Infections

When to Visit an Urgent Care for Coughing

Wednesday, September 28th, 2022

A cough that sticks around for a few days after a cold or change in the weather is nothing to worry about. Many people experience this a few times per year. But, if your cough seems to be lingering longer than normal, you may be wondering whether to seek professional help. 

You should consider visiting an urgent care for a cough that:

Persists For Several Weeks

If you have a cough that persists beyond three to four weeks, you could likely benefit from a visit to an urgent care. At this point, your cough may be indicating an underlying medical problem that requires treatment besides over-the-counter medications and at-home care. A physician at your local urgent care can pinpoint the cause of your cough and recommend appropriate treatments. 

Doesn’t Respond To Over-The-Counter Medication

Similarly, if you have a cough that won’t respond to over-the-counter medications, you may want to visit urgent care. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medications that offer relief.

It Is Accompanied By Fatigue, Breathing Problems, and Chest Pain

If your cough leads to fatigue, trouble breathing, or chest pain, it’s time to visit urgent care. Fatigue and trouble breathing with a cough can be a sign of a respiratory condition, like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). Chest pain with a cough may indicate digestive problems, like GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

Consists of Blood or Abnormal Mucus

Coughing up blood or abnormal mucus can be a cause for concern. While this symptom typically indicates a small injury in the nose or throat, it can be caused by an infection. So, make sure to promptly visit urgent care if you cough up blood or thick, discolored mucus. 

The team at Suncoast Urgent Care offers prompt, expert treatment for all types of coughs. Contact us today for more information!

 

What’s Considered a Fever And When to See a Doctor

Friday, May 20th, 2022

A fever is your body’s method of protecting itself against infection. When you have a fever, your body temperature will temporarily rise. It’s considered a low-grade fever if it reaches a temperature of at least 99℉ and a high fever if it reaches a temperature of 102℉ or higher. 

When To See a Doctor For a Fever

In most cases, you won’t need to head to the doctor’s office for a fever. Most fevers aren’t a reason to worry and pass on their own within a couple of days. 

However, you should promptly visit a doctor for an evaluation if you experience:

  • A fever that reaches or exceeds 103℉
  • A fever that persists for a week or longer
  • Have an underlying medical condition

Additionally, adults should receive medical attention if they experience any of the following symptoms along with a fever:

  • Rash
  • Severe headache
  • Neck pain and stiffness when bending the head forward
  • Recurrent vomiting
  • Confusion, odd behavior, or changes in speech
  • Abnormal light sensitivity
  • Chest pain
  • Trouble breathing
  • Abdominal pain
  • Pain while urinating
  • Seizures or convulsions

When To Visit a Doctor If Your Child Has a Fever

The guidelines for seeking medical care for children with fever differ from the guidelines for adults. 

You should contact your doctor if you have:

  • An infant younger than three months old with a temperature of 100.4℉
  • An infant between three and six months old with a temperature over 102℉
  • A child between seven and 24 months old with a temperature over 102℉ that lasts longer than a day (if symptoms other than the fever are present, you may call sooner)
  • A child older than three months old with a temperature over 104℉ 

Additionally, if your child has a fever and isn’t responsive, contact your child’s medical provider immediately. 

At Suncoast Urgent Care, we offer prompt care for fevers in adults and children. Contact us today for more information. 

Why Do I Feel Off-Balance?

Wednesday, April 20th, 2022

Numerous systems in the body help keep you on balance, day in and day out. If one or more of these systems isn’t working properly, you may start to feel off-balance.  

Balance problems can be disorienting – you may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or like the room is spinning. These issues can be triggered by certain conditions, the most common of which include:

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo

Also known as BPPV, this condition is the main cause of vertigo among adults. It occurs when calcium crystals in the inner ear that help with balance are forced out of their usual positions. The crystals end up in different positions within the inner ear, which leads to balance problems.

BPPV can often be successfully treated with specific physical therapy exercises. If patients experience nausea along with BPPV, they may also benefit from taking anti-nausea medications. 

