Illnesses Treated
at Family Urgent Care
in Monroe / Indian Trail, NC

Affordable Medical Care​. Common Services.

Colds + Flu

Sore Throat

Fever

Cough

Sinus Congestion

Eye & Ear Infections

Respiratory Illness

Abdominal Pain

Allergies & Rashes

STD Infections

Urinary Tract Infections

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Experienced Urgent Care Team
for Adults & Children in Monroe / Indian Trail

When you or a family member is sick, ill or in need of a doctor for any medical care, our doctors and medical professionals are available 7 days/week and are dedicated to providing you and your family with the affordable and effective Urgent Care services you deserve. Visit Family Urgent Care today and let our family take care of yours!

Family Urgent Care in Monroe / Indian Trail, NC is committed to providing you and your family fast, high-quality care! Our team of Doctors, Medical Assistants, Nurse Practitioners (NP), and Physician Assistants (PA) are trained in all aspects of urgent care medicine for both adults and children.

Colds and Flu

The common cold, influenza (flu), and COVID-19 are all respiratory illnesses with overlapping symptoms, making it challenging to distinguish between them without testing. Common cold symptoms are usually mild and include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, sneezing, cough, and mild fatigue. Fever is uncommon in adults with a cold but may occur in young children. The flu tends to cause more severe and rapid onset of symptoms, such as a sudden high fever, chills, body aches, extreme fatigue, headache, dry cough, and sometimes a sore throat or runny nose. COVID-19 shares many of these symptoms, including fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, headache, and muscle aches, but it can also cause loss of taste or smell, shortness of breath, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which are less common with colds or the flu. While all three illnesses can lead to severe complications, COVID-19 and the flu are more likely to cause serious respiratory issues, especially in high-risk individuals. Because of the significant overlap in symptoms, especially during peak seasons, diagnostic testing is often necessary to confirm the specific cause.

  • Fever / Chills
  • Body aches / muscle or joint pain
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Sinus congestion
  • Vomiting / Diarrhea

Sore Throat

A sore throat is a common symptom that can result from a variety of causes, ranging from mild viral infections to more serious conditions. The common symptoms that may accompany a sore throat include:

Common Symptoms

  • Pain or scratchy sensation in the throat
  • Difficulty or painful swallowing
  • Swollen glands (lymph nodes) in the neck
  • Redness on the tonsils
  • White or red spots (petechiae) on posterior throat or tonsils
  • Hoarseness or voice changes
  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Runny nose or nasal congestion
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Body aches

Sore Throat: Possible Diagnoses

Viral Infections (most common cause):

  • Common Cold (Rhinovirus, Coronavirus, etc.): Sore throat, runny nose, cough, mild fever.
  • Influenza (Flu): Sudden fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat.
  • COVID-19: Sore throat, cough, fever, loss of taste/smell, shortness of breath, fatigue.
  • Mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr Virus): Severe sore throat, swollen tonsils with white patches, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged spleen.
  • Herpangina (Coxsackievirus): Sore throat with painful blisters in the mouth (common in children).

Bacterial Infections:

  • Streptococcal Pharyngitis (Strep Throat): Sudden severe sore throat, fever, swollen lymph nodes, red/white patches on tonsils, absence of cough.
  • Peritonsillar Abscess: Severe sore throat (often one-sided), muffled voice, difficulty swallowing, drooling, neck swelling.
  • Diphtheria (rare in vaccinated populations): Sore throat with a thick gray membrane in the throat, breathing difficulty.

Non-Infectious Causes:

  • Allergies: Sore throat with postnasal drip, sneezing, itchy eyes, no fever.
  • Irritants: Smoke, pollution, dry air, or chemical exposure causing throat irritation.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Sore throat, hoarseness, chronic cough, heartburn.
  • Vocal Strain: Sore throat after yelling or talking loudly for extended periods.

Serious Conditions (Less Common):

  • Epiglottitis (Medical Emergency): Severe sore throat, difficulty breathing, drooling, high fever, muffled voice (especially dangerous in children).
  • Retropharyngeal Abscess (Medical Emergency): Usually in children under the age of 5. Fever, fussiness, decreased oral intake, neck stiffness or limited range of motion especially reluctance to extend neck or look up.
  • Throat Cancer: Persistent sore throat, hoarseness, weight loss, neck mass.

