Top 3 Summer Health Hazards
It’s summertime and the increase in activity leads to an increase in injuries and medical conditions directly related to summer activities. For many, summer is the best time of year, but it also has some accompanying health hazards that we should know about. At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, we’ve highlighted 3 kinds of health hazards that spike during the summer months. Keep your family and yourself safe and healthy this summer by paying attention to these three health hazards.
Sun Hazards
Leading the pack of summer health hazards are the ones that accompany increased exposure to sun. Heat exhaustion, for example, occurs when the body overheats in high temperatures and high humidity.
Heat stroke takes heat exhaustion one step further and requires immediate medical intervention since it can be a life-threatening condition. Symptoms include hot skin, red skin, dry skin, confusion, feeling cold, and loss of consciousness.
High heat and humidity also creates a constant battle against dehydration. Staying hydrated will help your body stay cool and keeping electrolytes in balance will help your body use water efficiently and keep blood pressure under control.
Sunburn is also a common summer hazard that can be very painful. Over time, sun exposure can cause skin damage and even eye damage. Using moisturizers with sunscreen, using sunscreen outdoors, and wearing hats, UV-rated sunglasses and long sleeves are important preventative measures.
Finally, food poisoning is among the top health hazards in the summertime. Use best food handling practices to keep your family and guests safe this summer.
“Most sun-related health hazards are preventable with a little forethought and preparation,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “But still, it’s hard to beat the effects of the heat. When you get overheated, sick or injured from sun exposure or food poisoning, come to Medco ER right away for our unique no-wait access to quality medical care.”
Water Hazards
Playing in the water is our favorite way of beating the heat during the summer. But increased water activity greatly increases your chances of experiencing a water-related health hazard. Many of these hazards are preventable, but some are not.
Drowning is the biggest concern with water activities and can often be prevented with the use of a life jacket. Sometimes, boating accidents can be less serious if everyone in the boat is wearing a life jacket. Additionally, respiratory distress from water aspiration can manifest hours after children inhale water at the pool or lake.
Germs are also a concern when going to public pools. A good practice is to check a pool’s health score before going.1 Also, while swimmer’s ear seems like a minor inconvenience, it can be a painful medical condition that can be easily treated with a visit to the doctor.
Other water hazards include slip-and-fall injuries from running around the pool’s wet concrete, stepping on nails or wood splinters with bare feet, and becoming dehydrated from not drinking enough water. Alcohol can also cause dehydration as well as diminished judgement when it comes to safety. So try non-alcoholic drinks when enjoying a day at the beach or pool.
Kid Hazards
Kids are much more active in the neighborhood in the summertime, which can set the stage for injuries in traffic and on the sidewalk. Make sure your child has a helmet for biking and a helmet and pads for skating and skateboarding.
Outdoor activity can also pose other risks. If your child has never been stung by a bee, watch them closely after a first sting to make sure there are no adverse reactions.
Young workers have a higher rate of accidents than older workers.1 If your young teen is working a summer job, make sure he or she has the safety equipment and knowledge needed to prevent workplace injuries.
“Kids find a lot of creative ways to be busy in the summer, and sometimes that means a fast trip to the doctor,” said Dr. Khan. “We have appropriate, child-sized equipment and a child-friendly exam room readily available for urgent and emergency situations.”
Get help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
For help with all kinds of health conditions and injuries, the board-certified physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are here for you. We’re always open and available to help in diagnostic, treatment and recovery from common summertime health hazards and injuries.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-40001 https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2019/p0517-eight-tips-healthy-summer.html
Dry Drowning: Fact or Fiction?
The media has widely spread stories of cases of dry drowning in recent months, but how much of it is true and how much is urban legend? While rare, there have been cases of children who have suffered from respiratory distress hours after being in the water. Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, is the first line of defense in diagnosing and treating conditions caused by water aspiration, commonly called “dry drowning.”
What is dry drowning?