Vestibular Neuritis

Classified as an inner ear disorder, this condition occurs when the vestibulocochlear nerve in the inner ear becomes inflamed. This nerve transmits information about balance and head positioning to the brain. When it’s swollen, this information isn’t properly understood, and vertigo and dizziness occur as a result. 

Viral infections of the inner ear are the key cause of vestibular neuritis. Treating the virus and managing symptoms with anti-nausea medications are the most common methods for relieving this condition. It generally resolves on its own within several days. 

Persistent Postural Perceptual Dizziness

Persistent postural perceptual dizziness (PPPD) is a common disorder causing dizziness and unsteadiness among adults. It’s a chronic vestibular condition that typically develops when the brain’s interpretation of motion and space suddenly changes. It’s more common among people with anxiety, depression, and/or migraine. Physical therapy and medications are typically used to treat PPPD. 

At Suncoast Urgent Care, we provide walk-in medical services for adults and children. If you’re feeling dizzy, nauseous, and off-balance, visit our clinic today to speak with a physician. 

Common Causes of a Stuffy Nose

Thursday, February 10th, 2022

Most people get a stuffy nose at least a handful of times per year. Often referred to as nasal congestion, a stuffy nose can produce uncomfortable symptoms which can be brought on by a number of triggers. Pinpointing the precise cause of your nasal congestion will ultimately help you receive the care that you need to breathe easily again. 

The common causes of a stuffy nose include:

Allergies

Allergies are a very common cause of nasal congestion. If you have allergies, your immune system attacks foreign substances such as pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust mites. The natural immune response to an allergen leads to inflammation and mucus production that can also cause a stuffy nose. 

Viral Infection

Several common viral infections can also be the source of a stuffy nose. When a virus enters your body through the nose, it can multiply within the lining of the sinuses. As the immune system works to fight the infection, it causes inflammation that can trigger a stuffy nose. The common cold, flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and COVID-19 are examples of viral infections that can provoke nasal congestion. 

Acute Sinusitis

Acute sinusitis occurs when the sinuses become swollen and can lead to mucus accumulation,  resulting in a stuffy nose.  There are also other associated symptoms including sinus pain and swelling. In most cases, acute sinusitis is triggered by the common cold, hay fever, nasal passage abnormalities, and smoke exposure.

Sinusitis is easy to mistake for allergies and typical viral infections. Therefore, to know for sure whether or not your stuffy nose is the result of sinusitis, you’ll most likely need to consult a doctor for an evaluation. 

At Suncoast Urgent Care, we provide you with relief for nasal congestion, along with other respiratory complaints. Contact us today to learn more! 

Common Winter Illnesses to Watch For

Monday, December 20th, 2021

During the winter months, more time spent indoors coupled with lower temperatures increases the risk of getting sick. Many illnesses are more common in the winter, making it important to protect your immunity with a healthy lifestyle along with frequent hand washing and disinfecting. 

Read on to learn about the most common winter illnesses to watch out for in the coming months.

The Common Cold

The common cold, as the name suggests, is one of the most common winter illnesses. This type of viral infection often causes a cough, sore throat, sneezing, nasal congestion, and postnasal drip. 

Most adults have a couple of colds each year, while children typically have between six and ten . This infection can range in severity, but is usually mild and goes away within a week. Over-the-counter medications, including decongestants and antihistamines, can improve the symptoms of a cold while your body works to fight off the virus. 

Influenza

The flu is a contagious viral infection that peaks in the fall and winter. You can receive an influenza vaccination starting in the fall to prevent getting sick with the flu. Fever, body aches, sore throat, sneezing, coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea are all symptoms of this infection, and it can last between five and seven days. Tamiflu is a prescription medication that can treat the flu if you’ve had the infection for two days or less. 

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a condition that occurs when the lining of the bronchial tubes becomes inflamed. It can develop as a result of a respiratory infection, like the flu, or inhaled bacteria. However, chronic bronchitis, which lasts for three months or longer for at least two consecutive years, can result from irritants such as cigarette smoke or air pollution. 

The symptoms of bronchitis include a persistent cough, trouble breathing, and chest discomfort. Some people also experience headaches, body aches, chills, sore throat, runny nose, and watery eyes. Cough medicine, an inhaler, and antibiotics are possible treatments for bronchitis, depending on the cause of the illness. 

