When you have an upper respiratory tract infection, it is imperative that you are aware of when you need to seek out the assistance of a health care professional. Common colds that persist for an extended time may develop into something that is unable to be addressed by over-the-counter medications. Here are a few indications that it is time for you to visit a local urgent care center for professional medical attention.
Sign #1: Green or Thick Mucus
When you have a runny nose, it is usually nothing to concern yourself with. However, if your mucus turns greens or gets thick, this is an indication that your infection is getting worse. Discolored or thick mucus may get trapped in your airways, which makes it harder to breathe properly.
Sign #2: Difficulty Breathing and Wheezing
With an upper respiratory infection, coughing is usually present. However, if you are wheezing constantly or can't catch your breath, visit your local urgent care facility immediately for an examination. These tend to be signs that the infection has spread to the lungs, which can eventually cause other, more serious conditions like bronchitis and pneumonia if left untreated.
Sign #3: Chest Pain
While it is rare, individuals who are suffering from a severe upper respiratory infection can develop chest pain in the event that the infection is being caused by something bacterial or it has developed into something far more serious than it started out as. Chest pain tends to be present in these infections as a result of irritation within the lungs, an obstructed airway, or excessive coughing.
Sign #4: Throat Swelling
Upper respiratory infections can create serious sinus drainage, which, in turn, irritates the throat. However, if you notice that your throat is swelling so much that you find it difficult to breathe, swallow, or eat, it is imperative that you take yourself to an urgent care center near you as soon as possible. As a general rule, these infections can be treated without antibiotics; however, if your immune system is unable to fight off the infection, it may develop into a much more serious condition that will require antibiotic treatment or another form of medication.
While an upper respiratory tract infection may resolve itself on its own over the course of a week or two, if you continue to feel sick or experience any of the aforementioned systems, visit an urgent care center, such as 75th St Injury & Illness Center, for medical attention as soon as possible.