Sore Throat: When to Seek Medical Attention

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Drooling (especially in children)
  • Stiff neck, severe headache
  • High fever with rash
  • Severe swelling in the neck or face
  • Sore throat lasting more than a week

If these symptoms are present, seek immediate medical care. Otherwise, if the sore throat persists, worsens, or is accompanied by high fever or swollen glands, consult a healthcare provider for evaluation and possible testing (like a rapid strep test, throat culture, or COVID-19 test).

Fever

Fever is a common symptom defined as a temporary increase in body temperature, often in response to an underlying condition. The most frequent causes of fever can be categorized into infectious and non-infectious origins.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

  • Difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or altered mental status
  • Severe headache with neck stiffness or photophobia (possible meningitis)
  • Persistent vomiting or signs of dehydration
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Seizures
  • Fever in infants <3 months old (medical emergency)
  • Fever > 40°C (104°F) or lasting more than 3 days without clear cause

Key Points:

  • In many cases, fever is a normal immune response to infection.
  • The context (recent travel, exposure history, vaccination status) helps narrow the diagnosis.
  • Seek medical evaluation if unsure of the cause, if symptoms are severe, or if red flag signs are present.

Fever: Infectious Causes (Most Common)

Viral Infections:

  • Common Cold (Rhinovirus, Coronavirus)
  • Influenza (Flu)
  • COVID-19
  • Gastroenteritis (Norovirus, Rotavirus)
  • Mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr Virus)
  • Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya (in endemic areas)
  • Hepatitis viruses

Bacterial Infections:

  • Strep Throat (Streptococcal pharyngitis)
  • Pneumonia
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
  • Skin Infections (Cellulitis, Abscesses)
  • Sepsis (systemic infection)
  • Meningitis (bacterial more severe)
  • Tuberculosis

Parasitic and Fungal Infections:

  • Malaria (especially after travel to endemic regions)
  • Toxoplasmosis
  • Histoplasmosis

Fever: Non-Infectious Causes

Inflammatory and Autoimmune Disorders:

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
  • Vasculitis

Miscellaneous:

  • Thyroid Storm (Hyperthyroidism)
  • Deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism (inflammatory response)
  • Post-vaccination reactions

Cough

A cough is a common reflex that helps clear the airways of irritants, mucus, or foreign substances. It can be classified as acute (lasting less than 3 weeks), subacute (3-8 weeks), or chronic (more than 8 weeks). The causes of cough vary depending on its duration and associated symptoms. Family Urgent Care can do a chest x-ray to determine if you have a bacterial infection like Pneumonia that requires an antibiotic.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

  • Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or stridor
  • Chest pain, pressure, or tightness
  • Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
  • Severe weakness, confusion, or fainting
  • High fever with chills, night sweats, or weight loss
  • Signs of foreign body aspiration in children (sudden choking, inability to speak, cyanosis)

Key Points:

  • Most acute coughs are due to viral infections and resolve on their own.
  • A persistent or worsening cough requires medical evaluation to rule out serious conditions.
  • Consider the patient’s age, smoking history, environmental exposures, and other symptoms to guide diagnosis.

Acute Cough (Less than 3 weeks)

Infectious Causes (Most Common):

  • Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs): Common cold, influenza, COVID-19
  • Acute Bronchitis: Often follows a viral infection
  • Pneumonia: Fever, chest pain, productive cough, shortness of breath
  • Pertussis (Whooping Cough or the 100-day cough): Prolonged severe coughing fits with whoop sound
  • Sinusitis: Postnasal drip causing throat irritation and cough

Non-Infectious Causes:

  • Inhalation of Irritants: Smoke, dust, chemicals
  • Allergic Rhinitis or Asthma Exacerbation
  • Foreign Body Aspiration: Especially in young children, sudden onset of cough or choking

Subacute Cough (3-8 weeks)

  • Post-infectious Cough: Lingering cough after viral infections
  • Pertussis (if not previously diagnosed)
  • Asthma or Reactive Airway Disease: Wheezing, shortness of breath
  • Postnasal Drip (Upper Airway Cough Syndrome): Sensation of mucus dripping in the throat
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Chronic irritation from acid reflux

Chronic Cough (More than 8 weeks)

