Acute illnesses can come on suddenly and last a short time, while chronic diseases persist for months or years. The Umbrella HealthCare team in Phoenix, Arizona, treats both acute and chronic illnesses in adults of all ages and children over 4 years old. They provide urgent care for acute conditions like flu, strep throat, and abdominal pain, and long-term management for chronic diseases. To learn how you can get expert care for all of your acute and chronic illnesses, call Umbrella HealthCare today or book an appointment online.

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What are acute and chronic illnesses?

Acute illnesses come on within a few days or hours and last a short time — usually a week or so, but less than three months.

Chronic illnesses last more than three months, often persisting for years. Many chronic illnesses are incurable and require lifelong management.

The Umbrella HealthCare team’s skilled providers offer comprehensive care for patients whether their illnesses are acute or chronic.

What acute illnesses might require medical care?

Flu, abdominal pain, urinary tract infections (UTIs), migraine headaches, and prolonged vomiting and diarrhea are some common acute illnesses that typically require medical care.

Many acute illnesses, like the common cold, respond well to self-care. Rest, plenty of fluids, and easily digestible foods are often enough to hasten recovery. Over-the-counter pain medicines and cold remedies can relieve unpleasant symptoms.

You might benefit from medical care if your acute illness is causing severe symptoms or you aren’t getting better. People who are more vulnerable to complications, such as older adults and patients with a weakened immune system, are also likely to require treatment.

Umbrella HealthCare offers fast access to care for patients with acute illnesses. They can manage most conditions, but if you have an emergency, such as symptoms of a heart attack or stroke, you should get to your nearest hospital emergency room or call 911.

How are chronic illnesses managed?

Patients with chronic illnesses do best when they have ongoing care and regular checkups. Chronic diseases the Umbrella HealthCare team sees most often include:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Arthritis
  • High cholesterol
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia

The Umbrella HealthCare team excels in providing ongoing support to patients with chronic illnesses. You attend regular health reviews and have routine tests to monitor your progress.

The team provides specialized care for specific diseases, such as diabetic foot checks for patients with diabetes. To ensure you receive optimal care, your provider works with your specialist if you have one, i.e., a rheumatologist if you have arthritic conditions or a cardiologist for heart problems.

If you need advice or treatment for an acute or chronic illness, call Umbrella HealthCare today and schedule a consultation or book an appointment online.