See your primary care physician at Biggers Family Medicine in Brandon, FL, annually for a check-up or more often if you are managing a chronic condition such as diabetes or asthma. Additionally, Dr. Joel Biggers and Dr. Elizabeth Biggers see patients for acute diseases. We give undivided attention to these sudden, more short-lived problems to prevent complications and get you back to your normal routine. Your Brandon FL primary care physician is the one to turn to in any medical situation.
What is an acute disease?
An acute disease or condition comes on quickly but resolves within no more than a few weeks. Typically, symptoms appear relatively suddenly and may include pain, fever, nausea, vomiting, cough, sneezing, wheezing, itching, and more.
Acute diseases affect many body systems including the respiratory system, ear, nose and throat, skin, skeletal system, muscles, and the brain. Common acute illness includes:
- Colds, flu, pneumonia and sinus infections
- Rashes
- Eye and ear infections
- Tonsillitis and strep throat
- Urinary tract infections
- Bacterial and viral pneumonia
- Pancreatitis
- Gall stones
- Appendicitis
- Sprains, fractures and muscle strains
Getting the care you need
Fortunately, your Brandon FL primary care physician at Biggers Family Medicine can treat most non-urgent acute diseases right in the Brandon, FL, office. However, more pressing, emergent concerns, such as acute appendicitis or compound leg fracture, need life-saving care at your local hospital.
When you come into the office with an acute disease, expect Dr. Biggers to ask you about your symptoms, take vital signs and examine your area of concern (such as your throat and chest if you have a severe cold). The doctor will order any additional tests, such as a Strep culture, urinalysis, or blood work as needed, and then, prescribe the interventions you need to get well.
Be sure to tell the doctor about your symptoms in detail, including when they started, where they are located, and what, if anything, helps. Expect Dr. Biggers to outline a care plan for you and your specific condition. He or she may wish to see you for follow-up care in a week or two or ask you to follow-up with a phone call or on the patient portal.
When you're at home
With any acute illness, you should get plenty of rest. Stay home from work or school. Drink plenty of fluids, and refrain from smoking. Take your medications as prescribed, and get help with housework and errands as needed.
We're here to help
The National Council on Aging says that acute diseases can be worsened when you have a chronic condition such as hypertension or asthma. Fortunately, Dr. Elizabeth Biggers and Dr. Joel Biggers know their regular patients well and how ongoing medications, therapies, and pre-existing conditions impact individual patients.
So, if you develop an acute condition, such as a UTI or pink eye, contact your Brandon FL primary care physician at Biggers Family Medicine. Your doctor will give you the personalized care you need. Call us at (813) 655-4646.