The first cool breezes of autumn are refreshing, but they can also bring in a wave of chest congestion and coughs. While some illnesses are mild, others, like pneumonia, can be very serious.
Though you may be tempted to wait for a chest infection to go away at home, sometimes seeing a doctor is the better option.
Here’s when to schedule an appointment and what to expect during an internal medicine sick visit in Herndon, VA.
When to Schedule an Internal Medicine Sick Visit in Herndon, VA for Chest Issues
As the weather changes, viruses and bacteria that cause chest infections circulate more easily. People with asthma, COPD, diabetes, or weakened immune systems are at a much higher risk.
But, even healthy adults can develop pneumonia after a bad cold.
So when is a cough more than just a pesky symptom? You should schedule an internal medicine sick visit in Herndon, VA if you:
- Have a fever
- Experience chest pain or shortness of breath
- Have a cough that’s producing colored or bloody mucus
These are serious symptoms and require diagnosis and treatment from an internist. Early treatment can prevent serious complications and shorten your recovery time.
What Happens During an Appointment?
During your visit, your doctor will review your medical history and symptoms. They’ll also listen to your lungs and check your oxygen levels.
Depending on what they find, they may order a chest X-ray or lab tests to confirm a diagnosis. Bacterial infections can be treated using antibiotics while a viral infection requires supportive care, including steroids, an inhaler, or breathing treatments that use albuterol.
Pesky Cough? Come to Annandale Primary Care for Treatment
A persistent cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing are all serious symptoms. Get treatment for pneumonia or a chest infection at Annandale Primary Care.
Schedule an appointment by calling 703-642-6633.