Urgent care is a great option for convenient healthcare when people need it. This means that these clinics see all kinds of different patients who have a large variety ailments. However, there are some common medical problems that are seen more often than others. Here are some of the most common reasons that people visit an urgent care center:
Respiratory Problems
Many people visit an urgent care location to get help with respiratory problems. This can include a long list of issues such as trouble breathing, persistent coughs, sore throats, and other accompanying aches and pains. The culprit is usually the common cold or a particular flu strain, but sometimes it can be something more serious such a bronchitis or pneumonia.
Stomach Bugs
The stomach flu is another common problem that sends people to the doctor, although there isn’t always much the doctors can do to treat it. Frequent vomiting and diarrhea not only causes great discomfort, but can lead to dehydration as well if the patient doesn’t get enough fluids. While it is possible to wait out a flu without going to the doctor, many people still head to urgent care to get prescriptions, address fevers, or report persistent symptoms.
Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common problem in women that cause great discomfort and a frequent urgency to urinate. They can also lead to other infections if they are left untreated due to the bacteria buildup. UTIs can be severely uncomfortable and are easily treated with a prescription, so it makes sense that these are commonly treated at urgent care locations.
Ligament Sprains and Muscle Strains
Physical injuries such as sprains and strains are also often addressed at urgent care facilities. This is because most urgent care locations offer x-rays and are able to prescribe pain medicines if necessary. They make for a quick and easy option when you’re in pain and need to see a doctor right away.
There isn’t much that urgent care centers don’t treat and they see all kinds of illnesses and injuries. While these are some of the top culprits for a visit, there are plenty of others that make common appearances as well.