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7 Reasons to Visit an Urgent Care for Painful Urination

Painful urination, sometimes referred to as dysuria, is defined as the discomfort or pain associated with urination. It’s often accompanied by burning sensations, as well as the feeling that you aren’t emptying your bladder completely during each visit to the toilet. The causes of painful urination can vary from benign conditions that are completely treatable at home to those that require urgent medical attention in order to diagnose and treat them properly.

1) A urinary tract infection (UTI)
A UTI is a bacterial infection of your bladder, urethra or kidneys. The condition is common and treatable—especially with antibiotic use—but it can be severe in rare cases and even life-threatening. If you experience pain in your lower abdomen, difficulty urinating or feel constant pressure in your pelvic area, chances are you have a UTI. If left untreated, a UTI could lead to cystitis (chronic bladder inflammation) or kidney infection.

2) Frequent bathroom trips due to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common cause of painful urination. IBS affects people differently, but most patients feel cramping or sharp, sudden pain during a bowel movement. If you have frequent and urgent bathroom trips related to IBS, contact your doctor immediately. This condition could become life-threatening if left untreated.

3) Kidney stones
These occur when dissolved minerals, or salts, precipitate out of solution in a person’s urine and form crystals. When they become too large to pass through a ureter—the tube connecting a kidney with your bladder—they get stuck. Kidney stones may be as small as a grain of sand or as big as a golf ball. If left untreated, kidney stones can cause blood in urine and even renal colic: severe pain radiating from the back into other parts of your body.

4) Bladder cancer
According to a report from researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center, bladder cancer is more prevalent in men than women and accounts for about 4 percent of all cancer diagnoses each year. It’s also more common in white people than it is in African Americans or Hispanics/Latinos.

5) Prostate cancer
Common signs and symptoms of prostate cancer include trouble starting or stopping your urine stream, urinating often during the night, having a sudden urge to pee, and experiencing pain or burning during urination. If you have any of these symptoms, you might have prostate cancer. But it’s important to note that not all men with these signs and symptoms will actually have prostate cancer.

6) Sexual assault or abuse
The US Department of Justice estimates that 1 out of 6 women will experience some form of sexual assault in her lifetime. Additionally, 4% of men have reported being sexually assaulted in their lifetimes, according to RAINN (Rape Abuse & Incest National Network). If you’ve experienced sexual abuse or assault and need help at a time when it’s difficult even to think straight, calling a local urgent care clinic might be a good idea.

7) Incontinence
This is when a person has trouble controlling their urine flow. It can be caused by various medical conditions. People with long-term medical conditions may experience incontinence as a side effect of medication or due to aging, damage from childbirth or surgery, and certain types of neurological disorders.

Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Sprains and Strains

Sprains and strains are common injuries that occur when your muscles, ligaments, or tendons sustain damage. You might have injured yourself while exercising, lifting heavy objects, or by stepping off the curb and twisting your ankle. Whatever the cause of your injury, you should not ignore it because sprains and strains can develop into more serious problems such as muscle tears and torn ligaments if they are left untreated. To learn more about why you shouldn’t ignore sprains and strains, keep reading to learn what these injuries can do to your body.

How sprains and strains occur
Sprains and strains are the most common type of injury in all age groups. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that connect two bones together, while a strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons. Both can occur when there is too much force put on the body part by either over-extending or rotating it. The most common areas for sprains are wrists, ankles, knees, elbows, shoulders, neck, and back.

Treatments for sprains and strains
Sprains and strains are the most common types of injuries, as they are caused by overstretching or tearing a muscle or ligament. Immediate treatment can help reduce swelling, relieve pain, and prevent long-term damage to the joint. In some cases, surgery may be needed to repair torn ligaments.

Most common types of sprains and their symptoms
A sprain is a stretching or tearing of the ligament, which connects bone to bone. Symptoms of a sprain include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the joint. A strain is a stretching or tearing of the muscle or tendon. Symptoms of a strain include pain, tenderness, stiffness, and bruising.

How to tell if you need treatment
If you have a sprain or strain, you may feel pain when using the injured area, be unable to use it at all, or experience stiffness or aching. Other symptoms that can indicate a sprain or strain include bruising or discoloration around the injury site, swelling that doesn’t go down after twenty-four hours, feeling warmth in the area, and loss of function in the injured limb.

Symptoms of more serious injuries that require medical treatment
A sprain is a stretch or partial tear of the ligaments that hold together two or more bones. A strain is a stretch or partial tear of the muscle fibers. If you have sprained your ankle, it is likely that you will experience swelling, bruising and pain in the area around the joint. In some cases you may also experience numbness, tingling, weakness or instability in the joint.

