Acute Conditions

Cough, Cold, & Flu

"Cold," "cough," and "flu" are three common respiratory illnesses that share some similarities but also have distinct differences:

The common cold: The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory system, typically caused by a rhinovirus. Symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, sneezing, and sometimes fever.

Cough: A cough is a reflex action that occurs when the airways are irritated. It is a common symptom of many respiratory illnesses, including the common cold, flu, and pneumonia.

Flu: Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system. It is caused by the influenza virus and typically results in symptoms such as fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, and fatigue.

While all three can be caused by viral infections, the flu tends to be more severe and has a faster onset than a cold. A cough can occur as a symptom of both a cold and the flu, but it can also be caused by other factors such as allergies, asthma, or smoking. Treatment for these illnesses typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms, but severe cases may require medical intervention.

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Respiratory Illness

A respiratory illness is a medical condition that affects the respiratory system, which includes the lungs, bronchi, trachea, and other structures involved in breathing. Respiratory illnesses can be caused by various factors, including viral or bacterial infections, environmental factors like pollution or allergens, and lifestyle choices like smoking. Common respiratory illnesses include the common cold, flu, pneumonia, bronchitis, and asthma. Symptoms of respiratory illnesses may include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, wheezing, and fatigue. Treatment options for respiratory illnesses may vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition, and may include medications, oxygen therapy, and lifestyle changes.

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Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes that affects the throat and tonsils. Symptoms include a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, and white patches on the tonsils. Strep throat is diagnosed through a throat culture or rapid strep test and is treated with antibiotics to kill the bacteria and alleviate symptoms. Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also be used to reduce fever and pain. If left untreated, strep throat can lead to complications, so it is important to seek medical attention if symptoms are suspected.

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Lacerations

A laceration is a cut or tear in the skin or flesh that can range from minor to severe injuries. The severity of the injury depends on factors like the depth, length, and location of the wound, and may cause bleeding, pain, swelling, redness, and loss of function in the affected area. Treatment for a laceration may vary from proper wound care to surgical intervention, depending on the severity of the injury. Seeking medical attention is important for severe lacerations or those located in sensitive areas, accompanied by excessive bleeding, loss of consciousness, or signs of infection.

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Sports Injuries

Sports injuries are injuries that can happen during physical activity or sports. They can range from minor sprains and strains to more severe injuries like fractures and dislocations. Common types of sports injuries include sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, and concussions. Prevention of sports injuries involves proper training, warming up, and using proper equipment. Treatment for sports injuries may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) for minor injuries, or surgery for more severe injuries. It is important to seek medical attention for any sports injury to properly diagnose and treat the injury and prevent further damage.

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Fever

Fever is a common medical condition characterized by an increase in body temperature above the normal range, which is typically around 98.6°F (37°C) in adults. Fever is usually a sign that the body is fighting off an infection or illness, although it can also be a side effect of some medications or medical conditions.

Common symptoms of fever include an increase in body temperature, chills, sweating, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue. Depending on the underlying cause, other symptoms such as cough, sore throat, and nausea may also be present.

Treatment for fever typically involves addressing the underlying cause, such as taking antibiotics for a bacterial infection. Over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can also be used to reduce fever and alleviate symptoms. It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and resting to allow the body to heal.

In some cases, a high fever can be a sign of a serious medical condition and may require emergency medical attention. It is important to seek medical care if a fever is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, confusion, severe headache, or chest pain.

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Rashes & Other Skin Conditions

Rashes and skin conditions refer to a wide range of conditions that affect the skin. Common types of skin conditions include eczema, psoriasis, acne, rosacea, and hives.

Eczema is a chronic skin condition that causes red, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin. Psoriasis is also a chronic skin condition that causes thick, scaly patches of skin that are often red and itchy. Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, flushing, and small bumps on the face. Hives are raised, itchy, and often red or white bumps on the skin that are usually caused by an allergic reaction to food, medication, or other substances.

Treatment for skin conditions may vary depending on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. Treatment options may include topical creams or ointments, oral medications, light therapy, or lifestyle changes. It is important to seek medical attention if a rash or skin condition is severe, spreads rapidly, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or difficulty breathing.

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Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies, also known as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, are allergic reactions that occur during certain times of the year. Common triggers for seasonal allergies include pollen from trees, grass, and weeds, as well as mold spores. Symptoms of seasonal allergies include sneezing, runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, and coughing.

Treatment for seasonal allergies may include over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines, decongestants, or nasal corticosteroids. Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, may also be recommended for some individuals. Lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers, using air purifiers, and keeping windows closed can also help manage seasonal allergies. It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, interfere with daily activities, or are accompanied by other symptoms such as fever or difficulty breathing.

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Bronchitis & Asthma

Bronchitis and asthma are two respiratory conditions that can affect breathing and cause coughing and wheezing.

Bronchitis is a condition that involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes, which are the air passages that connect the lungs to the mouth and nose. It can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection or by exposure to irritants like smoke or pollution. Symptoms of bronchitis may include coughing, chest discomfort, and difficulty breathing.

Asthma is a chronic condition that involves inflammation and narrowing of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma symptoms may include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Asthma attacks can be triggered by a variety of factors, including allergens, exercise, stress, and exposure to irritants.

Treatment for bronchitis and asthma may involve medications like bronchodilators or corticosteroids to help open up the airways and reduce inflammation. In some cases, lifestyle changes like avoiding triggers or practicing breathing exercises may also be recommended.

It is important to seek medical attention if symptoms of bronchitis or asthma are severe or persistent, or if they interfere with daily activities. In some cases, these conditions can be life-threatening and may require emergency medical treatment.

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