  • Asthma: Often with wheezing, chest tightness
  • Postnasal Drip Syndrome (Chronic Rhinitis or Sinusitis)
  • GERD: Chronic irritation, often worse at night or after meals
  • Chronic Bronchitis (COPD): Common in smokers, productive cough
  • Bronchiectasis: Chronic productive cough with recurrent infections
  • Tuberculosis: Persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats, hemoptysis
  • Interstitial Lung Diseases: Dry cough with progressive shortness of breath
  • Lung Cancer: Persistent cough, possibly with blood-tinged sputum, weight loss

Other Serious Causes (Can Present Acutely or Chronically)

  • Pulmonary Embolism: Sudden onset cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, possible hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
  • Heart Failure (Cardiac Cough): Cough with pink frothy sputum, worse when lying down
  • Medication Side Effect: ACE inhibitors (e.g., lisinopril) can cause chronic dry cough

Sinus Congestion

Sinus congestion, also known as nasal congestion or sinus pressure, occurs when the tissues lining the nasal passages and sinuses become swollen due to inflammation, increased mucus production, or obstruction. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from infections to structural issues.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention:

  • Severe headache, facial swelling, or vision changes
  • High fever with facial pain and swelling (possible complicated sinusitis)
  • Stiff neck, confusion, or altered mental status (possible spread of infection)
  • Unilateral congestion or facial swelling with bloody discharge
  • Periorbital swelling, vision changes, or restricted eye movement which could be orbital or periorbital cellulitis
  • In infants: Difficulty breathing, poor feeding, or cyanosis

Key Points:

  • Viral infections and allergies are the most common causes.
  • Persistent symptoms (>10 days), high fever, or severe facial pain may indicate bacterial sinusitis needing medical attention.
  • Unilateral symptoms, especially if foul-smelling or bloody, warrant further evaluation to rule out foreign bodies or structural issues.
  • Ethmoidal and maxillary sinuses are the most commonly affected in younger children.

Common Causes of Sinus Congestion:

Infectious Causes:

  • Viral Upper Respiratory Infections (Common Cold): The most common cause; congestion usually resolves within 7-10 days.
  • Acute Sinusitis (Bacterial Sinus Infection): Often follows a viral infection; symptoms include facial pain/pressure, purulent nasal discharge, and congestion lasting more than 10 days.
  • Chronic Sinusitis: Congestion lasting more than 12 weeks, often with facial pressure, postnasal drip, and decreased sense of smell.

Allergic Causes:

  • Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander; associated with sneezing, itchy nose/eyes, and watery discharge.
  • Seasonal or Perennial Allergies: Depending on the allergen exposure.

Non-Allergic, Non-Infectious Rhinitis:

  • Vasomotor Rhinitis: Triggered by environmental factors like changes in temperature, strong odors, smoke, or spicy foods.
  • Hormonal Rhinitis: Seen in pregnancy, hypothyroidism, or hormonal fluctuations.
  • Drug-Induced Rhinitis: Caused by medications such as beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, oral contraceptives, or overuse of nasal decongestant sprays (rebound congestion known as rhinitis medicamentosa).

Structural Abnormalities:

  • Deviated Nasal Septum: Can cause chronic congestion on one side.
  • Nasal Polyps: Non-cancerous growths that block nasal passages, often associated with chronic sinusitis, asthma, or aspirin sensitivity.
  • Adenoid Hypertrophy: Common in children, leading to nasal obstruction.

Other Causes:

  • Foreign Body (especially in children): Sudden-onset congestion, often unilateral with foul-smelling discharge.
  • Environmental Irritants: Smoke, pollution, chemical exposure.
  • Tumors (Rare): Nasopharyngeal or sinus tumors can cause persistent, unilateral congestion.

Ear and Eye Infections

Ear and eye infections can occur separately or together, especially in cases of upper respiratory infections. They can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or even allergic reactions. Here’s an overview of the common causes:

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention For Ear Infections:

  • Severe ear pain with swelling/redness behind the ear (possible mastoiditis)
  • Sudden hearing loss
  • Vertigo with neurological symptoms
  • High fever, stiff neck, or altered mental status (possible meningitis)

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention For Eye Infections:

  • Eye pain with vision changes
  • Severe redness with light sensitivity
  • Proptosis (eye bulging) 
  • Restricted eye movement or double vision (possible orbital cellulitis)
  • Rapidly worsening swelling, especially after sinus infection

Key Points:

  • Bacteria and viruses are the most common causes of ear and eye infections.
  • Prompt medical evaluation is essential for symptoms involving severe pain, vision changes, or systemic illness.
  • Contact lens wearers with eye infections are at higher risk for serious conditions like corneal ulcers.

