Dr. Shida Saam can help you find relief from acute illnesses and their symptoms.
One of the most common reasons why our patients schedule an appointment is because of acute illnesses. Acute illnesses are those that come on quickly and last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
- It can be difficult to tell the difference between a cold and allergies or the flu
- It is important that you be seen and diagnosed by Dr. Saam when you are not feeling your best
The Common Cold
The common cold is quite common indeed! Most people will experience one to three bouts of the common cold every year. The cold is caused by hundreds of different viruses. While your body will make antibodies against one of them, you can get infected with another virus at any time. The common cold causes symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, a mild sore throat, headache. and fatigue. Many patients also experience a stuffy nose, congestion, and tenderness around their sinuses. You can expect a cold to last for 5 to 10 days. Dr. Saam can rule out other more serious causes of your symptoms and also suggest ways that you can manage your discomfort.
Flu
The flu, or influenza, is caused by a virus. The flu is easy to spread between people and is one of the most common acute illnesses from November through March every year. Symptoms of the flu come on quickly and include a high fever, sore throat, extreme tiredness, body aches, shivers, sneezing, and coughing. Many patients describe feeling like they have been “run over by a truck.” This is a testament to the severity of the aches, pains, and malaise caused by the flu. The flu can be particularly dangerous to pregnant women, senior citizens, young children, and patients with asthma, which is why it is important to get an early diagnosis and treatment if you have it.
Sinus Infections
Sinus infections are another common acute illness. Some of the symptoms of a sinus infection include sinus headaches, pain and pressure in your face, ear aches, a feeling that your ear is plugged or has water in it, congestion, and a low grade fever. You may also have a sore throat and thick nasal mucus. Sinus infections often result from poorly controlled allergies or colds that linger on past their usual duration. Prescriptions can help relieve sinus infections.
Stomach Viruses
Stomach viruses are frequently called the “stomach flu,” but they are completely unrelated to influenza. If one person in your home has a stomach virus, chances are good that the rest of the family will soon develop symptoms. A stomach virus may cause you to experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and a fever. Most stomach viruses go away after a few days. If the symptoms persist or worsen, serious complications can develop. It is important for babies, pregnant women, and seniors to be seen right away.
If you think you have any of these or other common acute illnesses, give us a call today. You can make an appointment with our friendly front desk staff and come in for a visit with Dr. Saam so that you can get back to feeling your best.