If you’re struggling to manage symptoms of common winter illnesses, visit Suncoast Urgent Care for a diagnosis and expert medical care today!

When to Seek Care for a Stomach Ache

Saturday, November 20th, 2021

In most cases, stomach pain isn’t something to worry about and will pass with time. But, there are some instances in which stomach pain indicates a more serious issue and requires prompt medical care. As a patient, it’s often difficult to determine when you need to seek care for a stomach ache. Here, we’ll explain the signs that stomach pain is an emergency and the signs that it needs non-emergency medical care.

Signs That Stomach Pain Could Be an Emergency

Some types of stomach pain require emergency medical care. These include pain from appendicitis, stomach ulcers, kidney stones, gallstones, hernia, pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel disease, bowel obstruction, and bowel perforation. The signs and symptoms that you may have a case of severe stomach pain and should seek out emergency care include:

  • The abdomen is very hard to the touch
  • Tenderness in the abdomen
  • Frequent vomiting
  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Fainting
  • Pain or pressure in the chest
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Vision changes
  • Vomiting with an inability to pass a bowel movement
  • Vomiting or coughing up blood

You should also seek emergency care for significant stomach pain if: 

  • You’re pregnant
  • Your abdomen is expanding rapidly or bruised
  • The pain began after a procedure in/around the stomach
  • The pain began in the week following abdominal surgery
  • The pain began soon after trauma to the abdomen
  • You’ve had surgery on the digestive tract

Signs That Stomach Pain Requires Non-Emergent Medical Care

While severe stomach pain may require emergency care, other types of stomach pain can be treated with non-immediate care. If you experience the following symptoms with stomach pain and they persist for longer than a day or two, call your doctor: 

  • Blood in urine
  • Burning with urination
  • Diarrhea that persists for longer than five days
  • Fever that exceeds 100 degrees or lasts for longer than three days
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach pain that worsens or doesn’t improve in one to two days
  • Blood in stool
  • Bleeding of the rectum
  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding

If you have stomach pain that doesn’t last, isn’t severe, and isn’t paired with symptoms listed above, it will likely go away without medical care. The most common causes of mild stomach pain include constipation, eating foods that are hard to digest, and gas. 

For prompt treatment for a broad range of gastrointestinal concerns, visit Suncoast Urgent Care or contact us to schedule an appointment!

 

Tips on Staying Healthy This Winter

Wednesday, November 10th, 2021

This winter, staying healthy is high on the priority list for many. The common cold, flu, and COVID-19, along with other infections such as strep throat, bronchitis, and pneumonia, can pose a significant health risk this winter. But, the entire team at Suncoast Urgent Care is here to keep you and your family healthy all season long! Here, you’ll find our best tips for staying healthy and preventing illness this winter. Additionally, to receive prompt medical care for many health concerns, don’t hesitate to visit one of our office locations!

Prevent the Spread of Contagious Viruses.

Along with the novel coronavirus, there are many contagious viruses that can make you sick this winter, including influenza and the common cold. To prevent catching and spreading harmful viruses, make sure to wash your hands frequently throughout the day, regularly sanitize common surfaces, and avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes.

Get a Flu Shot. 

While much of the recent focus on vaccines have been on the one for COVID-19, it’s also important to get a flu shot this winter. Getting the vaccine for influenza shot can help prevent deaths and hospitalizations from the virus. 

Exercise.

While exercising isn’t always as enticing in the winter when people often want to curl up inside around the fire, it’s an essential part of staying healthy. Exercising not only helps with weight management and disease prevention, but also stimulates the immune system. So, whether you opt for an at-home workout, a walk around your neighborhood, or a session at the gym, make sure to get moving this winter. 

Eat a Healthy Diet.

What you eat has a large impact on the strength of your immune system. So, this winter, aim to eat a balanced diet full of foods that are known to boost immune function! These include citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, broccoli, bell peppers, garlic, ginger, and probiotic-rich foods like yogurt. 

Visit Suncoast Urgent Care for all of your healthcare needs this winter. Contact us to learn more today!