Ear Infections

Ear infections are typically categorized based on the part of the ear affected: outer ear, middle ear, or inner ear.

Outer Ear Infections (Otitis Externa or Swimmer's Ear)

Bacterial Causes (most common):

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Fungal Causes:
  • Aspergillus species
  • Candida species

Risk Factors: Water exposure, trauma (e.g., using cotton swabs), eczema

Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media)

Acute Otitis Media (AOM) – Bacterial Causes:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Haemophilus influenzae (non-typeable)
  • Moraxella catarrhalis
  • Viral Causes (can precede or cause AOM):
  • Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  • Influenza virus
  • Rhinovirus

Risk Factors: Recent upper respiratory infection, allergies, eustachian tube dysfunction

Inner Ear Infections (Labyrinthitis or Vestibular Neuritis)

Viral Causes (most common):

  • Herpes simplex virus
  • Influenza virus
  • Measles, mumps, rubella (rare in vaccinated populations)
  • Bacterial Causes (less common, more severe):
  • Spread from meningitis or severe middle ear infections

Eye Infections

Eye infections can affect different parts of the eye, including the conjunctiva, cornea, and internal eye structures.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Viral Conjunctivitis (most common overall):

  • Adenovirus (highly contagious)
  • Herpes simplex virus (more serious)
  • Bacterial Conjunctivitis:
  • Staphylococcus aureus (common in adults)
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Haemophilus influenzae
  • Allergic Conjunctivitis:
  • Triggered by pollen, dust, pet dander (not an infection but often confused with infectious conjunctivitis)

Keratitis (Corneal Infection)

Bacterial Causes:

  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa (common with contact lens wear)
  • Staphylococcus aureus
  • Viral Causes:
  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
  • Varicella-zoster virus (shingles affecting the eye)
  • Fungal Causes:
  • Often related to trauma with plant material or contaminated contact lenses

Orbital and Periorbital Cellulitis (Serious Infections Around the Eye)

Bacterial Causes (images):

  • Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA)
  • Streptococcus species
  • Can spread from sinus infections

Respiratory Illness

Respiratory illnesses can affect both the upper respiratory tract (nose, sinuses, pharynx, larynx) and the lower respiratory tract (trachea, bronchi, lungs). These conditions can be caused by infections, allergic reactions, environmental exposures, and chronic diseases.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention For Respiratory Illness

  • Severe difficulty breathing or wheezing
  • Chest pain or pressure, especially with exertion
  • Bluish lips or face (cyanosis)
  • Sudden onset of shortness of breath (possible pulmonary embolism or pneumothorax)
  • Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
  • High fever with confusion, stiff neck, or altered mental status
  • Severe dehydration or inability to keep fluids down

Key Points:

  • Viral infections are the most common cause of respiratory illnesses, especially in children.
  • Bacterial infections are more likely in cases with severe symptoms, high fever, or localized lung findings.
  • Chronic respiratory conditions and non-infectious causes should be considered, especially if symptoms are persistent or recurrent.
  • Emergency care is needed for signs of respiratory distress, chest pain, cyanosis, or altered mental status.

Infectious (Most Common)

Ear infections are typically categorized based on the part of the ear affected: outer ear, middle ear, or inner ear.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs):

Common Cold (Viral Rhinitis):

  • Rhinovirus (most common)
  • Coronavirus (non-COVID strains)
  • Adenovirus
  • Influenza and Parainfluenza viruses

Pharyngitis (Sore Throat):

  • Viral: Adenovirus, Epstein-Barr virus (mono), enteroviruses
  • Bacterial: Group A Streptococcus (strep throat)

Sinusitis:

  • Viral: Often follows a cold
  • Bacterial: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae

Laryngitis:

  • Viral: Influenza, parainfluenza, RSV
  • Bacterial (less common): Corynebacterium diphtheriae (rare due to vaccination)

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs):

Bronchitis (Acute):

  • Viral: Influenza, RSV, adenovirus
  • Bacterial: Rare, but Mycoplasma pneumoniae can cause prolonged cough

Pneumonia:

  • Bacterial: Streptococcus pneumoniae (most common), Haemophilus influenzae, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, Legionella
  • Viral: Influenza, RSV, COVID-19

Bronchiolitis (common in infants):

  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) (most common cause)
  • Human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza

Tuberculosis (TB):

Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, often presents with a chronic cough, weight loss, night sweats, and hemoptysis.

