When To Go To Urgent Care
If snoring and/or noisy breathing occur consistently, even when your child is not congested.
Reach out to your pediatrician for further evaluation if the urgent care provider suspects your childs snoring or noisy breathing could be caused by enlarged tonsils, adenoids, sleep apnea, chronic sinusitis or a deviated septum.
Get Your Antibiotics Fast
No one likes being sick, and having a sinus infection can be very uncomfortable. Getting antibiotics as fast as possible is crucial to healing, and is made possible with PlushCare. Our online doctors can diagnose your sinus infection, write a prescription, and send it to your local pharmacy in 15 minutes. PlushCare can help you effectively, quickly, and easily treat your sinus infection.
How To Evaluate Inner Ear Pain
Dr. Lyle Berkowitz explains when to consider telehealth vs. office visits for children with ear pain.
Children under the age of 3 should always get seen in an office, while those 3-11 should go to the office if there is a high likelihood of a bacterial infection. Children over 12 can be more safely evaluated online, fortunately.
Parents, caregivers, and doctors alike, who look after the well-being of children, know that childhood earaches can appear out of the blue and have many different symptoms. Often the child is too young to communicate that they have ear pain or unaware that an earache is causing the pain. So, its essential to be able to identify the symptoms of an earache and address it quickly to avoid a more severe problem, including possible permanent damage.
Earaches are frequent in children because of several factors, including immature immune systems, and smaller eustachian tubes in the ear, which can cause a higher risk of becoming blocked with fluid. The National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders , states, Five out of six children will have at least one ear infection by their third birthday. Ear infections are the most common reason parents bring their child to a doctor.
Heres additional advice to help you in detecting ear pain in children.
Signs of an earache in children under three years of age
Signs of an earache in children ages 3 to 11
Signs of an earache in children 12 and older
androidapple
Don’t Miss: Otc Oral Yeast Infection Treatment Cvs
When & How To Use Telemedicine If Youre Feeling Sick
Hackensack Meridian Healths HMH Care NOW telemedicine app is an option. You can download the app on your mobile device by searching HMH Care NOW in your app store.
Once registered you can:
Doctors are available 24/7, including holidays.
Acute Sinusitis Home Remedies
Most cases of acute sinusitis can be managed at home.
Lifestyle and at-home remedies that can help to soothe your symptoms include:
- Rest: As with many infections, getting adequate rest will help your body to fight the infection and speed up recovery. Be sure to drink ample fluids, too.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers:Some OTC pain relievers, including acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may help if youre experiencing significant pain.
- Nasal sprays and decongestants: Some nasal sprays, including nasal steroids and decongestants, can help to relieve nasal congestion. Talk to your doctor about which products may help many are available over the counter.
- Vapor bath:Moistening your sinus cavities with a vapor bath may help to ease pain and help mucus drain your cavities. To do so, fill a bowl with hot water and place your head over the bowl while draping a cloth or towel over your head to keep the vapor directed toward your face. Taking a hot shower or bath may help, too.
- Nasal lavage:Rinsing your nasal passages with a neti pot or designated squeeze bottle can help to clear your sinuses and relieve your symptoms. Doctors recommend only using distilled or sterile water for these procedures.
While treating and managing your acute sinusitis at home, if you notice persistent or severe symptoms that dont resolve on their own, reach out to your provider or healthcare professional immediately.
Also Check: Different Antibiotics For Tooth Infection
How To Take Oral Antibiotics
Its important to always take your antibiotics as prescribed. It may be tempting to combine the doses, but they will not be as effective and could lead to adverse side effects, such as stomach upset.
Even if you begin to feel better, you should continue to take the antibiotics until you finish your medication to prevent the infection from returning. You should avoid alcohol while taking antibiotics.
While antibiotics are good for clearing a bacterial infection, they can also rid the body of helpful “good” bacteria at the same time. Because of this, you may want to consider taking a probiotic supplement while you are on antibiotics.
Probiotics are living organisms that can help to prevent the imbalance of bacteria within your gut that often comes from taking antibiotics. Studies have shown that taking probiotics while taking antibiotics can lower the chances of side effects from a bacterial imbalance, such as gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.
Are 24/7 Virtual Visits Covered Under My Benefit Plan
With most UnitedHealthcare plans through work, you have benefit coverage for 24/7 Virtual Visits when:
- You use one of the provider groups in the 24/7 Virtual Visits network.
- Youre getting care for certain non-emergency medical conditions like the flu, colds, pinkeye, rashes and fevers. Some plans also include coverage for mental health virtual visits. See question 6 for additional details.
If you are a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage member, please check your plan materials or call the customer service number on your member ID card to confirm coverage.
