All evenings and weekends, home doctors usually work to treat patients at their homes. That may be because the illnesses are not as serious or because the patient can’t get to the hospital.
There are some illnesses that home doctors can’t treat, and the patient is recommended to go to the hospital. However, there are some common ones that home doctors usually treat, including;
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Pains, Sprains, and Strains
These are some of the most common reasons why people need home doctors services. Pains, sprains, and strains could result from accidents or sports, for example, working out.
They may also be work-related, especially back and neck pains for people who sit down all day.
Another reason why someone may have pains, strains, or sprains is because of an existing medical condition.
Some of the symptoms that may cause a patient to call home doctors because of pain, strains, and sprains include;
- Redness.
- Swelling.
- Tenderness.
- Pain.
- Heat from inflammation in muscle groups and joints.
- Bruising.
- Limited ability to move or shift affected area.
The home doctor will examine the patient to identify where the pains are and how severe they are. They also check if there are any fractures around the areas with the pains.
If the condition is not severe, they may recommend some treatment and mitigation measures like heating pads, cold compress, rest, pain-relieving medication, and anti-inflammatory medications.
However, if the condition is severe, they may give the patients some pain-relieving medications but refer them to a hospital for further assessment and treatment.
Some of the reasons why home doctors may refer a patient to the hospital include;
- Numbness around the affected area.
- Being unable to move the injured area.
- Being unable to make a few steps without unbearable pains.
Skin Infections and Rashes
Skin infections and rashes are common both in adults and children. Some of the most common types of skin infections include;
Impetigo
Also called school sores, these are common in children. They are very contagious, and immediate medical attention is needed.
The main symptoms of school sores include itchy and red skin plus blisters that mainly occur around the mouth and nose.
Home doctors can offer different treatment options, for example, creams, ointments, and prescription antibiotics depending on how severe they are.
Urticarial Inflammations
Also known as hives, they are mainly caused by allergies and look similar to mosquito bites. They are itchy, red welts, and can appear in different sizes and shapes.
A home doctor may advise on different treatments, but the most common are antihistamines.
Depending on how serious the hives are, the home doctor may advise on using either prescribed or over-the-counter antihistamines.
Cellulitis
This is a bacterial infection that mostly occurs on the lower legs. It happens when bacteria enter the skin then spreads to the tissues underneath.
The affected areas become swollen, red, and tender to the touch.
It is most common in old people, and while a home doctor may recommend some antibiotics, it is key that patients visit a hospital.
Gastro
Gastroenteritis, commonly called gastro, is an illness that affects the digestive tract. It is mostly caused by viruses but can also be caused by toxins, parasites, and bacteria.
Common symptoms include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fever, stomach pains, and loss of appetite.
Patients may also experience body aches and feel tired. These symptoms may last for 1-2 days, but sometimes they may last longer.
One of the main risks of this illness is dehydration, which is why patients need to remain hydrated.
It is highly contagious, and good hygiene is the best way to keep it away.
Acute Headaches and Migraines
These are some of the common illnesses that affect a lot of people. There are different types of headaches but are mainly classified into either primary or secondary.
Primary headaches are the most common. They may be caused by stress, loud noise, bright light, dehydration, poor posture, anxiety, or stress.
The most common way of dealing with those is over-the-counter pain relievers.
Secondary headaches are usually caused by an underlying disease like influenza or head injuries. Home doctors may offer pain relievers but also refer patients to the hospital for further medication.
Eye Complications
Eye complications that home doctors treat are those related to allergies and foreign objects entering the eye. These are characterized by red and swollen eyes.
The home doctors may anti-allergy medications or help remove the foreign object and give anti-inflammatory medications.
In some cases, like acute loss of vision, home doctors will examine you and refer you to a hospital.
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