Dry drowning is an informal expression that is used outside of the medical profession. While medical professionals take issue with the term “dry drowning,” there can be instances of respiratory distress or, in extreme cases, respiratory failure that occurs after the lungs have struggled for some time after inhaling water.1
Drowning refers to a lack of oxygen in the lungs from being in or under the water. That’s why dry drowning is not a recognized medical term. It is not related to drowning. Instead, it refers to an inflammation of the lungs that is a secondary cause of inhaling water.
“What is commonly considered dry drowning is actually a very rare occurrence,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Most children do cough and sputter when in the water because water goes up their noses or they swallow or inhale water. That’s a normal part of being in the water and is usually not a cause for undue concern.”
What are the symptoms of dry drowning?
- Skin discoloration
- Fast breathing
- Hard pulling to breathe
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Vomiting
- Foaming at the mouth
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Irritability
- Disorientation
Warning Signs – Act Fast
Any kind of respiratory dysfunction should be checked out by a medical professional. “If your child has any kind of trouble breathing or a cough, chest pain, vomiting or fever—regardless of how long ago he or she was in the water—come in to Medco ER right away to be checked out by one of our board-certified physicians,” said Dr. Khan.
Also, if your child has had a near-drowning incident, he or she should be taken to the ER to be checked out.
Prevention Measures
While it is impossible to make sure your child hasn’t inhaled any water while swimming, there are some things you can do to make sure he or she is as safe as possible.
- For pools, make sure there are fences and barriers to keep kids out of the pool when not supervised.
- When you are supervising your child in the pool or lake, be 100% present with no cell phone, books or conversations to distract you.
- Supervisors should be designated alcohol-free.
- Make sure your child has had swimming lessons as early as possible and knows how to float on their back.
- Don’t trust floating devices.
- Be close enough to touch when young children are in the water.
- Take frequent breaks with your child to help you stay alert.
- Become trained in CPR.
Get help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
If you suspect your child is experiencing some respiratory reactions from being in the water, come to Medco ER & Urgent Care right away. We’re open 24/7 every day of the year to help your child when delayed symptoms indicate something is not quite right. We’ll work to make sure your son or daughter is breathing easier again.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
1 https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/know-the-facts-about-dry-drowning/
5 Red Flags of Diabetes
Dizziness, fatigue and dry mouth may not seem to tie together beyond a mild case of the flu, but if you look at the warning signs of diabetes, they all make sense. At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, we regularly diagnose and treat prediabetes and diabetes and we can help fit the pieces of the puzzle together when you’re not feeling well.
Whether you are experiencing Type 1 diabetes or Type 2 diabetes, by the time you notice the red flags, the condition may already be advanced. That’s why it is important to react promptly by getting medical attention.
Red Flag 1: Skin Changes
Prediabetes or undiagnosed diabetes can cause skin changes.1 If you have noticed an unexplained rash, like raised pimples that turn yellow, or raised, red bumps, you might need to have your physician test you for diabetes. Dry patches of skin, yellow patches around the eyelids and skin tags are all diabetes indicators.
Skin wounds or sores that have trouble healing, blisters and shin spots are also signs that your insulin is imbalanced. Hard patches of skin, discolored patches of skin and dark, velvety patches of skin are also warning signs of diabetes.
“The skin is very telltale in letting you know that your body is experiencing insulin resistance,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “By paying attention to these warning signs, you can have your prediabetes checked before it goes too far.”
Red Flag 2: Increased Thirst, Urination and Hunger
If you find that you are constantly thirsty, but need to pee often during the day and night, you could have undiagnosed diabetes. Excess thirst, hunger and urination are all warning signs that should be reported to your physician. If you are hungry all the time but are experiencing unexpected weight loss, this is also a symptom of diabetes.2
Red Flag 3: Fatigue
“If you are tired even after having rested, and are too worn out to do your daily activities, you might need to have your blood sugar tested,” said Dr. Khan. “Fatigue can also be accompanied by irritability and dizziness. If you are feeling this way, come in to Medco ER and let us check you out to find the answers to your fatigue.”