Common causes of sprains, how they occur, what they look like, their symptoms, treatments, images. List.
A sprain is the overstretching or tearing of ligaments. It can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere. The most common cause is an awkward twist or fall. What might seem like a minor injury can actually result in severe pain, swelling, bruising and limited range of motion.

Don’t wait until it’s too late: the dangers of ignoring moderate flu-like symptoms

Seasonal flu can be very dangerous, even fatal in some cases, if left untreated. However, there are many cases in which people experience moderate flu-like symptoms but do not rush to see a doctor because they feel that their symptoms are mild and nothing serious. In fact, you should see a doctor as soon as possible if you have moderate flu-like symptoms, because the sooner you get treatment, the better your chances of survival will be. This article will explain why you shouldn’t ignore moderate flu-like symptoms and what to do if you have them, so that you can stay safe this season and beyond.

When to visit urgent care
If you are experiencing any of the following, you should visit urgent care immediately:
● High fever
● Severe pain in your abdomen, chest, or throat
● Difficulty breathing
● Dizziness or a general feeling of being unwell

Symptoms to watch out for
There are a number of symptoms that may indicate the flu or another illness, such as fever, headache, sore throat and cough. However, there are also many milder but still important symptoms to watch out for. These include muscle aches, fatigue and difficulty breathing.

Treatments at urgent care centers
At urgent care centers, you can get treatment for a wide range of illnesses and injuries. Some of the services offered are labs, X-rays, and prescription medications. Urgent care centers are open seven days a week so you can visit when your doctor is unavailable.

The Urgent Care Should Be Your Go-To for Dehydration

You might think dehydration, or the loss of body fluids and water, isn’t all that serious of an issue. After all, it can be easy to forget you haven’t been drinking as much water as you should when your job keeps you busy and on-the-go all day long. Plus, it might seem silly to complain about dehydration when there are so many other more pressing health concerns out there, like cancer and heart disease. However, staying hydrated is important in maintaining your overall health, especially if you do any kind of physical activity that puts extra strain on your heart and muscles.

What is dehydration?
Dehydration is a condition in which the body loses more fluids than it takes in. Signs of dehydration include thirst, dizziness, chills, and dry mouth. It can be caused by excessive sweating, fever or vomiting. If left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening complications such as heart failure or kidney damage.

Common symptoms of dehydration
Dehydration is a condition that happens when you don’t drink enough water or other fluids. It can cause many different symptoms, including:

Why you need to get hydrated right away
Dehydration occurs when your body has lost more fluids than it takes in. As a result, you’ll experience intense thirst and the inability to replenish water. The first signs of dehydration are low blood pressure, headache, and dry mouth. If untreated, dehydration can lead to shock and even death.
If you suspect that you’re dehydrated, head to the nearest urgent care center or emergency room as soon as possible.

When to visit the emergency room versus urgent care center
Dehydration is a serious medical condition that should be diagnosed by a medical professional. However, there are some symptoms of dehydration which can help you decide whether or not to go to the urgent care or if you need to visit the emergency room. If you are experiencing severe vomiting or diarrhea, these would be more signs that it’s time to go straight to an ER and speak with a doctor.

How much fluid you need
One of the most common causes of dehydration is not drinking enough water. Drinking the necessary amount of fluids is crucial to your health, and it’s important to know how much you should be drinking. The amount varies based on age, gender, height, weight, climate and activity level.

Tips for preventing dehydration
It is important to stay hydrated as much as possible, but it can be tough when you don’t have access to water. The following are tips for preventing dehydration:
1) Always carry a water bottle with you and take sips throughout the day. Having a water bottle on hand will remind you to drink up more often. 2) Drink at least eight 8 oz glasses of water per day. This is the minimum amount of water recommended by the American Dietetic Association.

Side effects of dehydration
Dehydration can cause a variety of symptoms including headaches, dizziness, and confusion. It can also lead to other more serious medical conditions such as kidney damage, irregular heartbeats, or an electrolyte imbalance. If you are experiencing these symptoms it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Can’t Catch Your Breath? Here Are 5 Reasons to Visit an Urgent Care

Wheezing, coughing and other respiratory symptoms can be scary, especially if you think it might be asthma or another lung problem. But what should you do? Go to your primary care doctor or an urgent care center? If you aren’t sure, here are some reasons to visit an urgent care instead of your family doctor when wheezing strikes.

