Acute Illness Treatment
Definition of an Acute Illness?
An acute illness is a medical condition that develops suddenly and progresses rapidly, often with severe symptoms that require immediate or short-term care. Unlike chronic illnesses, which develop over time and persist long-term, acute illnesses are typically temporary and can either resolve on their own or with medical treatment.
Acute illnesses can range from the common cold to more severe conditions such as appendicitis or pneumonia. While not all acute conditions require immediate medical intervention, several signs indicate the need for professional help from a primary care physician.
These include:
High fever - 40 degrees Celsius or higher
Severe Pain - If unmanageable, please seek medical assistance
Prolonged Symptoms - Persistent or worsened symptoms
What to expect:
Upon seeking medical attention for an acute illness, your assessment will follow these steps:
Triage - The severity of your condition is assessed to prioritise care
History & Physical Examination - The clinician will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and then perform a physical exam.
Diagnostic Test - Any further testing (blood tests, imaging work or other diagnostic procedures) will be done to support the assessment.
Treatment Plan - Based on the diagnosis, a treatment plan is constructed. This could be anything from prescriptions to hospitalisation.