Non-Infectious (Most Common)​

Eye infections can affect different parts of the eye, including the conjunctiva, cornea, and internal eye structures.

Allergic and Inflammatory Conditions

  • Asthma: Chronic inflammation causing wheezing, cough, and shortness of breath.
  • Allergic Rhinitis: Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust, pet dander.
  • Eosinophilic Pneumonia: Inflammatory lung condition linked to allergies or medications.

Chronic Respiratory Diseases

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): Often due to smoking, causing chronic cough and breathlessness.
  • Interstitial Lung Diseases: Inflammation and scarring of lung tissue (e.g., pulmonary fibrosis).
  • Cystic Fibrosis: Genetic condition causing thick mucus buildup, leading to chronic infections.

Environmental and Occupational Exposures

  • Irritant-induced Bronchitis: Smoke, chemicals, pollution exposure.
  • Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis: Inhalation of organic dusts, mold, bird droppings.

Pulmonary Embolism

  • Blood clot in the lung causing sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, and cough (sometimes with blood). Risk factors include smoking, taking birth control pills, recent surgery or trauma (<4 weeks), overweight, recent long travel.
  • Check out PERC Rule to see if you have any risk: https://www.mdcalc.com/calc/347/perc-rule-pulmonary-embolism

Other Causes of Respiratory Symptoms

  • Heart Failure: Can cause fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema), leading to cough and shortness of breath.
  • Foreign Body Aspiration: Especially in children, sudden onset of coughing or choking.
  • Lung Cancer: Persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, hemoptysis.
  • Vocal Cord Dysfunction: Can mimic asthma with breathing difficulties.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain can result from a wide range of conditions, varying from mild to life-threatening. It can be classified based on onset (acute or chronic), location (right, left, upper, lower, generalized), and character (sharp, dull, cramping, burning).

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Abdominal Pain:

  • Severe, sudden-onset pain
  • Pain with fainting, dizziness, or confusion
  • Signs of shock: Rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure, cold/clammy skin
  • Severe pain with rigid abdomen or inability to pass gas/stool
  • Vomiting blood or passing black, tarry, or bloody stools
  • Pregnant with severe abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding
  • Severe flank pain with fever and chills (possible sepsis)

Key Points:

  • History and physical exam help narrow the diagnosis based on pain location, duration, and associated symptoms.
  • Imaging (ultrasound, CT scan) and lab tests are often needed for diagnosis.
  • Urgent evaluation is required for signs of peritonitis, vascular emergencies, or unstable vital signs.

Gastrointestinal Causes (Most Common)

Inflammatory Conditions:

  • Appendicitis: Right lower quadrant pain, often with fever, nausea, and loss of appetite.
  • Gastroenteritis: Cramping pain with diarrhea, vomiting, and sometimes fever; usually viral or bacterial.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis chronic pain with diarrhea, weight loss, and blood in stool.
  • Diverticulitis: Left lower quadrant pain (common in older adults), fever, and changes in bowel habits.

Obstructive Conditions:

  • Bowel Obstruction: Severe cramping pain, vomiting, abdominal distension, no passage of gas/stool. Those who have had abdominal surgery in the past are more at risk.
  • Ileus: Non-mechanical bowel paralysis, often after surgery.
  • Constipation: Cramping pain, bloating, and infrequent stools.

Ulcerative and Acid-Related Conditions:

  • Peptic Ulcer Disease: Burning epigastric pain, worse on an empty stomach, relieved by eating or antacids.
  • Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Burning chest/upper abdominal pain with acid regurgitation.

Ischemic Conditions:

  • Mesenteric Ischemia: Sudden, severe abdominal pain out of proportion to physical findings; common in older adults with cardiovascular disease.
  • Ischemic Colitis: Cramping pain, often with bloody diarrhea.

Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Causes

  • Cholecystitis (Gallbladder Inflammation): Right upper quadrant pain, worse after fatty meals, with nausea. losse stools or diarrhea and sometime with fever.
  • Biliary Colic: Intermittent right upper quadrant pain due to gallstones blocking bile flow.
  • Pancreatitis: Severe epigastric pain radiating to the back, worsened after eating, with nausea and vomiting. Most common in alcoholics, those with gallbladder disease, diabetics.
  • Hepatitis: Right upper quadrant discomfort, jaundice, fatigue.