1) Allergies
If you have asthma, it can be difficult to tell the difference between a mild allergy attack and something more serious. The best way to find out is by seeing your doctor. If you’re not sure what’s causing your wheezing or shortness of breath, visit the urgent care near you.

2) Asthma
If you have asthma, the symptoms of a flare-up can come on suddenly and last for days. The good news is that most people with asthma are able to manage their symptoms with medication. However, if your asthma is not well-controlled or you’re experiencing worsening symptoms, it’s important to talk with your doctor about what additional treatments might be necessary.

3) Bronchitis
Bronchitis is a condition in which the bronchial tubes in the lungs become inflamed, producing mucus and making it difficult for air to flow into and out of the lungs. The mucus clogs the airways and prevents easy breathing. Symptoms of bronchitis include a persistent cough, fever, wheezing or shortness of breath, fatigue, chills and chest tightness.

4) Bronchiectasis
Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease that is characterized by irreversible changes in the bronchial tree. The condition primarily affects people with cystic fibrosis or idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but it can also affect those who have had a chest injury, trauma or infection. Bronchiectasis may cause coughing and shortness of breath, as well as difficulty speaking.

5) Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that can be life-threatening. If you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, or are wheezing (shortness of breath), it is important to see your doctor or visit an urgent care as soon as possible.

Five Reasons Why Abdominal Pain is an Urgent Care Issue

Abdominal pain, particularly in the lower abdomen, is not an uncommon problem that affects millions of Americans every year. If you or someone you know suffer from abdominal pain then you might be wondering if you need to make an urgent care appointment or if the issue can wait until your primary doctor’s office opens in the morning. Here are five reasons why those with abdominal pain need to visit an urgent care facility immediately.

Difficulty swallowing
If you are experiencing difficulty swallowing, it could be due to a variety of reasons. These can include:
-A foreign object in the throat or esophagus,
-Infection in the throat,
-Inflammation of the mouth or tongue,
-Stomach problems that cause difficulty swallowing food and drink, and finally
-An injury to your mouth or throat.

Chest pain or shortness of breath
Abdominal pain can be caused by many different things, but it often means that you have a serious medical problem like appendicitis. If you have any of the following symptoms, go to the emergency room right away:
* Severe pain in your abdomen that starts suddenly and lasts over 30 minutes * A fever above 101 degrees F * Chills or shivering * Nausea or vomiting * Lightheadedness or feeling faint

Fever, chills, flu symptoms
A fever, chills, and flu symptoms are all warning signs of a more serious issue like meningitis. While these symptoms could be caused by the flu, you should still seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you’re experiencing abdominal pain in addition to these other symptoms, go to the ER or call 911 right away because it’s likely that your abdominal pain is related to something more serious like appendicitis or diverticulitis.

Swollen glands
– Swollen glands can be a sign of infection, allergic reactions, and autoimmune disorders. – The most common causes of swollen glands are acute tonsillitis (a throat infection), gum disease, and mononucleosis. – If you notice swollen glands on both sides of your neck that don’t go away after a couple days, it could indicate viral meningitis or eosinophilic granuloma which are also urgent care issues.

Severe headache
A severe headache may be a sign of a stroke, brain tumor or other serious medical condition. It could also indicate high blood pressure or dehydration. Whatever the cause, it’s important to see your physician as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the underlying issue.

Six Reasons to Visit an Urgent Care When You’re Feeling Sick

If you’re suffering from vomiting or persistent diarrhea and don’t have an urgent care facility near you, you may be tempted to just tough it out at home until your symptoms get better on their own. This isn’t recommended, because symptoms like nausea and stomach cramps can be signs of something serious going on inside your body, such as an appendicitis or food poisoning, among many other conditions. If you think your condition warrants an urgent care visit, here are six reasons why you should heed that advice.

Treat the Source
When you have a cold or the flu, your symptoms may be clear and you can focus on getting better. However, other illnesses aren’t as straightforward. The most important thing is to treat the underlying cause of your illness. If you experience vomiting or persistent diarrhea, it’s time to visit an urgent care clinic as soon as possible.

Save Time and Money
If you don’t have time to visit the doctor’s office or want to avoid a high bill, consider visiting a walk-in urgent care center. With these six reasons, you’ll be prepared for your next trip to the emergency room.

Avoid Further Risk
A visit to the urgent care is a good option when your symptoms are severe or if you have any of the following:
-You are experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, or other signs of a heart attack. -You are vomiting blood or suffering from persistent diarrhea. -You have a fever and headache with stiff neck, blurred vision, or confusion. -Your skin has turned bright red and feels warm to the touch; this could be a sign of possible meningitis.

