For people who experience pain and discomfort in the wee hours of the night, a GP after hours looks like an angel sent from above. They are medical professionals who are treating their patients in the comfort of their homes. Imagine the convenience and proper attention a home doctor can give you if you are the patient in the room. But what medical conditions does a GP after hours treat? Here are some reasons why you need their services.
What conditions a GP after hours can treat
Respiratory infections
This comes to no surprise, as respiratory infections are very common, especially during the winter season. They are categorized into two: the lower and the upper respiratory tract infections. Upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) includes infections affecting the nose, throat, tonsils, larynx, and the middle ear. Examples may be common cough and colds, sinusitis, laryngitis, head colds, influenza, and whooping cough also fall into this category.
The lower respiratory tract infections occur in the chest, affecting either the trachea (windpipe) or the lungs. Diseases like bronchitis, bronchiolitis, croup, and pneumonia are common examples. Influenza is a widespread infection that can affect the nose, throat and occasionally the lungs.
Whether it is caused by an allergy, virus, or bacteria, the known symptoms for all these illnesses can be very similar. Patients suffering from acute respiratory infections, whether the upper or lower respiratory tract is affected, can have a runny nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, fever, and headache. Be mindful of these symptoms. If you feel that the symptoms are mild to moderate, then maybe a GP after hours can help you ease the discomfort. But, if the symptoms include the difficulty of breathing and dizziness or disorientation, rush to the nearest hospital to get checked immediately.
Asthma
Asthma may be considered a respiratory problem, but because the instances of patients checking in for a home doctor have this problem, we are going to make it a separate item. Yes, approximately one out of ten Australians have asthma. A lot of things can trigger an attack, from a simple flower, smoking, air pollution, or furry pets. Common symptoms elicited by asthma patients include coughing, wheezing, tiredness, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath. A mild chest pain, because the airway is restricted and forceful breathing is called for, maybe felt. A GP after hours can help relieve some discomfort but will have to first identify what triggered the attack. He can assess if the flare-up is mild, moderate, or severe, and will give initial medication to comfort the patient. If he deems the attack is serious, he will help you get an ambulance or rush the patient to the nearest hospital where appropriate apparatuses can be used to stabilize the patient.
Skin problems
Rashes, school sores (impetigo), and hives are also very common reasons to call a home doctor. The itchiness and skin inflammation may be caused by bacterial infections or allergies. Some parents of kids with impetigo would rather have a GP after hours treat their child at home so that no further bacteria can infect their kid’s skin.
Others also call home doctor service for cellulitis which is a bacterial infection of the skin that causes it to swell, redden, and become tender to the touch. People who have cellulitis find it difficult to move, so they would rather have a home doctor check them up and provide prescriptions for antibiotics and pain medication at home.
Urinary problems
Urinary tract infections (UTI) are very common, especially in female patients, babies, and elderly people. They may present symptoms like difficulty in urinating, burning pain when peeing, bloody urine, and pain in the pelvis. It is vital to seek medical help for this condition to prevent the spread of infection, and treatment with antibiotics may be needed. A competent home doctor service provider can provide some immediate relief for patients suffering from this painful complaint.
Gastrointestinal complaints
Viruses, bacteria, parasites, and toxins can be the common culprits of this medical problem. It may be due to the dirty food you ate, accidental putting of dirt from hands, utensils, or anything that touched your mouth, and many other things. You can present symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea, nausea, stomach pains, fever, lack of appetite, and general weakness, including tiredness and body aches. A home doctor service provider’s first goal is to keep you hydrated, as dehydration is the best enemy when dealing with gastrointestinal problems. Depending on the reason for the infection, the home doctor may provide prescription of antibiotic medications or drugs that would address the symptoms you are feeling, enough to make you comfortable as you wait for your doctor to interpret the laboratory tests. They can give anti-diarrhoeals, anti-emetics, rehydration solutions, analgesics, and any other medication to address your complaints.
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