Acute Disease Management

Acute Disease Treatment

Acute diseases are illnesses, minor injuries, and other health conditions that occur suddenly but typically last no longer than a month. Acute health conditions can produce rather severe symptoms, including pain, discomfort, high fevers, and complications of various organ systems within the body. Some examples of acute diseases that require medical treatment include sprained ankles, strep throat, the flu, broken bones, infections, and viruses. We provide acute disease treatment to families residing in communities near Allen, Frisco, Lucas, Melissa, Plano, Prosper, and Weston, TX.

Common Cold Treatment

Most acute diseases can be treated one way or another, but many illnesses such as the common cold have no true “cure,” so to speak. While you cannot technically cure a cold, you can provide acute care by giving your immune system everything it needs to fight the viral infection as efficiently as possible. 

How to Treat a Cold: Stay hydrated, getting lots of rest, and using over-the-counter remedies to alleviate any pain, discomfort, or other symptoms that you are experiencing. Avoid drinking alcohol, coffee, soda, and anything else that could potentially worsen dehydration.

Let us know if you need acute medical care for a cold — we’ll help you get back on your feet!

Flu Treatment

The flu is a contagious respiratory disease that can be caused by various strains of the influenza virus. Depending on various factors, the flu’s symptoms may range from mild to severe; children, seniors, and other individuals with weakened immune systems may face the highest risk of dealing with severe complications that could potentially result in hospitalization.

Flu Symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Headaches
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Throat Soreness
  • Runny Nose
  • Stuffy Nose
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle/Body Aches

The flu’s symptoms tend to occur rather abruptly, but there are various treatments available for this acute respiratory disease. Treatment may vary depending on the individual’s symptoms.

Flu Remedies:

  • Hydration
  • Rest
  • OTC Pain Relievers
  • OTC Decongestant
  • OTC Antihistamine
  • Prescription Antiviral Drugs

How Long Is the Flu Contagious?

Depending on the circumstances, the flu is usually contagious for about a week (roughly five to seven days). However, you may be contagious about a day before symptoms are noticeable.

Injury Treatment

Minor injuries such as contusions, shallow cuts, mild burns, and sprained ankles are also classified as acute diseases, and the treatment will vary depending on the type of injury. The first thing you should do when dealing with a potential sprain or other injury, is see a doctor. If you are dealing with an injury that has limited your ability to function, we can assess the injury, determine if it’s a sprain, and find an appropriate remedy for your pain and discomfort. 

How to Treat a Sprained Ankle: After a doctor has diagnosed the injury as a sprain using x-ray, MRI, CT scan, or ultrasound imaging scans, they may provide or recommend various remedies which can be broken down into four categories: self-care, medication, medical devices, and physical therapy. Self-care remedies include rest, ice, compression, and elevating the sprained limb. Over the counter pain relievers are usually enough to keep the pain to a minimum, but medical devices like crutches, braces, and bandages may also be required. In some cases, physical therapy will be needed to restore range of motion and flexibility.

Acute Infection Treatment

There are a few different types of infections — the flu is technically a viral infection, and strep throat is a bacterial infection — but for the sake of simplicity, this section refers strictly to acute bacterial infections, such as food poisoning, eye infections, ear infections, infected wounds, and other similar acute diseases. Treatment for acute infections will vary depending on the type of infection and the patient’s medical history, but generally speaking, antibiotics are the most likely solution to most acute bacterial infections.

Common Ear Infection (Otitis Media) Symptoms:

  • Ear Pain
  • Irritability
  • Fever
  • Loss of Appetite
  • Discharge From Ears
  • Difficulty Hearing
  • Loss of Balance
  • Congestion

Like other acute infections and diseases, Otitis Media can be treated with antibiotics, OTC pain medication, decongestants, and antihistamines. Make sure you visit a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect you may have an ear infection — ignoring it can lead to severe complications.

Acute Bronchitis Treatment

Acute bronchitis is a disease that can be treated but not cured — it’s a viral infection, which means you are mostly limited to mitigating symptoms with rest, home remedies, and OTC medication until the disease has run its course. In some cases, doctors may prescribe inhalers to help loosen up mucus, but that will depend on your individual circumstances.

Acute Bronchitis Symptoms:

  • Chest Congestion/Tightness
  • Sore Throat
  • Coughing up Clear, Yellow, or Green Mucus
  • Wheezing
  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Body/Muscle Aches

Find Treatment for Acute Disease at Meridian Primary Care

Whether you are dealing with a sore throat, an ear infection, or a minor ankle injury, you can find the treatment you need to get back on your feet at Meridian Primary Care. Aside from acute disease treatment, you can come to our office in McKinney, TX, for dermatology procedures, physical exams, reproductive health needs, behavioral health management, and much more. We welcome patients from the following communities (and more) to stop by our office and learn more about the services we offer:

  • Allen
  • Frisco
  • Lucas
  • McKinney
  • Melissa
  • Plano
  • Prosper
  • Weston

We accept coverage from most major health insurance providers — call today for more details!