From the flu to seasonal allergies, it isn’t always an easy call to figure out when you can handle your symptoms yourself and when you may have to turn to our Brandon, FL, primary care physicians Drs. Joel & Elizabeth Biggers for care. Read on to gain some guidance on
this issue, and give our office a call if you need any treatment!
More about Acute Diseases
An acute disease is one that will often go away on its own either without treatment or with rest and at-home care. Here are some of the most common acute diseases that occur in both children and adults:
- Common cold
- Influenza
- Gastroenteritis (“stomach bug”)
- Upper respiratory infections (e.g. bronchitis; pneumonia)
- Strep throat
- Urinary tract infections
- Ear infection
- Migraine
Sometimes you won’t really know what’s going on but you may be able to pinpoint the symptoms you are experiencing. Common symptoms of acute diseases include,
- Runny or stuffed nose
- Facial pain and pressure
- Earache
- Coughing and sneezing
- Trouble breathing
- Sore throat
- Pain when swallowing
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Body aches
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
If you or your little one is experiencing any of these symptoms and you are concerned, it’s a good idea to call our office in Brandon, FL. That way, you can tell us what’s going on and we will be able to assess the symptoms to determine whether it’s worth making a trip into our office as soon as possible.
You should see a doctor right away for care if,
- You have a cough that lasts more than 10 days
- Your symptoms get worse
- You are experiencing chest pain (this could be a medical emergency)
- You have a high fever
- There is blood in your stool or vomit
- You are experiencing symptoms of dehydration
- Your ear pain is severe or accompanied by hearing loss or changes in your hearing
- You are wheezing or experiencing shortness of breath
- You are experiencing severe abdominal pain
- You have burning or pain with urination
- You have lost weight suddenly and unexpectedly
- You have diarrhea that has lasted more than 2 days
Contact us!
If in doubt, give our office a call and explain the symptoms that you are experiencing. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner you will experience relief. Call our medical team here at Biggers Family Medicine in Brandon, FL, today to schedule an immediate appointment for you or your little one. Our number is (813) 655-4646.