Respiratory Infection

Respiratory infections, like bronchitis and COVID-19, are among the most common contagious illnesses, affecting millions of Americans annually. At Clarksburg Urgent Care in Clarksburg, Maryland, the experienced team provides immediate care for all types of respiratory infections. After an exam and testing, they develop a personalized treatment plan to relieve symptoms and help you feel better. Call Clarksburg Urgent Care today to schedule respiratory infection treatment, or book your appointment online.

What is a respiratory infection?

A respiratory infection is a contagious illness that affects the sinuses, lungs, airways, and throat. It’s caused by microorganisms, such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. 

Most respiratory infections are mild and improve with conservative treatments, like rest, over-the-counter decongestants, and drinking plenty of fluids. However, seeing a doctor is crucial if your symptoms last for more than a few days and affect your quality of life. 

What are some examples of respiratory infections?

The Clarksburg Urgent Care team diagnoses and treats various respiratory infections, including:

• Bronchitis
• Influenza (the flu)
• The common cold (chest cold)
• COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus)
• Strep throat 
• Laryngitis
• Sinusitis (sinus infection)
• Pneumonia

The team also treats epiglottitis, a type of respiratory infection that causes the epiglottis –– a small piece of cartilage that covers the windpipe –– to swell and block airflow. 

When should I see a doctor about a respiratory infection?

Make an appointment at Clarksburg Urgent Care if you or your child experience respiratory symptoms, like coughing, wheezing, or excess mucus production for more than a few days. That’s particularly true if your symptoms affect your breathing and don’t improve with over-the-counter decongestants or antihistamines.

How is a respiratory infection diagnosed?

Your Clarksburg Urgent Care provider reviews your medical records and asks about your symptoms, including when they started, how severe they are, and if certain activities (like moving around) worsen them.

Next, your provider examines your ears, nose, and throat and listens to your chest with a stethoscope to evaluate your breathing. If your provider thinks you have a lung infection, they might also order chest X-rays or a throat or nasal swab. These tests can determine what’s causing your symptoms and help guide treatment.

How is a respiratory infection treated?

The Clarksburg Urgent Care team uses a conservative, patient-centered approach to treat respiratory infections. They might suggest:

• Getting lots of rest
• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Taking over-the-counter decongestants and pain medications
• Using a humidifier
• Topical treatments, like Vicks VapoRub™, to make breathing easier

If you have a viral infection, like COVID-19, or a bacterial infection, like strep throat, your provider prescribes antiviral medication or antibiotics. Take these medications as prescribed to ensure the virus or bacteria is eliminated from your body.

Call Clarksburg Urgent Care today to schedule respiratory infection treatment, or book your appointment online.