Get Professional Medical Attention
If you are experiencing persistent diarrhea or vomiting, you should visit an urgent care. They can provide a diagnosis and treatment for many conditions. Below are six reasons that may prompt your visit:
-If you have been vomiting for more than two days without relief, you may be dehydrated and need fluids administered intravenously in the hospital. -Diarrhea lasting more than three days can lead to dehydration if not controlled with medication.

Take Control of Your Health
Taking the time to visit the urgent care when you are feeling sick is often a more effective way of treating your illness than waiting for it to go away. Here are six reasons why you should visit the urgent care if you have vomiting or persistent diarrhea:
1. You could be at risk for dehydration. This is especially true if you haven’t had anything to drink in over 24 hours, or if you are vomiting non-stop.

Prevent Future Issues
#1: If you have a fever or if your symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, you should visit an urgent care. #2: If you are vomiting uncontrollably or have persistent diarrhea, you should see a doctor.
#3: If you think that something may be stuck in your throat, it is recommended that you go to the hospital. #4: If your symptoms are accompanied by a high fever and/or difficulty breathing, it is critical that you seek medical attention right away.

When to Worry About Vomiting and Diarrhea

Vomiting and diarrhea are both common in children, with an estimated 22% of children under the age of three having at least one episode of severe or persistent vomiting in their lifetimes. Diarrhea is also common, with up to 20% of all children suffering from a bout of diarrhea every year. However, it’s important to know when these symptoms are normal and when they might indicate something more serious going on. If you have any concerns about your child’s vomiting or diarrhea, here are five signs to look for that may indicate you should make an appointment with your doctor right away.

What is normal?
Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts less than 24 hours is usually not a cause for concern. However, if you are vomiting or having diarrhea for more than 24 hours, it could be a sign of an infection in the stomach or intestines, food poisoning, etc. Frequent vomiting can also lead to dehydration which requires medical attention. In any case, if you are experiencing severe vomiting or diarrhea for more than 24 hours without relief from medication, it’s important that you visit your doctor.

What are the common causes?
The most common cause of vomiting or diarrhea is gastroenteritis, which can be caused by viruses, bacteria, toxins, food poisoning or other unknown sources. The most common symptoms of this illness are nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea. Less than 1% of cases last more than 14 days. This is a self-limiting condition that resolves on its own in a few days with the right treatment.

Seek medical help if you have blood in your stool, fever, stomach pain, headache, swelling or a feeling of weakness.
– Dehydration can also result in vomiting. Get lots of fluids and electrolytes so you don’t become severely dehydrated, which is more serious than just feeling thirsty.
– Focusing on keeping food down may be difficult when you have stomach pain or diarrhea but small, frequent meals may help.
– Sometimes the loss of appetite occurs with nausea. If this is the case for you, make sure you are getting enough nutrients by focusing on healthier foods such as fruits, vegetables, broth based soups or drinks.

How long does it last?
Vomiting lasts about 3-4 hours. Diarrhea usually lasts 1-3 days but can last up to a week. If you have vomited for more than 8 hours or are unable to keep any liquid down, you should contact your doctor immediately. If diarrhea has lasted more than 24 hours, you should also contact your doctor.

Treat the underlying cause.
Vomiting is usually an acute response to nausea, while diarrhea is usually a chronic response to inflammation of the colon. In general, vomiting can be managed by seeking treatment for the underlying cause. If you have vomited more than twice in the last 24 hours, are feeling dehydrated or weak, or have a fever, seek immediate medical attention.
Diarrhea is typically caused by digestive intolerance or infection. If you have had diarrhea for more than three days and are not improving after taking over-the-counter medications like Imodium® (loperamide), consult your healthcare provider.

Rest and hydrate.
If you’re experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, it’s important to rest and get plenty of fluids. The severity of the symptoms will vary depending on what is causing them, but the general rule is that you should see a doctor if your vomit or diarrhea persists for more than a day. In some cases, dehydration can lead to life-threatening consequences if left untreated. If you think that your vomiting or diarrhea may be caused by an infection or another health issue, it’s important that you see a doctor as soon as possible so they can treat the underlying cause.

Try home remedies.
You may be able to treat some mild symptoms at home with over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If the symptoms continue, however, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. Staying hydrated is important for anyone who is vomiting or has diarrhea because it helps keep your electrolytes in balance. Drink plenty of fluids like water, sports drinks or clear juices. Avoid caffeinated beverages if you have a stomach bug because they can make the dehydration worse.

