Is It Just a Cold? 5 Signs It's Time to Visit Urgent Care

When you wake up with a stuffy nose and a scratchy throat, you might wonder if you can treat it at home. At Low Cost Health Clinics, we help you navigate these seasonal illnesses. Dr. Shruti Patel and our team provide affordable urgent care in Anaheim, CA, Riverside, CA, Santa Ana, CA, Corona, CA, and Indio, CA.

Most colds resolve on their own with rest and fluids. However, some symptoms mean you need a professional evaluation. We offer $45 office visits to make seeing the doctor easy and stress-free.

1. Your symptoms last 10 days or more

 A typical viral cold should start to improve within a week. If your symptoms last 10 or more days without getting better, it is time for you to come to see us.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, standard viral cold symptoms in adults often last up to 10 days. If you’ve crossed this mark, you may have developed a bacterial sinus infection. 

We offer dedicated cold & sore throat evaluations to check for bacterial complications. Our team can determine if you need antibiotics or other supportive therapies.

2. Your resting heart rate is over 110 beats per minute

 A racing heart is a key sign that your body is fighting a severe infection. We can check your vitals quickly at any of our clinics.

The Urgent Care Association states that a pulse greater than 110 per minute in adults is a vital sign parameter that requires immediate medical attention. 

We perform rapid vital sign checks during our standard consultations. If your heart is racing, we will evaluate you for systemic complications.

3. Your breathing rate is over 22 breaths per minute

Breathing too fast is a clear indicator of respiratory distress. If you are breathing rapidly, you need a professional medical assessment.

The Urgent Care Association guidelines note that a respiratory rate greater than 22 per minute in adults is a red flag.

At our clinics, we listen to your lungs and measure your breathing. We help determine if your cold has progressed to bronchitis or pneumonia.

4. Your home oxygen level drops below 94%

 The Urgent Care Association defines an oxygen saturation less than 94% on room air in adults as a critical red flag. 

If you use a home pulse oximeter and see your oxygen levels drop, you need immediate care. Urgent care clinics are generally not equipped for acute respiratory failure. Going directly to the nearest hospital for low oxygen is the best and safest course of action. 

5. You have severe shortness of breath or chest pain

Feeling like you cannot catch your breath or experiencing chest pain means you need emergency medical attention.

The American College of Emergency Physicians mandates emergency room evaluation for adults with shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.

Urgent care centers are designed for low-acuity, non-life-threatening issues. If you are gasping for air, please bypass urgent care and call 911. 

For milder symptoms like a lingering cough, congestion, or body aches, our clinics are here to help.

If you are experiencing a prolonged cold, a sore throat, or other non-emergency symptoms, we are ready to assist you. You can walk into any of our Southern California locations today. Please schedule a visit online to get the affordable care you deserve.