Antibiotic Therapy (Acute Infections, UTI)

Your visit begins with a focused history and exam to determine whether your symptoms point to a bacterial infection or something that won't respond to antibiotics, such as a virus. When useful, Dr. Golian orders a urinalysis or culture so treatment is guided by what's actually causing the infection rather than guesswork.

Once a bacterial cause is confirmed or strongly likely, she selects the narrowest effective antibiotic and explains how long to take it. Targeted, guideline-based prescribing clears your infection while limiting side effects and antibiotic resistance. For an infection that needs hospital-level care or a specialist, she coordinates directly with Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles.

Come ready to describe when your symptoms started, how they've changed, and any fever, pain, or urinary or breathing changes you've noticed. If you have an infection that recurs, note how often and what helped before.

Bring a current list of your medications and any drug allergies, and let Dr. Golian know if you've taken antibiotics recently. If you suspect a urinary infection, avoid emptying your bladder right before the visit so a sample can be collected for urinalysis if needed.

Take the full course exactly as prescribed, even once you feel better, and finish it unless Dr. Golian tells you to stop. Most acute infections improve within a few days of the right antibiotic.

Contact the practice if your symptoms worsen, fail to improve in 48–72 hours, or you develop a high fever, rash, or trouble breathing. For recurrent urinary infections, Dr. Golian may review culture results and discuss prevention so you're not relying on repeated rounds of antibiotics.