Genitourinary Causes

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Lower abdominal pain with burning urination, urgency, frequency.
  • Kidney Stones: Sudden, severe flank pain radiating to the groin, with nausea, vomiting, hematuria.
  • Pyelonephritis: Flank pain, fever, chills, and urinary symptoms.

In Women:

  • Ovarian Torsion: Sudden, severe lower abdominal pain, often with nausea and vomiting (emergency).
  • Ectopic Pregnancy: Severe lower abdominal pain with dizziness, vaginal bleeding, and missed period (emergency).
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): Lower abdominal pain, fever, vaginal discharge, painful intercourse.
  • Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea): Cramping pain before or during menstruation.

Vascular Causes (Life-Threatening)

  • Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Rupture: Sudden, severe abdominal/back pain with hypotension (medical emergency).
  • Aortic Dissection: Tearing chest/abdominal pain, often radiating to the back.

Metabolic and Systemic Causes

  • -Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, with rapid breathing and altered mental status.
  • Hypercalcemia: Abdominal pain, constipation, dehydration.
  • Porphyria: Recurrent episodes of severe abdominal pain with neurological symptoms.

Functional (Non-Organic) Causes

  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Recurrent crampy abdominal pain relieved by defecation, with changes in bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or both).
  • Functional Abdominal Pain: Often in children or those with anxiety, with no identifiable organic cause.

Allergies & Rashes

Allergies and rashes can occur due to a wide range of triggers, including immune reactions, infections, medications, and environmental factors. The presentation can vary from mild itching to severe, life-threatening conditions like anaphylaxis.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for Allergies & Rashes

  • Signs of Anaphylaxis (Medical Emergency):
  • Difficulty breathing, wheezing
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Dizziness, fainting, rapid heartbeat
  • Severe Skin Reactions:
  • Blistering, peeling skin
  • Painful rash involving the eyes, mouth, or genitals
  • Rashes with Systemic Symptoms:
  • High fever, neck stiffness, confusion (possible meningitis)
  • Rapidly spreading rash with severe illness

Key Points:

  • Allergic rashes (e.g., urticaria, contact dermatitis) are often itchy and may appear suddenly after exposure to a trigger.
  • Infectious rashes often come with fever and other systemic symptoms.
  • Chronic rashes may suggest eczema, psoriasis, or autoimmune diseases.
  • Emergent care is needed for signs of anaphylaxis, severe drug reactions (e.g., SJS/TEN), or rashes with systemic illness.

Allergic Causes of Rashes

Drug Reactions (Drug Eruptions)

  • Common Culprits:
  • Antibiotics (penicillin, sulfonamides)
  • Anticonvulsants (phenytoin, carbamazepine)
  • NSAIDs (Advil, Motrin, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Aspirin)

Types of Reactions:

  • Maculopapular rash: Red, flat, or raised lesions
  • Urticaria (hives): Itchy, raised, red welts
  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN): Severe, life-threatening reactions with blistering and skin peeling (emergency)

Food Allergies

  • Common Triggers:
  • Peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, soy, wheat
  • Symptoms:
  • Urticaria (hives), angioedema (swelling), itching
  • Severe cases: Anaphylaxis with breathing difficulties, low blood pressure

Contact Dermatitis (Allergic & Irritant)

  • Allergic Contact Dermatitis (Delayed Reaction):
  • Poison ivy, nickel, latex, fragrances, cosmetics
  • – Irritant Contact Dermatitis:
  • Soaps, detergents, acids, prolonged water exposure
  • Symptoms:
  • Red, itchy, blistered, or scaly rash localized to the area of contact

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

  • Chronic, relapsing itchy rash often associated with asthma and allergic rhinitis
  • Common in children but can persist into adulthood

Insect Bites or Stings

  • Allergic Reactions:
  • Localized redness, swelling, and itching
  • Severe systemic reactions (anaphylaxis) in sensitized individuals

Infectious Causes of Rashes

Viral Exanthems (Common in Children)

  • Measles (Koplik spots + rash), Rubella, Roseola, Fifth disease (Parvovirus B19)
  • Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (Coxsackievirus): Rash on hands, feet, and mouth ulcers

Bacterial Infections

  • Scarlet Fever (Group A Streptococcus): Sandpaper-like rash with a sore throat
  • Impetigo (Staph or Strep): Honey-colored crusted rash
  • Toxic Shock Syndrome: Fever, rash, desquamation, hypotension (medical emergency)

