s assessment could be necessary for specialist care.
- Sinus Infection
A sinus infection could often be mistaken for a cold. Nonetheless, sinus infections generally result from allergies or colds. If you have acute signs of a sinus infection, a warm compress on the forehead and nose, inhaling steam from a shower or hot water, and using a decongestant can help alleviate the symptoms. However, if the sinus infection disrupts your everyday life, you should see a specialist for a diagnosis.
- Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes one’s lungs to fill with liquids. Based on the root cause of your infections, your health, and your age, pneumonia could become serious. Viral pneumonia will generally go away by itself, but fungal and bacterial pneumonia will often require an antibiotic.
- Asthma Attack
An asthma attack is characterized by serious shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. However, symptoms may vary from one individual to another. It is vital to see your doctor if you got asthma to identify your unique triggers, symptoms, and determine the right care plan. You may need emergency treatment if symptoms fail to improve with at-home care.
- Fracture
A fracture can happen because of sports, fall, vehicle accident, and more. However, it is not clear-cut that you should see a doctor if you have a fracture. A sharp, shooting pain that worsens with movement, bruising, swelling, and the inability to place weight on the affected bone could all be warning signs of a fracture. In most cases, fractures will not resolve by themselves. Besides, fractures cause serious discomfort, so professional care is necessary.
Nobody likes to fall sick, particularly once it comes out of nowhere, and develops with serious symptoms. Although most common flu and cold symptoms do not last long, they could seriously affect your general health and life quality. Occasionally, it is hard to distinguish between acute and chronic illness symptoms. However, your primary care doctor can help you with all aspects of your health. Your doctor will ensure you obtain the correct diagnosis and care plan to manage the prevailing symptoms and treat the underlying cause.
