Urgent care centers have traditionally been the first stop for people with non-life-threatening injuries and illnesses. But these days, they’re also becoming a go-to option for people who want to avoid the long wait times and high costs of an ER visit.
In fact, many urgent medical care facilities now offer more services than ever before — and can treat almost any condition you might come in with. So what are the most common conditions treated at urgent care? And what can these clinics do for you?
What is an Urgent Care Clinic?
A walk-in clinic is an urgent care facility that offers diagnostics, treatment, prescription medications, and physical therapy services. A visit to an urgent care clinic is often a great alternative to going straight to the hospital for non-emergency situations.
Conditions Treated at Urgent Care Centers
Urgent care centers are the most convenient option when you need medical attention from an expert who already has experience with your condition, family history, or community. Urgent medical care centers treat a wide range of conditions, including:
Respiratory Infections
A respiratory infection is a condition that affects your lungs and breathing. Respiratory infections can range from mild to severe and can be either viral or bacterial.
Most respiratory infections are caused by viruses and will resolve on their own in about two weeks. However, if you develop a bacterial respiratory infection — such as pneumonia or bronchitis — it’s essential to seek medical attention from your doctor so they can prescribe an antibiotic that’s appropriate for your condition.
Lacerations & Burns
A laceration is any cut or wound to the skin, while a burn is a skin injury caused by heat or chemicals. Both of these injuries can be treated with first aid at urgent care centers, but they also warrant further medical attention if necessary.
Allergies & Rashes
Allergies and rashes are among the most common types of conditions seen in urgent care settings. The following are some of the more common allergic reactions that can be treated with medication or other treatments at an urgent care center:
- Allergic reactions
- Allergic asthma
- Allergic rhinitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis (eye allergy)
Fever or Flu symptoms
Fever is a symptom of many illnesses. It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection, or it can be the result of an allergic reaction (known as “heat rash”). In general, fever is a sign that your body is fighting an infection and getting sicker.
Bladder Infections & UTIs
Urinary tract infections are common and can easily be treated with antibiotics. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) affect the urethra, bladder, and kidneys. They’re usually caused by bacteria in the gut that travel through your bloodstream to the urinary tract. UTIs can be painful and cause burning when you pee, but they can usually be treated with antibiotics.
Work-Related Injuries
The most common work-related injuries are sprains, strains, and fractures. Falls, overexertion, and lifting injuries are the most common causes of these types of injuries. Injuries occur to the back, shoulder, knee, elbow, and wrist.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are a common reason for visiting the urgent care center. Ear infections occur when the middle section of your ear canal becomes blocked with fluid, which causes pain and discomfort. Many younger kids experience ear infections after normal playdates or prolonged exposure to water.
Pink Eye
Pink eye is a highly contagious infection that occurs in the conjunctiva or outer layer of the eye. This can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi and are typically treated with a compress and antibiotics.
South Houston Leading Urgent Medical Center
At EMDS, we pride ourselves on having state-of-the-art equipment and a clean, inviting facility for all community members. We treat everything from a scraped knee on a toddler to long-term medical guidance for those handling the symptoms of a condition. Our goal is to provide you, your family, and the Houston community with bespoke access to highly qualified, experienced and trained medical providers.
To learn more about what we can do for you, schedule an appointment with EMDS. We look forward to helping you stay healthy, happy, and ready to face the day!