Generally, certain conditions require quicker attention than others because of their severity. Most of such conditions fall under emergency care because failing to address them may be fatal to life. On the other hand, there are conditions requiring prompt treatment but are not potentially threatening your life. Dr. Melissa Kempf San Antonio defines such conditions under urgent care and can provide an evaluation and treatment when necessary. During urgent care visits, you will talk about your symptoms and then undergo various tests to make the correct diagnosis then you can receive treatment. Here are four conditions under urgent care.
Allergies
You develop an allergy when your immune system reacts to foreign substances that may not cause a reaction in others. Your immune system will make antibodies that identify the allergen as harmful though it is not so that every time you come into contact with it, you get a reaction. You may develop skin inflammation, sinuses, and airways. Your allergy symptoms will vary depending on the allergen, including sneezing, swelling, hives, wheezing, itchy skin, redness, rashes, and anaphylaxis. You may try avoiding the triggers for relief from allergy symptoms. However, you can seek urgent care if you notice the symptoms and when your non-prescription medications do not relieve you.
Sore Throat
A sore throat commonly results from a viral infection and causes pain, irritation, and scratchiness, which may worsen with swallowing. Your other symptoms will include a muffled voice, swollen, red tonsils, white patches on your tonsils, and sore and swollen glands in your neck. Usually, a sore throat will resolve on its own. You may see a doctor for a sore throat if it lasts longer than a week and causes difficulty breathing, swallowing, opening your mouth, earache, rash, and fever. Urgent care may also be beneficial if you have frequently recurring sore throats.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea refers to the urge to vomit, while vomiting is throwing up your stomach contents out of your mouth. Nausea and vomiting can result from food allergies, stomach infections, Gastroesophageal reflux, morning sickness during pregnancy, and motion sickness. Additionally, nausea and vomiting may indicate early signs of serious medical problems like cancer, ulcers, appendicitis, and intestine blockage.
Diarrhea
You probably have diarrhea when you have loose, watery, and frequent bowel movements. Your accompanying diarrhea symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, fever, blood and mucus in stool, urgency for a bowel movement, and nausea and vomiting. Fortunately, diarrhea will usually solve itself within a few days. However, you make a candidate for urgent care if your diarrhea goes beyond 48 hours with no improvement, you have severe abdominal pain, and bloody stools. As for your child, you can seek urgent care if, within 24 hours, diarrhea has failed to improve, as it may lead to quick dehydration.
Urgent care visits may be necessary for health issues that require treatment but are not life-threatening. You can see your doctor for urgent care after failing to notice improved symptoms of a certain condition, even after trying home care. Conditions falling under urgent care can include sore throat, minor headaches, allergies, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most of these conditions may resolve independently within a few days but require treatment if your symptoms persist. You will receive immediate care as soon as you need it more affordably than emergency room visits which may be more costly.
