Acute Disease Management

Acute illnesses like the flu, stomach upsets, and ear infections can come on quickly and cause considerable distress. At Rios Healthcare Associates in Houston, Texas, Tomas Rios, MD, Nicolin Neal, and the team provide acute disease management services, diagnosing and treating these conditions to help you recover more quickly. The practice is open seven days a week, and a provider is always available. To find out how you can access acute disease management, call Rios Healthcare Associates today or book an appointment online.

What is acute disease management?

Acute disease management is the diagnosis, treatment, and aftercare of acute health problems. These conditions develop quickly, typically within a few days, but don’t last for months and years, like chronic diseases.

The Rios Healthcare Associates team members are experienced internal medicine experts offering comprehensive acute disease management services.

What illnesses might benefit from acute disease management?

Any acute illness could benefit from fast and accurate diagnosis and treatment. Some of the more common acute conditions and symptoms the Rios Healthcare Associates team sees include:

• Colds and flu
• Strep throat
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bronchitis (chest infection)
• Eye infections
• Ear infections
• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
• COVID-19
• Rashes and hives
• Fevers
• Sinus infections
• Headaches and migraines

In many cases, these problems clear up in a few days or weeks without requiring treatment, especially if you rest and look after yourself. However, if your symptoms are persistent, severe, or worsening, or you have an underlying health problem that could increase your risk of complications, it’s best to seek medical attention at Rios Healthcare Associates.

What does acute disease management involve?

The first step in acute disease management is diagnosis. Your provider reviews your current symptoms and medical history and then performs a physical exam. They might perform various tests based on their findings to confirm a diagnosis or rule out other conditions. Rios Healthcare Associates has onsite testing facilities to make this process fast and convenient.

Treatments for acute diseases vary depending on what the diagnosis is. Bacterial infections might require antibiotics to destroy the bacteria causing your illness. However, these drugs are of no use when you have a viral infection.

If your virus is severe or could cause complications, your provider might recommend antiviral medications. You might benefit from other drugs, such as anti-inflammatories for pain or decongestants for a sinus infection. Your provider also advises you on how to speed up your recovery by resting and eating the right foods.

What happens after my diagnosis and treatment?

When you leave Rios Healthcare Associates after your initial diagnosis and treatment, your provider might ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a few days or weeks. This enables them to assess how well you’re recovering and provide any additional treatment or advice.

To learn more about acute disease management or schedule a consultation, call Rios Healthcare Associates or book an appointment online today.