Recommended Reading: How Do Adults Get Ear Infections
You May Like: Will Bladder Infection Go Away On Its Own
How A Video Chat Doctor Will Treat An Ear Infection
Your face-to-face video consultation will begin at your pre-determined time with the doctor asking you some questions about the symptoms you or your child are experiencing. During the question and answer session the doctor will be evaluating all the information you are providing as well as your physical appearance, just as a doctor would do in the office setting. Obviously the doctor cannot physically look into the ear via video chat, but there are physical manipulations he or she may ask you to perform such as tugging gently on the ear, especially if it is a child. During the exam you and the doctor will discuss the diagnosis and your treatment plan in detail and answer any questions you may have.
Ear infections often may be treated with over the counter home remedies and pain relievers, but the doctor may order prescription ear drops or antibiotics if deemed medically necessary by the severity of your symptoms. The doctor is not required to order any prescription medications for you or your family member it is completely at the doctors discretion. It should also be noted that telemedicine doctors are not permitted to prescribe narcotic type drugs or controlled substances for pain and that state guidelines vary from state to state even for prescription antibiotics. If antibiotics or a prescription drug should be necessary for your treatment plan the doctor will call in or electronically send your prescription to the pharmacy of your choosing.
You Can Get Help Without Going To A Doctors Office
In the past, receiving treatment for a UTI required scheduling an office visit and suffering through your symptoms until you can see a doctor. Now, telemedicine services like MDLIVE allow you can talk to a doctor via phone or videowherever you arein an average of 10 minutes or less. And if you need a prescription, you can have it in your hands that same day.
When it comes to UTIs, there are tests a doctor can run a urinalysis and culture, which can get quite expensive. However, if youre a healthy female between the ages of 18 and 65 with the symptoms of a UTI and without any complications, these tests most likely arent going to change the initial treatment a doctor prescribes, says Dr. Talbott.
If your doctor sees anything complicated in your symptoms, it does make sense to do a urinalysis and possibly other laboratory tests. But in a majority of cases, its reasonable to initiate treatment and forgo the cost and inconvenience of testing, and delay in treatment, because most of the time it wont change the antibiotic thats prescribed.
This makes telemedicine a more convenient and inexpensive way to get the treatment you need to minimize your discomfort and start feeling better, faster.*
Don’t Miss: When To Go To Doctor For Yeast Infection
Related: An Antibiotic Gel Could Treat Kids Ear Infections With One Dose
How did you find the parents responded to the app?
We approached parents just before their kids were about to have surgery to have ear tubes put in. We did a couple minutes of training, and found that the parents had close to identical accuracy to the physicians who had been testing them. We had 25 parents do the test, and 24 of the cases, the parents had the same result as the physicians who used the app.
How do you imagine this app will integrate with the current health care landscape?
One way our app could be used is with telemedicine. You could share the results with the doctor and book an appointment with the specialist if the doctor thinks you need to see one. It could reduce the amount of waiting time and even reduce costs. These features are not yet available, but were working towards them.
Is it already available in app stores? And what does the future look like?
Its not currently available in app stores, but were hoping to have it in there in a years time. Were also hoping to get FDA approval by the end of year. We created a company Edus Health and are partnering with physicians in developing countries. One need is for parents, but doctors in developing countries may not have access to specialist equipment.
When It Comes To Antibiotics Can Too Much Of A Good Thing Be Harmful
Antibiotics are powerful drugs that help our bodies ward off diseases caused by bacteria. When used appropriately, they quickly and effectively eliminate infections, causing us to feel better in a matter of days. However, when used to treat other health conditions, antibiotics are not only ineffective but can be harmful to our overall health.
According to a growing body of research, the more we take antibiotics to cure bacterial infections, the more our bodies build resistance, which wipes out their effectiveness in making us well.
You May Like: How To Deal With A Tooth Infection
How Will The Online Doctor Diagnose My Infection As Bacterial
Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections, meaning they are no good for treating viral or fungal infections. The doctor will be able to diagnose your infection as bacterial based on your symptoms, medical history and the length of infection. If they are unable to comfortably diagnose your infection they will write you a lab referral for testing. Once your results are in they will prescribe you an appropriate treatment plan, including antibiotics online if necessary.
Do Antibiotic Eye Drops Only Treat Bacterial Eye Infections
Yes, antibiotic eye drops can only treat bacterial eye infections. They cannot treat other eye infections such as:
Also Check: Can Antibiotics Cure Yeast Infection
In This New Era Of Virtual Technology Are You Taking Advantage Of The Value Of Telemedicine
For only $12.95 a month, many common health issues can be treated online through telehealth virtual doctor visits like those offered through our partner, Teladoc.
If youre having cold or flu symptoms, allergies, infections, skin issues, or youre just worried about your newborn baby, an online medical consultation with a real doctor can bring you peace of mind.
Teladoc doctors can also prescribe medication if necessary, and you dont need insurance to get Teladoc!