Red Flag 4: Vision Changes
Any unusual vision changes, such as blurred vision, should be immediately checked out. Your ophthalmologist is able to identify early onset insulin issues if you have retinopathy, a condition of diabetes.3
Red Flag 5: Numbness
Numbness and tingling in the feet and hands can be a warning sign of the onset of diabetes.
Get help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
If you are experiencing any of these red flags, come to Medco ER & Urgent Care to have your blood sugar tested. Since undiagnosed insulin issues can lead to serious medical conditions, warning signs of diabetes should not be ignored. We’re here 24/7 to provide you with rapid results labs, an accurate diagnosis, and a variety of treatment options and recommendations to get you back to feeling better again.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
1 https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/diabetes-warning-signs
2 https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/symptoms.html
3 https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/what-is-diabetic-retinopathy
Is it a Sprain or a Strain?
A sprained ankle, strained wrist, sprained thumb, twisted knee or pulled muscle can be the result of a slip, fall or trip. It doesn’t take much to roll an ankle – sometimes just a misstep off a path or sidewalk, a slip on a wet rock, or a stumble over an obstacle in your path. Falling can injure your wrist, thumb or fingers. Playing sports can strain a hamstring, arm or hand.1
At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, our board-certified physicians are experienced in diagnosing and treating strains and sprains and making sure the bone wasn’t injured. “Sprains and strains are extremely painful and need medical care to ensure they heal properly,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan.
What’s the difference between a strain and a sprain?
Often used interchangeably, strains and sprains are actually very different because they involve different parts of the joint.
- A strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons around a joint. These can be pulled or torn.
- A sprain is an injury to the ligaments that hold bones together to make a joint stable. Ligaments can be stretched or torn.
Symptoms of sprains and strains
Sprains can exhibit:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Unable to use the joint
Strains can exhibit:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle cramps
- Painful use of joint or inhibited range of motion
Treatment Options
“Most often, sprains and strains are treated with immobility, rest, elevation, ice, compression with bandages or splints, over-the-counter pain relievers, and anti-inflammatories,” said Dr. Khan. “However, some ligament tears or muscle tears can be so severe they require extensive treatment. Surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy may be needed to stabilize the joint.”
“When you come in to see us at Medco ER & Urgent Care, we can personalize a treatment plan that’s customized to your injury and ensure your healing has started on the right path,” said Dr. Kahn.
Prevention Tips
Preventing a strain or a sprain is crucial if you are playing sports or do a lot of hiking or biking. Pay attention to body mechanics to make sure you don’t overtax an ankle when running or twist a knee with a sudden turn. Use proper lifting techniques.
Here are some other tips that can help keep your joints injury-free: 2
- Choose the right shoes – wear supportive, properly fitting shoes and replace them often
- Choose the right clothes – wear clothes that allow free movement
- Spend time warming up – before you begin your activity, do plenty of stretches, elevate your heart rate, and warm up your joints
- Use a balanced approach to fitness – cross train with cardio, strength, flexibility and endurance
- Use a daily approach to fitness – rather than doing it all on one day, do a little something each day to improve your fitness level
- Stretching is key – after your muscles are warmed up, do slow and careful stretches without bouncing a joint
- Spend time cooling down – walk off the heat from your exercise or activity and allow your joints to stabilize
- Drink water – water supports good joint health and helps keep you from becoming weak and sick from heat exhaustion or heat stroke which can lead to a fall
Get help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
Don’t just try to tough it out if you’ve strained or sprained an ankle, thumb, wrist, knee or other joint. Come to Medco ER & Urgent Care for the proper treatment to help speed healing and prevent reinjury. You’ll be seen within minutes of arrival and our in-house imaging equipment can aid in rapid diagnosis. We’re here 24/7 when you need us.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
1 https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/sprains-and-strains#tab-risk
2 https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/sprains-strains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/
6 Things You Need to Know About Urinary Tract Infections
A mild twinge may soon bloom into a bout of painful, frequent, bloody and unproductive urination known as a urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI is a painful condition caused by bacterial growth anywhere in the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra, although it may also be called a bladder infection or kidney infection if it is located there. At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, we can diagnose and treat a UTI before it becomes too painful.
