Nobody likes to get sick, especially when it comes on unexpectedly. Although most flu and common cold symptoms do not last long, they could affect your everyday life. Therefore, it is important to understand what you are dealing with and contact a specialist.
Unfortunately, it can sometimes be hard to distinguish between acute and chronic illness concerns. To help you know when to seek acute sick visits Waxahachie, this article compiles some of the most acute illnesses and signs that you should see a doctor. Read on to learn more.
- Common Cold or Flu
Most individuals do not visit the doctor for a cold or flu. Often, taking over-the-counter medications, resting, hydrating, and staying at home is all that is necessary. However, there are instances when certain symptoms warrant a doctor’s appointment.
For instance, if you experience severe or persistent congestion, such that you have problems breathing, it might be appropriate to arrange an acute sick visit. Likewise, you should not overlook an intense fever, throbbing and continuous headache, or sore throat.
Headaches
Headaches could be a real nuisance. Nearly everybody experiences a headache at some point, rendering them one of the most prevalent acute health concerns. Most headaches are associated with discomfort or pain in the face or head.
However, the numerous kinds of headaches have varying intensity and symptoms. If your headache does not stop after taking over-the-counter pain relievers, affects your sleep quality, or occurs more frequently than normal, an acute sick visit could be necessary for a professional diagnosis.
Abdominal Pain
Everybody experiences abdominal discomfort from time to time. This discomfort could occur anywhere in the lower or upper abdomen and is often attributed to digestive problems like constipation or gas.
Some other common causes of abdominal pain include pelvic problems like urinary tract infections, and problems like hernia or appendicitis. Because abdominal pain could vary significantly and stem from various causes, it is not always clear how to address it. For professional care, arrange an acute sick visit.
Earache
An earache is often associated with childhood diseases but could also affect adults. Although infection is the most prevalent cause of earaches, it could also be triggered by other problems like pressure changes in the surrounding environment, a sinus infection, and more.
You can address earaches at home with painkillers and maintaining the ear dry and remaining upright to help alleviate pressure in the ear. However, if the earache is associated with a serious headache, swelling, or dizziness, it is important to see a doctor immediately.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a prevalent, unpleasant concern that everybody suffers from sometimes. When you have diarrhea, your stools or bowel movements are watery and loose. The most common cause of diarrhea is food poisoning, bacterial or viral infections, and allergies to some foods.
Most diarrhea cases are nothing more than brief nuisances. However, if your diarrhea persists for a day or two, despite taking over-the-counter medications, and staying hydrated, you should see a doctor.
Unlike chronic health concerns, acute illnesses typically develop suddenly and do not last long, often only several days or weeks. For many, this means that they do not always have to see a doctor for an acute illness.
However, these acute diseases can lead to more serious complications if left untreated. If your condition does not improve with at-home remedies and over-the-counter solutions, schedule an acute sick visit for a professional diagnosis and individualized care plan.
