When it comes to treating infections, primary care physicians play a vital role in keeping their patients healthy and free from disease. Primary care physicians are the first line of defense against infectious diseases, and they can provide timely diagnosis and treatment that can help prevent poor outcomes and complications.
In this article, we will talk about how exactly a primary care physician can help with diagnosing and treating infections.
Diagnosing Infections
Primary care physicians are responsible for diagnosing infections based on symptoms or test results, such as blood tests or cultures. This usually involves taking a blood sample, urine sample, stool sample, or throat swab to determine what kind of microorganism is causing the infection and how severe it is. Once this has been determined, doctors will then decide which course of action should be taken based on factors, such as age and underlying health conditions, that may affect response to certain treatments.
For wounds that may be infected, doctors simply do a visual examination to check for signs of infection, such as blood, discharge, odor, or redness at the wound site, and fever. If these signs are present, they will diagnose the wound as infected and provide appropriate treatment.
Treating Infections
Antibiotics are a common method used by doctors when treating bacterial infections since they work by killing off harmful bacteria while leaving healthy cells untouched. However, they do not work against viral illnesses, so other methods must be employed instead, such as antiviral drugs. In addition to prescribing these types of medications, physicians also provide advice about lifestyle changes needed to reduce risk factors associated with recurrent episodes, including improved hygiene practices, and adequate rest and relaxation to help your body recover.
It is important that patients follow the instructions provided by their primary care physician regarding medication use, including completing all prescribed doses, even after feeling better, so the infection does not return. For infected wounds, it’s important to keep the wound clean and dry at all times, change the bandages as directed by the doctor, and be on the lookout for signs of worsening or continued infection.
Additionally, it’s essential for people with chronic conditions like diabetes or HIV/AIDS who have weakened immune systems to be extra vigilant about following up with their primary care physician regularly, since they are more prone to developing recurrent infections and require close monitoring in order to ensure proper infection prevention and management.
Understanding the importance of the role played by primary healthcare providers allows you to take advantage of valuable resources and ensure optimal health and well-being throughout life.
Infection Care from Primary Care Physicians in The Bronx, NY
Infections can be serious and come with the risk of complications if treated improperly. The primary care doctors at Starling Diagnostics are ready to provide you with exceptional primary care services in our Parkchester office. If you have an infection, don’t hesitate to make an appointment and come see us. The sooner the infection gets diagnosed and treated, the better. Our doctors are committed to your health and well-being.
To schedule an appointment with a primary care doctor at Starling Diagnostics, call our office today at (718) 319-1610, or use our convenient online request form.
