What Types of Respiratory Illnesses Does MedWise Urgent Care Treat?

Respiratory Illnesses:

Upper Respiratory Infections

Upper respiratory infections (URIs) affect the upper part of your respiratory tract, including your sinuses and throat. URIs include the common cold, laryngitis, epiglottitis, pharyngitis (sore throat), and sinusitis (sinus infection). Respiratory symptoms typically last for 7 to 10 days (about 1 and a half weeks) and may include a cough, fever, hoarse voice, runny nose, sore throat, lack of energy, red eyes, and swollen lymph nodes. Because most URIs are viral, treatment usually focuses on relieving symptoms that help you feel better until the virus passes.

MedWise providers can diagnose and treat URI symptoms, including the recommendation of appropriate over-the-counter pain relievers, rest, and drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Your MedWise provider may also prescribe steroids to reduce inflammation of your airway passage and decrease swelling and congestion. Antibiotics may be prescribed in the case of a bacterial infection such as bacterial sinusitis or epiglottitis, but this is not always recommended.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease in which air passages in the lungs narrow, leading to symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Severe cases of asthma can be fatal and require emergency medical care.

MedWise can diagnose and treat asthma with prescription inhalers, steroids and tips on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle with asthma.

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. Bronchitis can either occur suddenly with short-term duration (acute) or gradually with symptoms lasting a long time (chronic). Acute bronchitis is common and usually caused by a viral infection such as the common cold. Chronic bronchitis is a constant inflammation of the bronchial tubes. Risk factors for bronchitis include cigarette smoke, low resistance, exposure to irritants on the job, and gastric reflux. Symptoms for acute or chronic bronchitis may include a cough, shortness of breath, production of mucous, fatigue, chest discomfort, and mild fever and chills.

MedWise providers can diagnose bronchitis by carefully listening to your lungs and upper airways with a stethoscope. If chronic bronchitis is suspected, the provider may order an on-site digital chest X-ray. Treatment for acute bronchitis often includes rest, drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding secondhand smoke, and managing discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers. Because more than 95% of cases of bronchitis are caused by viruses, antibiotics are not needed in most situations.

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is an infection that affects one or both lungs and can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. Two age groups at highest risk for getting pneumonia include children two years or younger and people aged 65 or older. Symptoms of pneumonia may include a cough, which may be productive; shortness of breath; chest pain when you breathe or cough; fatigue; fever, sweating, and shaking chills; and nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

To diagnose pneumonia, MedWise providers will obtain your medical history and conduct a physical exam, which includes listening to your lungs with a stethoscope. If pneumonia is suspected, a MedWise provider may order an on-site chest X-ray, which can show the extent and location of the infection. Treatment will be tailored to the specific type and severity of the pneumonia. If you have bacterial pneumonia antibiotics may be prescribed.