“Most women and many men will experience at least one UTI during their lifetime,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Fortunately, it is one of the easiest conditions to diagnose and to treat.”
Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection
Symptoms can be anywhere from mild to severe. They may or may not include:1
- Pain or burning during urination
- Persistent sensation of needing to urinate without urine present
- Frequent urination of small amounts
- Discolored urine – dark, pink, deep yellow, or brownish
- Cloudy urine
- Strong-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain in women
- Burning pain
- Back pain
- Side pain
- Fever, chills
- Nausea, vomiting
Causes of UTI
A UTI is caused by the presence of bacteria in the urinary tract.2 A common cause is bacteria entering from the rectum to the urethra. Sexual activity may also introduce bacteria that can cause a UTI.
Risk Factors for UTI
You are more likely to develop a UTI if you:3
- Are sexually active
- Are a woman after menopause
- Have a condition that blocks the urethra, such as an enlarged prostate
- Have kidney stones
- Are a woman who has used a diaphragm or spermicides for birth control
- Have diabetes
- Have had a UTI in the past
- Have used a catheter
- Are immunocompromised
Prevention of UTI
While a UTI can be hard to prevent, there are some things you can do to help reduce your risks. For babies and children, make sure they are receiving enough water every day. Teach girls the proper way to wipe – from front to back. For adults, make sure you are also drinking enough water each day. Cranberry juice may be beneficial. Urinating after sexual intercourse may help purge the urethra of bacteria. Change from polyester underwear to cotton and wear loose-fitting, breathable pants. Minimize or eliminate sprays, douches, powders or soaps that may irritate.
Diagnosis of UTI
Your physician at Medco ER will have you give a urine sample for testing. In some cases, a cystoscopy, ultrasound or CT scan may be required if you have been experiencing repeated UTIs.
Treatment for UTI
Treating a UTI is almost always successful with a course of antibiotics. Patients need to take the antibiotics according to the prescription to fully eradicate the infection.
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
“A urinary tract infection must be treated by a medical professional. At-home remedies never work,” said Dr. Khan. “They may slow the bacterial growth but they won’t fully reverse the infection. It’s not an invasive or difficult treatment, so come to Medco ER right away and get the help you need to get over the UTI.”
If left untreated, a life-threatening condition of widespread infection, called sepsis, may occur. Or, the kidneys may be permanently damaged. If you are experiencing painful urination or have any of the above symptoms, come to Medco ER & Urgent Care right away.
Get help for your UTI at Medco ER & Urgent Care
It doesn’t take long for a UTI to become painful. When you start to notice symptoms of a UTI, come to Medco ER & Urgent Care right away. We’re open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. We will make sure you are seen by a board-certified physician right away. Our in-house rapid results labs can verify diagnosis and you can soon be on your way to feeling like yourself again.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447
Is it Appendicitis?
A sharp, piercing side pain is obviously appendicitis—or inflammation of the appendix—but what if your pain is more of a general throbbing, vague abdominal pain, or upset stomach? One of the greatest emergency room challenges is figuring out what is causing your abdominal pain. At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, we are experienced in pinpointing the source of your abdominal pain and finding the treatment that’s right for you.
“Appendicitis doesn’t always manifest in a simple way,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “But our board-certified emergency medicine physicians are able to use our in-house diagnostic tools to find the root of the pain.”
