Sinus pressure, lower back pain, frequent headaches and skin rashes can bring us all in to the doctor’s office for review and relief. Our team of family medicine and internal medicine physicians can help diagnose and treat your common illness and get you back on the road to recovery.
Typically when a patient is suffering from a common ailment, the sooner you can be seen the better. Thanks to our many accessible locations and extended hours, we can almost always accommodate same-day visits.
While no two patients are alike, our team sees many patients with similar symptoms and conditions. Below is a short list of some of the most common illnesses we treat in our office:
Cold and other upper respiratory conditions | Fatigue | Headache | Rash | Infection | Back Pain
Colds and other upper respiratory conditions
Upper respiratory problems, including inflammation, congestion and irritation of the nose, mouth, throat and sinuses, are some of the most common reasons for a visit to the physician. These infections—often referred to as the common cold, flu or bronchitis—can be both viral and/or bacterial, and can include symptoms such as fever, fatigue and cough.
Even if there is not a guaranteed way to reduce your chances of respiratory problems, getting your annual flu shot to prevent influenza and practicing proper hand washing hygiene are good places to start. Depending on the severity of your illness, you may be able to manage and treat symptoms at home.
Fatigue
While it is normal to feel tired or lack energy after a busy day or night with interrupted sleep, consistent feelings of being run down and overly exhausted may be signs of another lingering illness. Knowing the difference between feeling “weak” and being “fatigued” will help your primary care physician best determine the cause of your condition as well as the best treatment options.
Fatigue can be caused by many things: stress, medication side effects, anemia, infections, sleep disorders and some chronic conditions such as diabetes. Prior to visiting your physician, take note of any recent changes in your lifestyle, mood or overall health.
There are some simple steps you can take to help prevent fatigue not caused by other ailments, including regular exercise and a good night’s rest.
Headache
Headaches can be a painful annoyance, and for some they can be debilitating. Whether you suffer from migraines, tension, sinus or another type of headache, our team of physicians can help get you on the path to relief.
Not all headaches are alike. Some cause pain on both sides of the head while others can be more localized. They can come on quick or cause symptoms that linger for a longer period of time. Being able to explain when your headache starts, the type of pain you are experiencing or other symptoms such as blurred vision, nausea or concurrent illness can help properly diagnose and treat your headache.
One way you can help minimize your headaches is to know your triggers. These may include diet modification, stress, lack of sleep and alcohol consumption.
Rash
Skin rashes come in many forms and can be caused by allergic reactions, bug bites and other illnesses. Rashes consist of change in the color of your skin—often resulting in skin that is irritated, raised, itchy and/or red.
Some of the most common types of skin rashes include contact dermatitis, heat rash, diaper rash, psoriasis and plant allergies.
Depending on the severity and discomfort of the rash, immediate medical attention may be needed. Home remedies may be effective but this is largely dependent on the type and cause of the rash. Your primary care physician can best guide treatment options.
Infection
Infection—both bacterial and viral in nature—can lead to illness. Some infections, including ear, eye, skin, stomach (from food poisoning) and sinus occur commonly in people of all ages.
Symptoms of infection vary depending on the organ affected. Some of the common symptoms of infection include: fever; pain, warmth or swelling in the infected area; fatigue and muscle aches.
Our team recommends that you come in for a visit if you suspect you may have an infection, as infections can often be contagious. It is important to realize that antibiotics will only work when used to treat bacterial infections. Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can lead to drug resistance.
Back pain
At some point most people will suffer from lower back pain. Its causes can be many—low back muscle strain caused by poor posture and injury, arthritis and disc problems—and its pain and discomfort can affect your daily life and well being.
Back pain can often be eased with home treatments, including icing or heating, strengthening exercises, light activity and over-the-counter medications for pain. If symptoms persist after a week or two of home care, we recommend you come in for a physician evaluation. Your primary care physician may recommend alternative treatment methods. If your back pain is more serious, he or she may refer you to one of our qualified specialists for further investigation, which may include X-rays and scans. In some situations, advanced treatment through physical therapy and/or surgery may be recommended.