Talk to your doctor about prescription medications.
If you’re vomiting, you may be dehydrated. Drink plenty of fluids, including water. If there is blood in the vomit or if it’s thick like coffee grounds, contact your doctor immediately. If you can’t keep down any liquids or food at all, contact your physician immediately because this could be a sign of serious complications that need emergency treatment right away. It’s important not to drink anything with caffeine or alcohol while you have diarrhea because those beverages can make it worse. The best thing for someone with diarrhea is to stay hydrated by drinking lots of clear fluids such as water or sports drinks. You should also avoid fatty foods and dairy products which may worsen the symptoms of diarrhea.

Rehydrate with electrolyte drinks like Pedialyte.
If your child has been vomiting for more than 24 hours or if their diarrhea has lasted more than three days, it’s time to seek medical attention. When dehydration becomes a risk, call your pediatrician or take them to the emergency room.
The first thing you want to do is make sure they’re rehydrated by giving them Pedialyte or other electrolyte drinks. If they can drink without vomiting, offer them small amounts of clear fluids like apple juice mixed with water.

See your doctor right away if symptoms worsen despite rehydration measures, especially if you start having bloody stools, a high fever over 101 degrees F (38.3 Celsius), severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting more than twice in an hour or you develop new symptoms that are severe such as confusion, irritability or loss of appetite.

The Hidden Symptom of Asthma: Difficulty Breathing or Shortness of Breath

What’s the number one symptom of asthma? It’s not coughing or wheezing, but actually difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. If you’re having trouble breathing, but don’t notice any other symptoms such as coughing or sneezing, it could be asthma. After all, over 22 million Americans are currently suffering from asthma, and over 7 million of them don’t even know it! Luckily there are easy ways to test yourself to see if you might have asthma and how to treat it if you do.

What are symptoms?
Chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms associated with asthma. However, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing can also be a symptom. Other symptoms may include feeling lightheaded or dizzy, rapid heartbeat, extreme tiredness (fatigue), and trouble sleeping at night (insomnia). It is important to keep in mind that many people with asthma have few to no symptoms at all. If you experience any of these warning signs on an ongoing basis, it is recommended that you seek medical attention right away.

Diagnosing shortness of breath as an asthma symptom
Some people may experience difficulty breathing when they have asthma. Shortness of breath is an early warning sign for the need to use your asthma inhaler. It’s a symptom that signals you may not be able to take in enough air. If you’re having trouble breathing, it’s important to get medical attention as soon as possible.

How to stop difficulty breathing from progressing into something worse
-If you’re dealing with difficulty breathing and have an asthma inhaler, use it as directed.
-If you have a rescue inhaler, use it if you need to. -Take deep breaths until the symptoms subside.
-If the symptoms don’t go away after using these options, call your doctor right away.

How to treat difficulty breathing if it does get worse
It’s important to know the difference between shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, because they’re two different symptoms that could be caused by asthma. Difficult breathing is a symptom where you can’t get enough air into your lungs in order to breathe properly. This usually happens when an asthma attack is about to happen, and can be relieved with quick-relief medications. The other symptom of asthma, shortness of breath, is when you take a deep breath but still feel like there isn’t enough air. This can happen at any time during an asthma attack, making it more difficult to control than difficulty breathing. Usually this sensation only lasts for a few moments before the feeling goes away completely.

Are there any long-term effects?
For asthmatics, difficulty breathing can be a serious symptom that should not be ignored. If you experience trouble breathing in the middle of the night or find yourself struggling to get air when you talk, it is important to speak with your doctor about the possibility that you are suffering from asthma. In some cases, treatment for asthma symptoms may not be necessary. However, if you continue to experience discomfort and other symptoms persist, it is important to follow up with your physician as soon as possible. Common complications associated with asthma include chronic bronchitis, pneumonia and lung infections like tuberculosis.

How to prevent your asthma from getting worse
There are many steps you can take to prevent your asthma from getting worse. First, be sure to avoid triggers like animal hair, dust mites, perfumes and cleaning products. Second, if you know you’re going somewhere with lots of triggers (like a pet store), take your inhaler before entering the building. Third, always bring your inhaler with you when you’re outside! Finally, try to spend less time in large public spaces like malls and grocery stores because there’s more chance for exposure to triggers.

Anxiety and difficulty breathing
When people think of asthma, they often think about coughing, wheezing and difficulty breathing. However, anxiety can also cause shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. When someone is stressed, their body releases chemicals called catecholamines that can constrict the airways in the lungs. This makes it difficult to breathe.

West Oaks Urgent Care Center

2150 Highway 6 South
Houston, TX
ZIP 77077

(281) 496-4948