Attention, Holly Residents: Get Fast Treatment for Respiratory Infections at Our Urgent Care Clinic in Clarkston, MI
There are many types of respiratory infections, but they all have one thing in common: They typically cause a lot of misery. Although some respiratory infections will clear up on their own in a few days, others may drag on for weeks, and still others may require medical treatment to prevent serious complications. Additionally, many respiratory infections are contagious, so it’s a good idea to get an accurate medical diagnosis. Identifying the cause of your respiratory infection will help you make the best decisions about your treatment options and whether to isolate yourself to protect others from infection.
Fortunately, if you’re in the Holly, Michigan, area, you can seek treatment for a non-life-threatening respiratory infection at Springfield Urgent Care. We have walk-in clinics in Clarkston and Highland, both a short drive away from Holly and both fully equipped and staffed to treat a wide variety of nonemergency health conditions, including respiratory infections.
We treat patients of all ages, from infants to older adults, and we’re open seven days a week. Our rates are affordable, and we accept many insurance plans. This means our clinics offer a terrific alternative to the emergency room when you need a medical consultation on short notice.
What Is a Respiratory Infection?
Also known as a respiratory tract infection, this term refers to any kind of infection that affects your body’s breathing system. This type of infection can affect the upper respiratory system, including the sinuses and all the way down to your vocal cords. It can also affect the lower respiratory tract, which begins at the vocal cords and ends at the lungs. In some cases, such as with COVID-19, a respiratory infection can affect both upper and lower breathing systems.
There are several different causes of respiratory infection, but often a viral or bacterial infection is to blame. An upper respiratory infection may be caused by acute pharyngitis, acute ear infection, the common cold, or the flu. Causes of lower respiratory infection may include bronchitis, pneumonia, and bronchiolitis.
Common Respiratory Infection Symptoms
The symptoms of a respiratory infection may differ depending on whether you have an upper or lower infection. Generally, symptoms may include:
- Congestion in the sinuses or lungs
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Body aches
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest
- Fatigue
The symptoms of a respiratory infection usually last from three to 14 days. If symptoms last longer, a diagnosis of sinusitis, allergy, pneumonia, or bronchitis may be made.
How to Treat a Respiratory Infection
Many respiratory infections are caused by viruses and require no specific treatment. Rest and an increased intake of fluids is advised to help treat an upper respiratory infection. Over-the-counter medications can also be used to treat symptoms, including acetaminophen, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antihistamines, cough medications, and more. However, if your symptoms do not lessen or they become worse, visit Springfield Urgent Care as soon as possible.
If a bacterial infection is the cause of your respiratory infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. Antiviral medication may also be recommended by doctors for patients who have poor immune systems.
Our walk-in clinics are equipped to provide on-site lab testing that can pinpoint the cause of many types of respiratory infections, including influenza, strep, mononucleosis, and others. With this information in hand, our extensively trained practitioners can provide you with an effective treatment plan that will help speed up your recovery. We also offer a variety of coronavirus tests, which can give you the answers you need to make important decisions about your health care.
At Springfield Urgent Care, we’re proud to offer convenient and reliable treatment for respiratory infections and other nonemergency illnesses and injuries to residents of and visitors to the Holly area. Contact us today for more information.
