Open Hours
  • Monday - Friday
    Morning: 9.00am - 12:00pm
  • Monday - Friday
    Afternoon: 1:00pm - 5:00pm
Same-day, next-day appointments

For established patients who become ill and/or recently discharged from the hospital and/or recently visited the ER.

Call us! 954-963-6530

When Is It Time To See A Doctor?

family doctor

Plenty of people are used to dealing with small health issues on their own, particularly in families with younger children. Children get sick more frequently than adults since they haven't had time to build up their immune systems as thoroughly; the average child catches between six and 10 colds a year. While the everyday cough or cold might not seem like that big of a deal, sometimes even the most common illnesses can develop into more serious issues. Here are a few signs that it might be time to visit your family doctor or primary care physician about your illness.


Long-Term Illness


A small cough generally isn't anything to seriously worry about, but if it's been giving you trouble for a longer period of time, it might be time to seek professional help. Persistent symptoms can be a sign that the actual illness you're facing isn't just the standard cold or flu. Trusted family doctors will be able to give you more advice on how to address persistent symptoms, or let you know if more intensive treatment is needed.


Worsening Symptoms


That sniffle you've had for a while probably won't bother you too much if it's small, but if you're sneezing more frequently or starting to have breathing trouble, you'll want to see a medical doctor sooner rather than later. If your symptoms are worsening, it's usually a sign that an illness is progressing. The right doctors will be able to at the very least keep your symptoms from being too uncomfortable while you recover.


Rising Temperatures


One symptom that almost always warrants a visit to your family doctor is rising fevers. A small fever is generally nothing too serious to worry about, but a sharp increase in temperature or higher fevers in younger children can potentially be dangerous. If you notice a fever increasing, contact your local doctor as soon as possible.


Not all common illnesses require a visit to your family doctor, but if you notice any of these symptoms or issues, you'll want to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Staying aware of what symptoms deserve more attention will keep you and your family safe from potential health dangers.