Sometimes it’s hard to know when your cough is indeed just hanging around or if it’s actually asking for help.
And at times, it’s also hard to tell one breathing condition from another.
If you are unsure if now’s the time for urgent care, you aren’t alone.
This blog will help you decide, with simple guidance that puts your peace of mind first.
Some of these signs of breathing issues may be minor, whereas some may reflect a particular condition.
If you’re stuck wondering whether to wait it out or head to urgent care, this guide is here to help.
Common Respiratory Symptoms
Breathing problems can present in many shades.
Some of the typical warning signs to watch for include:
- A cough that hangs around or seems very strong
- The sensation that it is difficult to draw breath
- Chest tightness
- The expiratory wheeze or noisy breathing sound
- Making more mucus than normal
- Sore throat or itching in the throat
- Fever, particularly when it is only a cough or congestion
These symptoms can be caused by pretty much anything and are usually related to the common cold, allergies, or maybe an infection like bronchitis or pneumonia.
This is the reason why it is good to know when to seek additional assistance.
When Should You Visit Urgent Care?
Some respiratory issues may be managed at home by lying down and drinking fluids. However, there are symptoms that you can never overlook.
This is when it is most ideal to be under the watch of a team of medical professionals.
Head to urgent care if you notice:
- Difficulty Breathing
If you feel that breathing is harder than normal or if you can’t get enough air, don’t delay.
It might be something more serious, such as:
- Asthma
- Lung infection
- Severe allergic reaction
See a medical professional to be diagnosed and treated correctly.
- Cough That Won’t Let Up
In case one has experienced a cough for a couple of days and the condition continues to deteriorate, they must visit.
When the cough persists, producing increasing amounts of mucus, or fails to clear up, there is a good chance that there’s something else happening inside of you.
- Chest Pain
Chest pain with shortness of breath, especially when acute, does warrant immediate attention.
- Prolonged coughing from respiratory infections can indeed cause costochondritis (it’s inflammation of the cartilage connecting ribs to the breastbone)
- Chest pain could appear with an infection in the lung; sometimes, it speaks of something more sinister, such as a blood clot.
- High Fever with Chills
A fever, cough, or stuffy chest can all point to something more serious – pneumonia or strep throat.
If you would like to know more about strep, read on about strep throat, how contagious it is and when to get help.
- Wheezing or Whistling When Breathing
The first time one experiences wheezing, one cannot easily dismiss it. It can be an asthma symptom, bronchitis or an irritated airways symptom.
- No Improvement After a Week
Urgent care can assist you in diagnosing what is going on in case you have been ill for more than a week and have not felt better.
What You Can Expect at Urgent Care
Urgent care clinics are great if you want friendly, fast help without spending hours in a waiting room. For respiratory symptoms, you might get:
- A check-up and quick exam
- Perhaps a quick strep test, rapid flu, or X-ray of the chest, in case of concern
- Medications such as antibiotics (when bacterial infection is suspected), pain relievers (Tylenol, NSAIDs), steroids, mucolytics, and inhalers, when necessary.
Everything from cough to minor breathing issues can be taken care of at urgent care so there’s no need to wait for things to worsen.
Why Getting Help Early Is Important
Most of the time, people figure that a cough or sore throat will just go away on its own. If you wait too long, though, things can get pretty serious.
You might need to head over to the ER, and maybe even stay in the hospital for a bit.
Getting checked early means:
- You get the proper treatment promptly
- The complication risk is reduced
- You’re likely to start feeling better and faster
After all, your health and peace of mind matter.
Wade’s Care First Can Help
We know nobody likes to put life on hold because of an illness.
At Wade’s Care First, rest assured that friendly caregivers listen to you and work to get you back on your feet.
This goes for if you’re coughing, having trouble breathing, or are unsure what to do next.
Book Your Urgent Care Appointment With Us Today
Book an appointment today. One simple visit is all it takes.
If you’re in Arizona, Indiana, New York, or Florida and think you may have these symptoms, we can help.
Wade’s Care First makes it simple to get checked, find answers, and feel reassured.
FAQs
Can urgent care help with asthma symptoms?
Yes. Asthma flare-ups are treated at urgent care for fast relief.
Should I go to urgent care or the ER for chest pain?
If your chest pain is very severe or if you are feeling short of breath, then you should rush to the ER, but for mild to moderate lower acuity pain, urgent care can be visited.
Can urgent care diagnose pneumonia?
For sure. They can take a look at your lungs, do tests, and start treating you if necessary.