Fungal Infections

  • Ringworm (Tinea corporis): Red, ring-shaped rash with central clearing
  • Candidiasis: Red rash in skin folds with satellite lesions

Autoimmune and Inflammatory Causes

  • Psoriasis: Thick, scaly plaques often on elbows, knees, scalp
  • Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus): Butterfly-shaped rash on the face
  • Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels causing purplish, non-blanching rashes
  • Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Itchy blisters, associated with celiac disease

Other Causes

Heat Rash (Miliaria)

Blocked sweat glands causing small, red, itchy bumps, common in hot, humid conditions

Hives (Urticaria) Without an Obvious Allergy

Can be triggered by stress, cold, pressure, exercise, or unknown causes (idiopathic)

Drug-Induced Non-Allergic Reactions

Photosensitivity rashes with certain medications (e.g., doxycycline)

STD Infections

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), also known as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), are caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. They can be spread through vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and some can also be transmitted through non-sexual means like blood transfusion, sharing needles, or from mother to baby during childbirth.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for STD Infections

  • Painful genital ulcers, blisters, or sores
  • Unusual vaginal or penile discharge, burning with urination
  • Pelvic or lower abdominal pain, especially with fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes in the groin
  • Unexplained rash, especially on palms/soles
  • Severe itching or visible parasites

Key Points:

  • Many STDs are asymptomatic, especially in the early stages.
  • Routine screening is crucial, particularly for sexually active individuals with new or multiple partners.
  • Prevention: Use of condoms, regular STI testing, vaccination (e.g., HPV, Hepatitis B), mutual monogamy.
  • Prompt treatment reduces the risk of complications and transmission to others.
  • Partner notification and treatment are often necessary to prevent reinfection.

Bacterial STDs

Chlamydia

  • Cause: Chlamydia trachomatis
  • Symptoms: Often asymptomatic; discharge, burning with urination, pelvic pain in women, testicular pain in men
  • Complications: Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), infertility, ectopic pregnancy

Gonorrhea

  • Cause: Neisseria gonorrhoeae
  • Symptoms: Urethral discharge, burning with urination, rectal or throat infections, pelvic pain
  • Complications: PID, infertility, disseminated gonococcal infection (joint pain, rash)

Syphilis

  • Cause: Treponema pallidum
  • Stages:
  • Primary: Painless sore (chancre)
  • Secondary: Rash (often on palms/soles), mucous patches
  • Latent: No symptoms
  • Tertiary: Serious complications like neurological issues, cardiovascular problems
  • Complications: Neurosyphilis, cardiovascular syphilis, congenital syphilis (if passed to baby)

Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) (Not strictly an STI but often linked to sexual activity)

  • Cause: Overgrowth of normal vaginal bacteria (Gardnerella vaginalis)
  • Symptoms: Thin, grayish discharge with a fishy odor

Viral STDs

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

  • Cause: HIV
  • Symptoms: Flu-like illness early on, then asymptomatic phase; can progress to AIDS if untreated
  • Complications: Opportunistic infections, cancers

Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

  • Cause: HPV (various strains)
  • Symptoms:
  • Low-risk types: Genital warts
  • High-risk types: Can lead to cervical, anal, oropharyngeal cancers
  • Prevention: HPV vaccine

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV)

  • Cause: HSV-1 (often oral, but can be genital), HSV-2 (genital herpes)
  • Symptoms: Painful blisters or ulcers in the genital or oral area, flu-like symptoms during outbreaks
  • Complications: Neonatal herpes (if transmitted during childbirth)

Hepatitis B and C

  • Cause: Hepatitis B virus (HBV), Hepatitis C virus (HCV)
  • Transmission: Sexual contact, blood-to-blood contact
  • Symptoms: Fatigue, jaundice, abdominal pain, chronic liver disease
  • Prevention: Hepatitis B vaccine

Parasitic STDs

Trichomoniasis

  • Cause: Trichomonas vaginalis (protozoan parasite)
  • Symptoms: Frothy, yellow-green vaginal discharge with a foul odor, itching, burning with urination; often asymptomatic in men

Pubic Lice (Crabs)

  • Cause: Pthirus pubis
  • Symptoms: Intense itching in the pubic area, visible lice or eggs

Scabies

  • Cause: Sarcoptes scabiei (mite)
  • Symptoms: Intense itching, especially at night; pimple-like rash

