The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract, and adults can get several colds in a year. The infection is caused by one of the over 200 different viruses. The common cold is usually mild and resolves on its own within a week or two, but it can lead to complications,…
A sprained ankle can feel like a sharp pain when the injury occurs, followed by throbbing and swelling. It can be difficult to put weight on the ankle and you may need to use crutches or a walking boot. All in all, a sprained ankle can make it hard to do your normal activities. You…
There’s no denying it: urgent care facilities are convenient. It’s one of the biggest draws that might make you choose urgent care over your regular doctor’s office or the ER. There’s usually at least one urgent care nearby, and it’s often open outside most doctors’ office hours. The medical services you can get at urgent…
There are a few key differences between urgent care and the emergency room (ER). Urgent care is for injuries or illnesses that are not life-threatening. The emergency room, on the other hand, is for serious issues that may be considered a medical emergency. One of the biggest differences between urgent care and the ER is…
Lacerations, no matter how small, need proper wound care to prevent serious complications, such as tetanus and sepsis. Below are the basic steps to proper wound care, the goal of which is to create a conducive environment for a quick healing process. Step 1: Apply firm pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to…
The most common illnesses are usually non-life-threatening and can be treated at urgent medical clinics. Illnesses and injuries are among the most commonly treated medical conditions in these walk-in clinics. Below are just some of the most common acute medical conditions and how they are treated in urgent care. Cold and Flu Some of the…
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, is a lung condition that can affect how well you breathe. It is usually caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as smoke, heavy dust, and chemical fumes. The most common symptom of this lung condition is shortness of breath. Other symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. COPD…
Blood testing is a fascinating and complex process, whose result gives you and your medical provider crucial insight into your state of health. But have you ever wondered what happens to your blood sample in a laboratory? In this post, we’ll discuss a few common types of blood tests, what they reveal about your health,…
Did you know that there are over 5,000 tests that can be run in a clinical laboratory? Each of these tests has its own specific purpose. In this blog, we’ll take a look at what clinical lab testing involves, some of the most common laboratory tests, and what they’re used for. What Does Clinical Lab…
If you’re like most people, you know there are two types of diabetes. What you may not know is the difference between the two – and why it’s important that you know it. The main similarity between the two types is that both are chronic, metabolic conditions that interfere with the body’s ability to produce…
The major breakthroughs in imaging technology have ushered in the development of many sophisticated techniques, among which are digital X-rays. Despite their life-saving benefits, there is this enduring concern about the safety of X-rays in general. When the term “X-ray” gets mentioned, people cannot help but associate it with radiation and be concerned about the…
With the option to go to an urgent care center as opposed to the emergency room, you may be wondering which conditions exactly can the staff at urgent care centers treat. Not all urgent care centers are created equal, premium ones can treat a wider range of medical conditions and provide services you would not…
