Bacterial Infections Treatment in Rockville, MD

Bacterial infections occur when a harmful bacterial strain, called pathogenic bacteria, proliferates on your skin or inside your body and releases toxins that can inflict damage upon various bodily tissues and cause an immune response that can make you feel unwell. Bacteria can infect your skin, bladder, bones, lungs, intestines, and even your brain and blood. That said, when bacteria infect your brain or your blood, causing either meningitis or sepsis, respectively, it is typically considered a serious infection with life-threatening implications. Other examples of bacterial infections include the following:

• Bacterial cellulitis
• Bacterial urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Botulism
• Chlamydia
• Cholera
• Food poisonings, such as E. coli, Salmonella, norovirus, or Listeria
• Gonorrhea
• Group A streptococcus, or strep throat
• Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB)
• Lyme disease
• Pneumococcal pneumonia
• Staphylococcus (staph) infections
• Syphilis
• Tetanus
• Tuberculosis

Some of the above bacterial infections, such as botulism or cholera, require emergency room treatment. However, for most other bacterial infections, you can receive excellent treatment at an urgent care clinic like ours at Physicians Now Urgent Care!

When treating a bacterial infection, a doctor begins by diagnosing the specific type of infection through various methods, such as physical exams, lab tests, or cultures. Depending on the symptoms and severity, the doctor may recommend a blood test, urine culture, or swab of the infected area to identify the bacteria causing the infection. This helps determine the appropriate course of treatment, as different bacteria require different approaches.

Once the type of bacteria is identified, the primary treatment for bacterial infections is the use of antibiotics. The doctor prescribes the most effective antibiotic based on the bacteria’s susceptibility. For some infections, such as strep throat or urinary tract infections (UTIs), common antibiotics like penicillin or ciprofloxacin may be used. The doctor ensures the patient understands the importance of completing the full course of antibiotics, even if they start feeling better, to avoid the infection returning or the bacteria developing resistance.

In addition to antibiotics, a doctor may recommend treatments to help manage symptoms, such as pain relievers, fever reducers, or topical treatments for skin infections. If the infection is severe or complications arise, the doctor may recommend hospitalization or intravenous (IV) antibiotics. Throughout the treatment process, the doctor monitors the patient’s progress and may adjust the treatment plan if necessary to ensure the infection is completely resolved.

At Physicians Now Urgent Care in Rockville, MD, our experienced team, led by Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for bacterial infections. We offer prompt diagnosis, personalized treatment plans, and follow-up care to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. Whether you’re dealing with a mild infection or a more severe case, we are here to help you recover quickly and safely.

The most common bacterial infection is a urinary tract infection (UTI), which affects millions of people each year. UTIs occur when bacteria, often Escherichia coli (E. coli), enter the urinary tract and cause an infection in the bladder, kidneys, or urethra. Symptoms typically include a frequent urge to urinate, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, and sometimes fever. Women are more prone to UTIs due to their shorter urethra, making it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.

Another highly common bacterial infection is strep throat, caused by the Streptococcus bacteria. It primarily affects children but can occur in adults as well. Strep throat causes a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes. In some cases, it can lead to complications if left untreated, such as rheumatic fever or kidney damage, which is why prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics are crucial.
Skin infections, like those caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, are also very common, especially in environments like schools, gyms, and nursing homes. These infections can manifest as boils, impetigo, or cellulitis. Symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth around the infection site, and sometimes pus or drainage. Skin infections are typically treated with topical or oral antibiotics, depending on the severity. Good hygiene practices are essential for preventing the spread of skin infections. At Physicians Now Urgent Care in Rockville, MD, we diagnose and treat common bacterial infections like UTIs, strep throat, and skin infections with effective, personalized care to help you recover quickly and safely.

Bacterial infections are caused when harmful bacteria enter the body and begin to multiply, leading to an infection. There are several common ways you can contract a bacterial infection. One of the most common ways is through direct contact with an infected person. Bacteria can be spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, leading to conditions like pneumonia or strep throat. Close physical contact, such as shaking hands or touching contaminated surfaces, can also transmit bacteria that cause skin infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Another way to get a bacterial infection is through food or water contamination. Bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter are commonly found in undercooked or contaminated food, causing food poisoning and gastrointestinal infections. Drinking water that is contaminated with harmful bacteria can also lead to infections like cholera or dysentery. Proper food handling, cooking, and hygiene practices are essential in preventing such infections.

Bacterial infections can also be contracted through open wounds or cuts in the skin. When the skin’s protective barrier is broken, bacteria can enter the body and cause infections like cellulitis or abscesses. Additionally, some bacteria can enter the body through sexual contact, leading to sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia or gonorrhea. Practicing safe hygiene, safe sex, and taking precautions around open wounds are important measures to reduce the risk of bacterial infections. At Physicians Now Urgent Care in Rockville, MD, our team, led by Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, is dedicated to diagnosing and treating bacterial infections effectively, ensuring you receive the right care to recover quickly and safely.

Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, takes a thorough and patient-centered approach to the treatment of bacterial infections at Physicians Now Urgent Care in Rockville, MD. With over 21 years of experience in emergency medicine, Dr. Olisemeka begins by carefully evaluating the patient’s symptoms and medical history. He may use diagnostic tools to accurately identify the bacteria responsible for the infection. Once the infection is confirmed, Dr. Olisemeka creates a personalized treatment plan tailored to the specific type of bacteria, ensuring the patient receives the most effective antibiotics.

Dr. Olisemeka places a strong emphasis on patient education, explaining the diagnosis and treatment options to ensure that patients fully understand their condition and the importance of following through with their prescribed treatment. He encourages patients to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if they start feeling better, to prevent the infection from recurring or developing resistance. Throughout the treatment process, Dr. Olisemeka closely monitors the patient’s progress, adjusting the treatment plan if necessary to ensure a speedy and full recovery.

Contact us today for more information. Our urgent care is conveniently located at 15215 Shady Grove Rd., Suite 100, Rockville, MD 20850. We serve patients from Rockville MD, Travilah MD, Lone Oak MD, Colesville Park MD, Redland MD, Darnestown MD, Anscroft MD, and Wheaton-Glenmont MD.