Gastrointestinal Illnesses at Afterhours Urgent Care Center

Comprehensive Care for Digestive Health Issues

Gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses, with symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe pain, are common but can significantly impact your daily life. At Afterhours Urgent Care Center, we specialize in treating a variety of GI conditions to ensure you or your loved one can return to wellness swiftly.

Gastrointestinal illnesses, such as food poisoning and gastroenteritis, are responsible for an estimated 1 in 6 illnesses in the United States each year.
What are Gastrointestinal Illnesses?
  • GI disorders encompass a wide range of issues affecting the digestive tract, including the throat, stomach, and intestines. They can manifest as acute conditions, often known as “stomach bugs,” causing temporary but uncomfortable symptoms. Chronic conditions like Crohn’s disease or IBS are also part of this spectrum, requiring more specialized, long-term management. Understanding these illnesses is key to effective treatment and comfort.

Diagnosing Gastrointestinal Illnesses
Diagnosis begins with a detailed understanding of your symptoms and recent history. In cases of chronic disorders, we may refer you to a gastroenterologist for specialized care. Our approach is comprehensive, ensuring that any underlying conditions are identified and addressed promptly.

Types and Symptoms of Common GI Illnesses

Our team at Afterhours Urgent Care Center is experienced in handling various GI illnesses, including:

  • Viral Gastroenteritis: Often mistaken for the flu, this infection targets your intestines, resulting from viruses like norovirus or rotavirus. Symptoms can take days to manifest and typically include vomiting, watery diarrhea, cramping, low fever, and nausea.

  • Food Poisoning: This occurs from consuming contaminated food, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and cramps appearing within hours.

  • Gastrointestinal Infections: These can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic, leading to diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and vomiting. Parasitic infections, like pinworms in children, often require medical intervention.

  • Constipation: Usually temporary, this condition can arise from diet or lifestyle factors. Symptoms include difficulty with bowel movements and bloating.

  • Morning Sickness: A common pregnancy-related condition, characterized by nausea and vomiting, not limited to the morning hours.

Sick Boy Being Treated At After Hours Urgent Care Pineville

Treating GI Disorders at Afterhours

While treatments vary, general care recommendations include:

  • Adequate rest and fluid intake.
  • Following a BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) for gentleness on the stomach.
  • Avoiding dairy, greasy foods, and spices.
  • Over-the-counter medications for symptom relief, like laxatives for constipation.
  • In some cases, prescription medications or IV rehydration may be necessary for symptom control and hydration.

At Afterhours Urgent Care Center, we understand the discomfort and disruption caused by GI illnesses. Our dedicated team is here to provide effective, compassionate care, ensuring a quick return to health and comfort.

References:

  1. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Digestive Diseases Statistics for the United States. Published: Nov. 2014. Last accessed: March 16, 2023.
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