 

Does My Child Have Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease?

Wednesday, October 20th, 2021

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Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a viral infection that’s common in young children. This illness is mild, but contagious, and can be spread by close contact with people who are infected with it.

There are certain telltale signs of hand, foot, and mouth disease, including sores in the mouth and a skin rash typically found on the hands and feet. Here, we’ll describe these signs in greater detail so that you can recognize them in your child at home. 

Signs of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

As mentioned above, hand, foot, and mouth disease often causes mouth sores and skin rash. The mouth sores associated with this virus are often painful, inflamed, and similar to blisters. These sores can appear on the gums, inside of the cheeks, and the tongue. The rash associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease often appear on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, and the buttocks in some cases. This rash usually isn’t itchy, but may blister. 

Other symptoms of this disease in children include:

The first symptom of hand, foot, and mouth disease is often a fever. This is commonly followed by a sore throat and potentially a loss of appetite. Within a day or two of the fever developing, the sores in the mouth or throat may appear. A day or two after the sores appear, a rash may form. 

How to Prevent Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease

Hand, foot, and mouth disease can most effectively be prevented with frequent hand washing, disinfecting surfaces and toys, avoiding contact with people who are infected, not sharing cups or utensils, and avoiding touching the face. Adults can also carry hand, foot, and mouth disease, even if they don’t experience symptoms of it. So, it’s important for parents to take preventative measures against this virus so that they don’t pass it to their children. 

Hand, foot, and mouth disease is typically minor and resolves within 7 to 10 days. However, if your child is experiencing severe symptoms, symptoms that haven’t resolved within 10 days, or a fever lasting longer than three days, visit Suncoast Urgent Care for prompt medical attention.  

Is Your Sore Throat a Cold, Strep Throat, or Tonsillitis?

Sunday, October 10th, 2021

A sore throat is a symptom of many common illnesses. So, if you’re experiencing a sore throat, it can be difficult to tell which sickness you’re coming down with. 

Cold viruses, strep throat, and tonsilitis can all cause a sore throat. While these ailments are all easily treated, understanding the differences between them can help you get the care that you need to make a fast recovery. 

Sore Throat from a Cold

A sore throat is often the first sign that you’re coming down with a cold. A sore throat with a cold will generally go away within the first day or two of getting sick. If you have a cold, you’ll also likely have other symptoms including nasal congestion, a runny nose, headache, sneezing, and mild body aches.  (more…)

Could Your Cough Be a Sign of Something More Serious?

Monday, September 20th, 2021

In many instances, a cough is simply caused by a minor issue, like the common cold or seasonal allergies. However, in some instances, a persistent cough could indicate a more serious medical concern. Knowing when to visit a doctor for a cough will help ensure that you receive the prompt medical care that you need. 

What Causes a Chronic Cough?

A cough is considered chronic if it lasts for eight weeks or more. A cough lasting several weeks can be uncomfortable and disruptive to your daily activities. Some of the common causes of a chronic cough include:

  • Asthma
  • Sinus problems
  • Pneumonia 
  • Lung infection
  • Chronic heartburn
  • Medication side effects

In some cases, a chronic cough is caused by more serious conditions, such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, or even lung cancer. However, before jumping to conclusions, visit your doctor for a professional evaluation of your cough. Your doctor will be able to pinpoint its cause and get you the treatment that you need. 

Signs That You Should Visit a Doctor for Your Cough

  • Your cough goes away, then returns. This can indicate rebound symptoms. 
  • Your cough is accompanied by a fever over 103℉. 
  • You’re also experiencing shortness of breath and/or chest pain. 
  • You’re coughing up blood, even if it’s a small amount. 

Cough and COVID-19

A cough is a typical symptom of both the common cold and COVID-19. While a common cold will likely go away on its own within a few days, cases of COVID-19 may require additional care. So, if you’re experiencing a cough, it’s wise to receive a COVID-19 test so that you know for sure. In either case, the knowledgeable team at Suncoast Urgent Care will ensure that you get the medical care that you need!

For comprehensive care for coughs and COVID-19 testing, including rapid tests, visit Suncoast Urgent Care. 

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