Respiratory Illness
Respiratory illnesses include symptoms of coughing, sneezing, runny noses, or congestion. These symptoms bring many people to urgent care centers every year. Respiratory illnesses tend to ebb and flow with the seasons, sticking around all year. The most common respiratory illnesses are:
Common cold
Did you know the word “common” is part of this diagnosis’ name for a reason – adults in the United States average two to three colds per year. No other illness makes us miss so much school and work. Symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, headaches, and slight aches and pains, and they usually build up over a few days.
Sore throat
Sore throats are also really common; they account for almost 10 percent of annual visits to doctors, and urgent care providers. Sore throat visits can either be caused by bacteria, such as strep, or a virus. Often tests are given to confirm whether it’s strep, so your doctor will know whether you need an antibiotic or not.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to your lungs. This inflammation can cause you to cough. Coughing can be wet and can be so persistent that it leads to a sore chest and ribs. Additional symptoms may include fatigue and chills. Acute bronchitis is the more common form that involves an episode of inflammation typically brought on by a cold or other viruses. Chronic bronchitis involves constant inflammation and is often caused by smoking.
Influenza
Although not as common, the flu gets its own season, peaking most years between December and March. This very contagious respiratory illness has symptoms similar to a cold, but they can be much more severe. It can be challenging to tell the difference
Sinus infections (aka Sinusitis)
Sinusitis is listed as the most common diagnosis. It often results from first having a cold or other upper respiratory infection. Sinus infections happen when congestion allows germs to grow, which causes swelling and pain in the sinuses. That’s why it’s important to be seen when you first notice symptoms of respiratory illness.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
UTIs hold the unfortunate distinction of being the only non-respiratory illness to make the top five of our most common diagnoses. It isn’t a pleasant thing to talk about, but this uncomfortable topic comes up quite often. UTIs normally happen when bacteria enter the urinary tract and grow in the bladder. Symptoms include burning or pain while urinating, a strong urge to urinate, and frequently urinating in small amounts.
Ears, eyes, and skin.
Ear Infections
More than 40 percent of ear infections treated occur in kids under 13 years old. Types of ear infections differ based on the part of the ear affected. Symptoms include ear pain, fever, drainage from the ear, and headaches; but you could have an ear infection without any obvious symptoms. Children may also tug or pull their ears, cry more than usual, or not respond to sounds if they have an ear infection.
Pink Eye (aka conjunctivitis)
This common malady leaves your eyes red, watery, and swollen. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or getting things like chemicals or pollution in your eyes. While there are both viral and bacterial versions of pink eye, both are very contagious. Kids catch the bacterial version more often; it’s one of the most common reasons that kids stay home from school or daycare.2 The contagious varieties spread either in the air or on the hands – so to keep your eyes the correct color, make sure you wash your hands often, and try to avoid rubbing your eyes with unwashed hands.
Skin Infection (or Cellulitis)
You may or may not have heard of cellulitis, but have you ever had a cut that got infected? Skin infections, aka cellulitis, happen when bacteria make their way into an opening in the skin – usually cuts, scrapes, bug bites, or rashes that have been scratched. If you think you have a skin infection, it’s important to get medical treatment right away. Watch for wounds that aren’t healing or any increase in pain, redness, drainage, warmth, or swelling. Keep these tips in mind to help keep a cut or scrape from getting infected.
Sprains and Strains from the Ankle Down
Illnesses make up the top 10 diagnoses in urgent care centers, and some injuries are more frequent than others. In the injury category, ankle, foot, and toe sprains and strains take the prize. Unlike the illnesses listed above, these injuries peak in summer and fall and decrease in the winter.
What’s the difference between a sprain and a strain? Sprains involve a ligament, the short band of flexible tissue connecting bones and cartilage. Strains, on the other hand, occur when muscles and/or tendons are stretched or torn. Both usually occur at joints, and they share symptoms including swelling and tenderness. You may or may not be able to put weight on it depending on the severity of the sprain or strain. They can be difficult to differentiate from fractures and should be evaluated by a medical professional, as X-rays may be necessary.
