Respiratory issues can be quite bothersome, especially during the cold months of the year. Although many of these issues may not require immediate medical attention, some can become serious if left untreated.
This is where urgent care for respiratory issues comes into play. Let’s discuss everything you need to know about urgent care for respiratory issues such as colds, flu, and breathing concerns.
What is Urgent Care?
Urgent care is a type of medical care that provides immediate treatment for non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. These facilities have long business hours and are open even on weekends when most doctors’ offices are closed.
They offer convenient access to medical treatment without the need for an appointment.
Common Respiratory Issues Treated at Urgent Care Centers
Emergency medicine providers at urgent care centers offer urgent treatment for a wide range of respiratory issues, including:
Colds and Flu
Colds and flu are two of the most common respiratory illnesses. They are highly contagious and can spread quickly from person to person through sneezing and coughing.
Symptoms of colds and flu include fever, coughing, sore throat, runny nose, headache, body aches and fatigue. While mild cases of colds and flu can be managed at home with over-the-counter medications like pain relievers and decongestants, severe cases may require medical attention.
Breathing Concerns
Breathing concerns are also common respiratory issues that require urgent medical attention. Shortness of breath is one of the most concerning symptoms because it can indicate a possible underlying condition such as asthma or pneumonia.
Other symptoms include wheezing or chest tightness, which could also be indicative of an acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Allergies
Allergies are another common cause of respiratory issues. They can be caused by various allergens, including pollen, dust, mold, and pet dander. Allergy symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and itchy eyes.
In some cases, allergy symptoms can become severe and lead to breathing difficulties like asthma or allergic rhinitis, which may require immediate medical attention.
When to Seek Urgent Care
While many symptoms of respiratory illnesses can be managed at home, there are times when professional medical help is necessary. Here are some signs that you should seek urgent care for respiratory issues:
- Difficulty Breathing: If you’re struggling to breathe or experience shortness of breath, it’s time to see an emergency medicine provider at an urgent care center immediately.
- High Fever: A high fever, especially if accompanied by chills or body aches, could indicate a severe infection like the flu.
- Persistent Cough: A cough that lasts for more than a week, especially if it’s getting worse, may require medical attention from an emergency medicine doctor at an urgent care center.
- Chest Pain: Chest pain while breathing could be a sign of a serious respiratory condition and should be evaluated urgently by an emergency medicine provider.
What Can You Expect at Urgent Care?
When you visit an urgent care facility for respiratory issues, an emergency medicine provider will evaluate you. They’ll ask detailed questions about your symptoms—when they started, how they’ve progressed, any associated symptoms, and what treatments you’ve tried at home.
The provider may also perform a physical exam. In the case of respiratory issues, this often involves listening to your lungs with a stethoscope. The provider will listen for abnormal sounds like wheezing, crackling, or decreased breath sounds, which can indicate conditions like pneumonia or asthma.
Depending on your symptoms and the results of your examination, the provider may order diagnostic tests. These tests can help confirm or rule out certain conditions. For instance, a chest X-ray can visualize your lungs and detect abnormalities like pneumonia or lung disease.
Another common test for respiratory issues is the rapid influenza test, especially during flu season. This simple nasal swab can quickly determine if your symptoms are due to the flu virus.
Once your provider has made a diagnosis, they’ll discuss a treatment plan with you. This plan will depend on your specific condition and its severity.
For a bacterial infection, you might be prescribed antibiotics. If you have asthma or COPD, you could receive breathing treatments like nebulizers or inhalers. Over-the-counter medications might be recommended for managing symptoms like cough or congestion.
Before you leave the urgent care center, your provider will give you instructions for home care and follow-up. This could include how and when to take prescribed medications, lifestyle changes, signs of improvement or worsening, and when to seek further medical attention.
You must understand these instructions clearly before you leave the center.
Emergency Medicine for Respiratory Issues in Rochester, NY
If you are experiencing respiratory issues such as colds, flu, or breathing concerns, visit us here at Cornerstone Urgent Care Center for quick and efficient medical attention. We have a team of skilled emergency medical professionals who are skilled in handling a wide range of respiratory issues—from the common cold and flu to more serious conditions like COPD and asthma. We’ll assess your condition, listen to your concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan.
To learn more about us, contact us today at (585) 207-0088 or walkin anytime during our business hours. We look forward to serving you!
