When to see a doctor if you are having trouble breathing

If you are having trouble breathing, when to see a doctor

If the shortness of breath is accompanied by fainting, chest pain or nausea, seek medical attention right away since these may be signs of a pulmonary embolism or a heart attack.  If you need medical care right away, you can walk into Medical Access Urgent Care in Georgetown MD.  If you believe you can wait to see a primary care doctor, call Germantown Primary Care Associates for an appointment with a doctor.

When to try self-care

If you are suffering from shortness of breath without the symptoms above, you can try and improve your breathing on your own.  Stopping smoking and losing weight can help.  Also, try and limit exposure to pollutants.  For guidance and advice on self-care when you are experiencing shortness of breath, it is important to know when to see a doctor at Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown MD. They are the recognized experts for treating these and any other symptoms in Montgomery County.

Shortness of breath causes

Lung or heart conditions are typical reasons for shortness of breath.   Our lungs and hearts are integral to transporting oxygen to our tissues and for removing carbon dioxide from our systems.  If you have issues with either of these processes, it can affect your breathing.

Follow these tips if you are having trouble breathing and contact Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown MD for an appointment with a doctor.  Knowing when to see adoctor is important if you suffer from shortness of breath and these doctors are the best in Montgomery County.

When to see a doctor if you have a sunburn

When to see a doctor about sun poisoning or a bad sunburn

Summer is on the way and with it come days of laying in the sun.  When we indulge too long or too much in sun worship, we can end up with a sunburn.  This is especially true of our children or those of us who have fair skin.  A sunburn should be avoided if at all possible since too many sunburns or bad sunburns may result in skin cancer down the road.  If you or your family member does get a bad sunburn, the physicians at Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown, MD will provide the best medical treatment in Montgomery County and help ease that sunburn pain. 

When to see a doctor about your bad sunburn

If a sunburn is severe, you should call a doctor.  When you call the primary care physicians of Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown, MD, they will discuss with you if treatment at home is possible or if you should come into the clinic.  Symptoms of a bad sunburn include:

·         Severe blistering

·         Severe pain

·         Confusion

·         Headache

·         Vomiting or nausea

·         Dizziness or fainting

·         If the sunburn is associated with another medical condition such as HIV/AIDs, diabetes or cancer

Receiving sunburn treatment

If the sunburn is severe, the primary care physicians at Germantown Primary Care Associates may prescribe antibiotics, pain medication or other treatments.  When you’ve had too much fun in the sun and wonder when to see a doctor about your sunburn, call Montgomery County’s best primary care clinic, Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown MD. 

Back pain: when to see a doctor

When to see a doctor if you have back pain

If your back hurts, you may not be sure if you should see a doctor.  When back pain is combined with certain other symptoms, you should make an appointment with your doctor.  These symptoms may indicate tumors, fractures, or an infection in the spine.  Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown, Maryland have primary care physicians on staff who can readily evaluate your back pain and propose a course of treatment. 

If you have fever

If you have a fever along with back pain, it is possible that you have an infection.  Fever can be an indication of something systemic and should be evaluated by a doctor. 

If you suffer a trauma

When you experience some type of serious trauma such as a car accident or a fall from a height, you should see your primary care doctor. 

If you are experiencing tingling or numbness

If you have numbness or tingling, you may have some type of nerve damage or irritation. This should not be left untreated since prolonged nerve damage or irritation can lead to permanent disabilities.  The primary care physicians at Germantown Primary Care Associates are experts at diagnosing this type of condition and recommending treatment.

If you have foot drop

If you find yourself dragging a foot, you may have a condition known as foot drop.  This condition may be accompanied by back pain and it usually symptomatic of another, more critical condition.

Make an appointment at Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown, Maryland for evaluation of your back pain.  Any of these issues indicate when to see adoctor about back pain.  

How to know when to see a doctor for the flu or a cold

When to see a doctor if you think you have a cold or the flu

If you have a cold, you probably do not need to see a doctor, but if that cold turns into the flu or pneumonia, then you absolutely should visit the primary care clinic or an urgent care.  Some people are more at risk if they develop the flu.  These include older people and infants.  Also anyone who has an underlying medical condition which may make them vulnerable to other types of diseases.

When to see a doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms

Colds typically do not cause fever or headaches, but the flu will.  If you are running a fever, feel achy or have a headache, these are all signs of when to see a doctor.  If, after 24 hours, your symptoms have not improved, it is time to visit the doctor.  Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown, Maryland can treat your flu symptoms and may prescribe certain medications.  Drink plenty of clear fluids and water so you stay hydrated.  This is especially important if you are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting. 

If you are having trouble breathing or are experiencing chest pain, you may have a more serious condition which need to be treated immediately.  If your fever does not abate, this may be a sign of something more serious, such as an infection.  If it hurts to swallow or you cannot get rid of a cough, you should make an appointment with your primary care physician. 

Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown, Maryland and their excellent medical staff can treat these and many other symptoms and medical conditions.  Give them a call when you need to see a doctor for the cold or flu. 

When to see a doctor at Germantown Primary Care Associates

How do you know when to see a doctor?

Many older adults take some type of over-the-counter medication daily.  This may be for inflammation, headaches, or a cold.  If you are one of these people, how do you know you are doing the right thing?  Sometimes over-the-counter medications are fine, but in other situations you should see a doctor.  How do you know when to see a doctor and when to just pop a pill?  Here are some strategies to use when you are trying to decide when to see a doctor:

You have a stuffy nose, are congested and phlegmy

This is probably a cold and you are fine taking an over-the-counter cold medicine while you ride it out.  Look for a cold medication containing both an antihistamine and a decongestant. If your symptoms do not abate in a week to ten days, then is when to see a doctor.

You experience heartburn after every meal and over-the-counter acid reflux medications are not helping.

This is a time when to see a doctor.  These may be the symptoms of a more serious, underlying condition and should be diagnosed by a physician.  Dr. Manbir Takhar and her staff at Germantown Primary Care Associates in Germantown, Maryland will evaluate your condition and may refer you to a gastroenterologist if your symptoms persist.  The first step is to visit a doctor to determine if there is a more serious, underlying condition. 

Yesterday’s workout left you with seriously aching muscles

For this, there is no need to see a doctor or to take any over-the-counter medications.  The best course is to simply allow your muscles to recover before you try that work out again.  If necessary, you can ice the area three times a day for 15 to 20 minutes.  If your aching does not abate within a week, then is when to see a doctor to determine if you have an injury.

Review these tips any time you are not sure when to see a doctor.  Then if you believe you need to see a physician, call Germantown, Maryland’s best primary care clinic, Germantown Primary Care Associates for an appointment.