Causes of Appendicitis
While the cause of appendicitis may not always be clear, here are some common reasons:1
- Blockage of the opening of the appendix
- Enlarged wall tissue in the appendix caused by an infection in gastrointestinal system
- Disease such as inflammatory bowel disease
- Parasites
- Growths in the appendix
- Matter that clogs the appendix
- Abdominal trauma
Symptoms of Appendicitis
- Pain or discomfort in abdomen, often near the belly button
- Pain localized on lower right side
- Fever
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal tenderness
- Loss of appetite
- Malaise
- Stiff abdomen
Diagnosis of Appendicitis
To diagnose your abdominal pain to determine if it is appendicitis, your physician will do a physical exam including checking for abdominal stiffness and the tendency to guard or react when pressed. A rectal or pelvic exam may be performed to locate the source of the pain. A blood test may show an elevated white blood cell count which may mean you have an infection. A urine test will eliminate a urinary tract infection or kidney stone that would be causing pain. Finally, an imaging exam, such as a CT scan, X-ray or ultrasound may be used in diagnosis.2
Treatment for Appendicitis
“There is really only one treatment for appendicitis – an appendectomy,” said Dr. Khan. “If the appendix hasn’t ruptured, it is a straightforward procedure that can be done as a minimally invasive surgery to remove the appendix. Recovery should be rapid and antibiotics may be prescribed to ward off infection. However, if the appendix ruptured, the surgery and recovery will be more extensive.”
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
Appendicitis is a serious medical condition. If left untreated, sepsis may occur, which is life-threatening. If you are experiencing pain or have any of these symptoms, come to Medco ER & Urgent Care right away:
- Abdominal pain or back pain
- Intense pain on your right side
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
Get help fast at Medco ER & Urgent Care
With little-to-no wait time, you can get right into an exam room and be seen by a board-certified physician within minutes. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we offer you top-quality care from physicians rather than PAs, CNPs or assistants. Our ER is equipped with the imaging and lab equipment needed to quickly diagnose and to treat your abdominal pain. Open 24/7 every day of the year, we’re here when you need us.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
1 https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/appendicitis/symptoms-causes
2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/appendicitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369549
3 Things to Know About Your Gallbladder
A pulsing, throbbing pain on the right side of your abdomen has traditionally been considered an appendix issue, but if it is a little higher, right under the first rib, it actually may be a gallbladder attack. The gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ, sits quietly, tucked under the liver on your right side. When it becomes inflamed or when stones or sludge block the bile duct, it can cause a sharp and sudden pain in your abdomen, back or shoulder blades. Sometimes, it can cause you to feel nauseous or feverish. At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, we commonly diagnose and treat gallbladder disease and gallstones.
“Gallbladder inflammation, stones or sludge can cause severe pain and can become a very serious condition very quickly,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “We can diagnose using ultrasound, CT scan and in-house blood tests and can get you the treatment you need right away.”
Causes of gallbladder disease
Gallbladder inflammation can be caused by a blocked bile duct. The gallbladder releases bile after you eat. It goes into a shared duct that the liver and pancreas also use. If stones that form in the gallbladder are released into the duct, they can get stuck there and block the flow of bile, causing the gallbladder to become inflamed and possibly even infected.1
What causes gallstones? Gallstones are possibly caused by an excess build-up of cholesterol or bilirubin, a digestive fluid.2
While gallstones are the most common cause of gallbladder inflammation, some others include tumors, abscesses, congenital defects, cancer and infection.
Gallbladder disease is on the rise
Gallbladder disease is becoming more prevalent and the median age is lowering, as well. Since it is linked to obesity and diabetes, which are also on the rise, it stands to reason that gallbladder disease is also increasing.3
Gallbladder disease can be life-threatening
“A blocked bile duct is serious,” said Dr. Khan. “The pancreas uses the same duct and when it is blocked, it starts to deteriorate. When you are experiencing severe abdominal pain, it is important to come right away to Medco ER. We are here 24/7 to help you.”
