Acute Conditions Specialist

Woodlands Primary Healthcare Our Services Acute Conditions

Woodlands Primary Healthcare

Family Medicine & Integrative Medicine located in The Woodlands, TX

By definition, an acute condition needs quick medical care to treat the problem and help you find relief from your symptoms. At Woodlands Primary Healthcare, Javier Sosa, MD, has extensive experience as a family physician, and he has spent a considerable amount of time working in the emergency room. This combined training gives him exceptional skills when it comes to caring for your acute health problems. If you have an acute condition, call the office in The Woodlands, Texas, to get the earliest possible appointment.

Acute Conditions Q & A

What is an acute condition?

An acute condition or illness is one that develops suddenly and often quickly worsens. You may be able to wait a day to see the doctor, but acute conditions typically require same-day care. In some cases, they need immediate medical attention.

Acute conditions are time limited. They either run their course or they respond to medical treatment and you feel better within about two weeks. When an acute condition persists beyond several months, it becomes a chronic condition.

A few examples of acute conditions include:

  • Acute bronchitis
  • Pneumonia
  • Strep throat
  • Flu or cold
  • Ear infection
  • Abdominal pain
  • Urinary tract infection
  • Acute back pain

If your acute condition is chest pain, you should call 911 so you have medical care on your way to the emergency department.

What symptoms signal the need for acute care?

Acute conditions tend to have obvious symptoms. A strep throat causes a sudden, very painful sore throat. Asthma and respiratory problems lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, and coughing.

But sometimes you or your child may have generic symptoms, making it hard to know when to get medical attention. If you’re ever in doubt, call Woodlands Primary Healthcare and they’ll help you make a decision based on your symptoms. 

The following symptoms need immediate care:

  • Persistent or worsening pain
  • Headache with a stiff neck
  • Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
  • Widespread rash or hives
  • High fever
  • Fever that lasts three days

Children younger than three months should get immediate care if their rectal temperature is 100.4°F or higher. If your child is 3-6 months, they need to be seen if their rectal temperature is 102°F or higher.

Adults should seek help if they have a fever of 103°F or higher, or they have a fever plus any of these symptoms:

  • Severe headache
  • Skin rash
  • Sensitivity to bright light
  • Stiff neck or pain
  • Confusion
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Abdominal pain
  • Seizures

A high fever usually indicates an infection or inflammatory condition is present.

What chronic conditions have acute flare-ups?

You may need acute care when a chronic health condition has an acute flare-up, a problem that’s common in conditions such as:

  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Chronic bronchitis
  • Asthma
  • Emphysema

To schedule an appointment for an acute condition, call Woodlands Primary Healthcare.

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