Acute Illnesses
When you are sick, timely medical evaluation can help identify the cause of your symptoms and determine the appropriate treatment. Our Internal Medicine practice provides evaluation and treatment for a variety of common acute illnesses and infections.
Whether you are experiencing respiratory symptoms, fever, sinus problems, or urinary symptoms, our goal is to provide prompt, personalized care and help you feel better while reducing the risk of complications.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is inflammation of the airways that carry air to and from the lungs. Acute bronchitis commonly develops following a viral respiratory infection and may cause a persistent cough that lasts for several days or weeks.
Common symptoms may include:
- Persistent cough
- Mucus or phlegm production
- Chest congestion or discomfort
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Mild fever or chills
- Shortness of breath
Your physician can evaluate your symptoms, listen to your lungs, and determine whether additional testing or treatment is appropriate. Because many cases of acute bronchitis are caused by viruses, antibiotics are not always necessary.
Influenza (Flu)
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Symptoms often develop suddenly and may range from mild to severe.
Common flu symptoms include:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Muscle and body aches
- Fatigue
- Weakness
Early medical evaluation may be particularly important for older adults and patients with chronic medical conditions. When appropriate, antiviral medications may be prescribed to help reduce the severity or duration of influenza.
Our practice also offers seasonal influenza vaccinations to help prevent the flu and reduce the risk of serious complications.
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation of the air sacs within one or both lungs. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and other infectious organisms and can range from a relatively mild illness to a serious medical condition.
Symptoms may include:
- Cough
- Fever or chills
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort or pain with breathing
- Fatigue or weakness
- Mucus or phlegm production
- Loss of appetite
Older adults and individuals with heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems may have a greater risk of developing complications.
Your physician can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether diagnostic testing, medication, imaging, or a higher level of care is appropriate.
Sinus Infections
A sinus infection (sinusitis) occurs when the tissues lining the sinuses become inflamed. Sinusitis frequently develops following a cold, viral respiratory infection, or allergy-related nasal inflammation.
Symptoms may include:
- Facial pressure or pain
- Nasal congestion
- Thick nasal drainage
- Postnasal drainage
- Headache
- Cough
- Reduced sense of smell
- Pressure around the eyes, nose, or forehead
Many sinus infections are viral and improve without antibiotics. Your physician can evaluate the duration and severity of your symptoms to determine whether treatment for a bacterial sinus infection or another underlying condition may be appropriate.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection involving part of the urinary system, most commonly the bladder. UTIs are common and generally respond well to treatment when diagnosed promptly.
Common symptoms may include:
- Burning or discomfort with urination
- Frequent urination
- Urgent need to urinate
- Passing small amounts of urine
- Lower abdominal or pelvic discomfort
- Cloudy or unusually strong-smelling urine
- Blood in the urine
Symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or pain in the back or side may indicate that an infection has spread to the kidneys and should be evaluated promptly.
Urine testing may be performed when appropriate to help confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment. Antibiotics may be prescribed when a bacterial urinary tract infection is diagnosed.
Prompt Care When You’re Sick
You do not have to wait for a routine wellness visit when you develop a new illness. Our Internal Medicine practice evaluates common acute medical conditions and provides individualized treatment based on your symptoms, medical history, and examination.
If you are experiencing symptoms of bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia, a sinus infection, urinary tract infection, or another acute illness, contact our office to schedule an evaluation.
“If you have any questions, or require more information or wish to make an appointment, please contact our office and we will be happy to assist you. 318-322-0100”