Talking to a doctor online has never been easier, or more affordable. For only $12.95 a month, you get unlimited access to Teladocs vast network of virtual doctors and professionals who can answer any medical question you have, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Save time or a potentially expensive trip to urgent care! Time is our most precious and valuable commodity, so take control of your life and get faster healthcare through telemedicine for only $12.95 a month! That value is impossible to beat in the healthcare industry!
What Is The Outlook For Kidney Infections
With treatment, the outlook for kidney infections is very positive. It is vital that you take all of any prescribed medications for the infection. You may begin feeling better shortly after beginning a treatment, but still need to take the entire prescribed treatment.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/22/2019.
References
- National Kidney Foundation. Urinary Tract Infections Accessed 5/23/19.
- National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases . Pyelonephritis: Kidney Infection Accessed 5/23/19.
Don’t Miss: Natural Cure For Yeast Infection On Skin
Yeast Infections: What You Need To Know
You might hear doctors call these infections Candidiasis after the 20 species of Candida yeasts that can bother humans. To understand where and why yeast grows in our bodies and ways to solve the problems, read on.
Vaginal yeast infections
Yeast in babies
Yeast, when out of control, can be bad for business! Keep an eye on symptoms and stay on top of the doctors treatment to-dos so the infection heals. Teladoc family doctors are here for you 24 hours, 7 days a week, for diagnosis and treatment of these issues.
Also Check: Antibiotic Cream For Ear Infection
When Are Antibiotics Usually Prescribed
Antibiotics are normally only prescribed for more serious infections with germs .
Most common infections are caused by viruses, when an antibiotic will not be of use. Even if you have a mild bacterial infection, the immune system can clear most bacterial infections. For example, antibiotics usually do little to speed up recovery from most ear, nose and throat infections that are caused by bacteria.
So, do not be surprised if a doctor does not recommend an antibiotic for conditions caused by viruses or non-bacterial infections, or even for a mild bacterial infection.
However, you do need antibiotics if you have certain serious infections caused by bacteria, such as meningitis or pneumonia. In these situations, antibiotics are often life-saving. When you are ill, doctors are skilled at checking you over to rule out serious illness and to advise if an antibiotic is needed. Urine infections also commonly need antibiotics to prevent spread to the kidneys.
Antibiotics can also be prescribed to treat acneâ a less serious condition. For acne, antibiotics can be taken by mouth or applied directly to the skin.
Don’t Miss: How Long Does It Take To Cure A Bladder Infection
Why Cant I Get Antibiotics For Things I Did In The Past Like A Urinary Tract Infection
You can still get an antibiotic, if indicated and prescribed by your medical provider. In the case of a UTI, it is important to use antibiotics only when symptoms are present. A urine culture may find bacteria, but if you do not have any symptoms of an infection, most of the time you do not require antibiotics. The medical community has become more aware of the risk of antimicrobial resistance caused by the overuse of antibiotics. As a result, antibiotics will only be prescribed when an infection is present.
You May Like: Antibiotic For Bv And Uti
What Information You Will Need To Have Ready For The Doctor
To prepare for your video chat doctor appointment it is important to have pen and paper handy so you can make notes of the doctors instructions, although most telemedicine doctors will email them to you. You also should strongly consider making a list of all of your symptoms and exactly when they first occurred. This would include your current temperature, if you have experienced any vomiting, sore throat, which ear or ears, hearing loss, and so on. The doctor will cover these things during your exam, but it is good to write them down so nothing is missed. Dont forget to include any allergies you may have to medications and any questions you have that you want to ask.
You May Like: Describe The Relationship Between An Hiv Infection And Aids
How Do Ear Infections Happen
A middle ear infection usually happens because of swelling in one or both of the eustachian tubes . The tubes let mucus drain from the middle ear into the throat.
A cold, throat infection, acid reflux, or allergies can make the eustachian tubes swell. This blocks the mucus from draining. Then, or grow in the mucus and make pus, which builds up in the middle ear.
When doctors refer to an ear infection, they usually mean otitis media rather than swimmerâs ear . Otitis media with effusion is when noninfected fluid builds up in the ear. It might not cause symptoms, but in some kids, the fluid creates a sensation of ear fullness or âpopping.â
What To Do For Chronic Sinusitis
If youre suffering from chronic sinusitis or you are getting frequent sinus infections you should see your doctor, says Dr. Sindwani.
Your doctor will swab your nose to collect mucus. Culturing it in a laboratory will reveal which type of bacteria is causing the infection so the right antibiotic can be prescribed.
Treat early sinus infection symptoms with rest, hydration and over-the-counter sprays and decongestants. But dont look for an antibiotic unless your illness extends beyond a week, he says. Then check in with your doctor for a prescription and let him or her know if your condition worsens.
Donât Miss: Does Macrobid Help Kidney Infections
You May Like: Can Sinus Infection Make Your Head Feel Weird