Fungal Infections (Less Common as STDs)

  • Candidiasis (Yeast Infection):
  • Cause: Overgrowth of Candida species
  • Symptoms: Itching, thick white discharge (not always sexually transmitted but can be linked to sexual activity)

Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria, and less commonly fungi or viruses, infect any part of the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. UTIs are more common in females due to their shorter urethra, which allows easier access for pathogens to reach the bladder.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention for TI

  • Symptoms of upper UTI (pyelonephritis): Fever, chills, back/flank pain, nausea, vomiting
  • UTI symptoms during pregnancy
  • Recurrent UTIs or symptoms not improving with treatment
  • Severe symptoms: Confusion (especially in the elderly), rapid heartbeat, low blood pressure (possible sepsis)

Key Points:

  • E. coli is the most common cause of UTIs.
  • Risk factors include sexual activity, urinary tract abnormalities, catheter use, and underlying medical conditions.
  • Prevention strategies include good hydration, proper hygiene, urinating after intercourse, and avoiding unnecessary catheterization.
  • Prompt treatment is essential, especially for complicated UTIs, pregnant women, and cases with systemic symptoms.

Infectious Causes (Most Common)

Bacterial Infections (Primary Cause of UTIs)

  • Common Pathogens:
  • Escherichia coli (E. coli) ~80-90% of uncomplicated UTIs (from the gut flora)
  • Klebsiella pneumoniae
  • Proteus mirabilis (common in kidney stones)
  • Enterococcus faecalis
  • Pseudomonas aeruginosa (often in hospital-acquired infections or catheter use)

Fungal Infections (Less Common)

  • Common Pathogen:
  • Candida species (especially in immunocompromised patients, diabetics, or those with catheters)

Viral Infections (Rare)

  • Common Pathogens:
  • Adenovirus (can cause hemorrhagic cystitis, especially in children)
  • Polyomaviruses (BK virus, particularly in transplant patients)

Risk Factors and Contributing Conditions

Anatomical and Functional Abnormalities

  • Urinary Obstruction:
  • Enlarged prostate (BPH) in men
  • Kidney stones (calculi)
  • Urethral strictures
  • Vesicoureteral Reflux (VUR):
  • Backflow of urine from the bladder to the kidneys (common in children)
  • Neurogenic Bladder:
  • Impaired bladder emptying due to spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, diabetes

Catheter-Associated UTIs (CAUTIs)

  • Long-term urinary catheterization provides a direct pathway for bacteria to enter the urinary tract

Sexual Activity

  • Sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urethra, especially in women (honeymoon cystitis)
  • Use of spermicides or diaphragms increases UTI risk

Hormonal Changes

  • Postmenopausal women experience decreased estrogen levels, leading to changes in vaginal flora and increased UTI risk

Pregnancy

  • Hormonal and mechanical changes increase the risk of UTIs, including asymptomatic bacteriuria and pyelonephritis

Medical Conditions That Increase UTI Risk

  • Diabetes Mellitus: High blood sugar impairs immune response and promotes bacterial growth
  • Immunosuppression: HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, transplant recipients
  • Recent UTI History: Prior UTIs increase the likelihood of recurrence
  • Urinary Retention: Incomplete emptying of the bladder (e.g., due to medications or neurological conditions)

Types of UTIs

  • Cystitis (Bladder Infection): Burning with urination, urinary frequency, urgency, lower abdominal pain
  • Urethritis (Urethra Infection): Burning sensation during urination, often associated with STIs (e.g., Chlamydia, Gonorrhea)
  • Pyelonephritis (Kidney Infection): Flank pain, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting
  • Asymptomatic Bacteriuria: Presence of bacteria in the urine without symptoms (important to screen in pregnancy)

Contact Us

Welcome to Family Urgent Care – serving Indian Trail, Monroe, Stallings, Matthews, Mint Hill, Wesley Chapel, Waxhaw, Weddington and Ballantyne.

3007 Wesley Chapel Stouts Road, Monroe, North Carolina 28110, United States

Call for assistance!

(704) 412-3612
  • Monday 8AM – 8PM
  • Tuesday 8AM – 8PM
  • Wednesday 8AM – 8PM
  • Thursday 8AM – 8PM
  • Friday 8AM – 8PM
  • Saturday 8AM – 4PM
  • Sunday 8AM – 4PM