Where to Get Evaluation and Treatment for Respiratory Infections in Rockville, MD?

There are two different types of respiratory infections – upper and lower respiratory infections. Symptoms will vary from one person to the next based on where the infection is situated in their respiratory system. Common symptoms of a respiratory infection can include:

• Runny nose
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Congestion, in either the lungs or the nasal sinuses
• Body aches
• Fatigue

Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, loss of consciousness, chills, or a fever over 103°F (39 °C) may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or go to urgent care such as Physicians Now Urgent Care and Walk-In Clinic.

Respiratory infections are caused by several different issues and will differ depending on whether it is an upper or lower respiratory infection. Upper respiratory infections are caused by a common cold, an acute ear infection, or acute pharyngitis. Lower respiratory infections are caused by bronchiolitis, bronchitis, or pneumonia.

The most common types of respiratory infections include:

• Common Cold – Caused by a variety of viruses, including rhinoviruses, the common cold affects the upper respiratory system and is characterized by a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and mild fever.

• Flu (Influenza) – A viral infection that affects the respiratory system, the flu typically causes symptoms such as fever, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, and coughing. It can lead to more serious complications, especially in high-risk groups.

• Bronchitis – Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often due to a viral infection, causing coughing, mucus production, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Acute bronchitis typically resolves on its own, but chronic bronchitis is more persistent and often linked to smoking.

• Pneumonia – A more serious infection that affects the lungs, pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. It leads to symptoms such as severe cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, fever, and fatigue.

• Sinusitis – Inflammation or infection of the sinuses, often following a cold, which causes facial pain, nasal congestion, headache, and mucus drainage. Sinus infections can be bacterial or viral.

• COVID-19 – Caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs and respiratory system, leading to symptoms like fever, cough, shortness of breath, and fatigue. It can range from mild to severe, with potential complications like pneumonia

• Strep Throat – Caused by a bacterial infection (group A Streptococcus), strep throat leads to a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, and swollen lymph nodes.

These infections can affect the upper or lower respiratory tract and may require different treatments, depending on whether the infection is viral or bacterial. If you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory infection, it’s important to seek timely care to ensure proper treatment and prevent complications. Physicians Now Urgent Care in Rockville, MD, led by Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, offers expert evaluation and treatment for a wide range of respiratory infections. Whether you have a cold, flu, bronchitis, or more serious conditions like pneumonia, Dr. Olisemeka and his team are dedicated to providing fast, effective care to help you recover quickly and comfortably.

Several diagnostic tests can be used to identify and evaluate respiratory infections, depending on the type of infection suspected. Common diagnostic methods include:

• Physical Examination – A healthcare provider will assess symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and nasal congestion. This initial assessment helps determine the next steps for further testing.

• Chest X-ray – A chest X-ray is often used to check for signs of pneumonia, bronchitis, or other lung infections by providing detailed images of the lungs and airways.

• Nasopharyngeal Swab – This test involves swabbing the back of the throat or nasal passages to collect a sample, which is then tested for viral infections like the flu, COVID-19, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

• Blood Tests – Blood tests can be used to detect bacterial infections, measure the white blood cell count, and assess for other markers of infection, such as C-reactive protein (CRP).

These tests help doctors identify the specific cause of a respiratory infection and tailor the treatment accordingly. For accurate diagnosis and quick relief, Physicians Now Urgent Care in Rockville, MD, led by Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, provides advanced diagnostic services for respiratory infections. Our team is dedicated to providing fast, comprehensive care to help you recover efficiently.

Respiratory infections are typically treated based on the cause—whether viral, bacterial, or fungal. Viral infections, such as the common cold or flu, are usually treated with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms like fever, sore throat, and congestion. Antiviral medications may be prescribed for certain viral infections, like the flu or COVID-19, especially if diagnosed early.

Bacterial infections, like bacterial pneumonia or strep throat, require antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. It’s important to complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed to ensure the infection is fully treated and to prevent resistance. In addition to antibiotics, medications like pain relievers or cough suppressants may be used to manage symptoms.

For fungal respiratory infections, antifungal medications are prescribed to treat the infection. These are less common but can affect individuals with weakened immune systems. In all cases, proper care and timely treatment are essential to prevent complications and promote a full recovery. Physicians Now Urgent Care in Rockville, MD, led by Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, provides effective treatment for respiratory infections, helping you get back to feeling better quickly.

Dr. Chinedum Olisemeka, DO, at Physicians Now Urgent Care in Rockville, MD, offers expert care for the evaluation and treatment of respiratory infections. With over 21 years of experience, Dr. Olisemeka is highly skilled in diagnosing and managing a variety of respiratory infections, from the common cold and flu to more serious conditions like pneumonia or bronchitis. His comprehensive approach ensures that each patient receives personalized care tailored to their specific needs, providing prompt relief from symptoms and targeted treatment.

At Physicians Now Urgent Care, Dr. Olisemeka is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care promptly. He uses the latest diagnostic tools to accurately identify the cause of respiratory symptoms, whether viral, bacterial, or other underlying conditions, and prescribes effective treatments to help patients recover quickly. Dr. Olisemeka’s extensive experience and dedication to patient care make him the ideal choice for those seeking immediate and professional care for respiratory infections.

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.