Seek Immediate Medical Treatment
If you have any of these symptoms, come to Medco ER & Urgent Care right away:
- Intense abdominal pain or back pain or shoulder pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Dark urine
- Light colored stools
- Skin or eyes turning yellow or jaundiced
Get help fast at Medco ER & Urgent Care
Have you felt intermittent pain in the upper abdominal area? It is possible you have been experiencing biliary colic pain. This means you have possibly already experienced stones passing through the gallbladder and bile duct. If the pain increases or is ongoing, come in right away for quality medical care. Our ER offers almost no wait time and fast access to board-certified physicians. Open all day and night, we’re here when you need us.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
1 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15265-gallbladder-swelling–inflammation-cholecystitis
2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214
Bacterial vs. Viral Respiratory Infections
When a common cold or flu spirals out of control, or when a virus morphs into a secondary, bacterial infection, the sinuses, trachea, bronchial tubes or lungs may become infected with a respiratory infection. Most people have experienced a respiratory tract infection in their lifetime, and springtime often creates conditions that are ripe for the outbreak of these kinds of infections. At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, we commonly diagnose and treat seasonal respiratory conditions.
“Pollen can be an irritant that sets off allergies and escalates respiratory conditions,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “We also see a lot of colds and flus this time of year, even with our current focus on social distancing, masks and handwashing. Respiratory infections often develop in the aftermath of colds and flus and need medical intervention.”
What is a respiratory infection?
A respiratory infection occurs when a virus or bacteria takes over the sinuses, throat, airway or lungs. As you may have guessed, a viral respiratory infection is caused by a virus while a bacterial respiratory infection is caused by bacteria. This is usually the result of a secondary infection that takes place after a viral infection.
Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics. Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics, but there are some antiviral drugs that can be used to treat viruses if the outbreak is treated within the first 24 hours.
Respiratory infections are classified as upper and lower. Upper respiratory tract infections affect the sinuses, throat, pharynx and larynx. Lower respiratory tract infections affect the trachea, bronchioles and lungs.
Symptoms of a respiratory infection
Different respiratory infections have different symptoms, but most include some of these:
- Fever, chills
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Sinus drainage
- Congestion
- Cough – dry or wet
- Shortness of breath
- Painful breathing
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Bluish tinge to skin
- Hoarseness
- Fatigue
Is a respiratory infection contagious?
“Many kinds of respiratory infections are highly contagious,” said Dr. Khan. “An example would be SARS that originated in China and spread rapidly to scan the globe. It is a good idea to treat any kind of respiratory infection as contagious and to try to keep it from spreading from airborne particles or through contact.”
Treatment for respiratory infections
Depending on the severity of the respiratory infection, over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers are often the starting point. If your rapid-results lab at Medco ER determines the infection is bacterial, then an antibiotic may be prescribed. Oxygen supplementation may also be used.
Get help fast at Medco ER & Urgent Care
With the convenience of a freestanding ER and little-to-no wait, Medco ER & Urgent Care offers some of the best medical care for respiratory infections. Our board-certified physicians are experienced in diagnosing and treating a range of respiratory conditions. With our help, you can soon be on the path to breathing easy again.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
What Every Parent Should Know About Ear Pain
Crying, fussy babies and whiny children who seem extra clumsy may all have one thing in common – they could be suffering from ear pain. When your little one is miserable and looks or acts sick, it is often so hard for parents to know what is wrong. At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, we’re experts on children’s ear pain issues and we can take the guesswork out of parenting.
“Ear infections are so prevalent in babies and children. It’s something every parent will encounter at one time or another,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “It’s hard to know what to do when your baby is extra fussy, but we’re always available to take a look to make sure it’s not an infection.”
Common Causes for Ear Pain1
- Bacteria from a cold, virus, sore throat or upper respiratory infection
- Blocked Eustachian tubes
- Fluid behind ear drum
- Build-up of wax
- Trauma to ear
- Foreign object in the ear
- Swimmer’s ear
- Secondhand smoke
- Propped up baby bottle
- Teething
Symptoms of an Ear Infection
The first thing you may notice is your baby is frequently tugging or touching his ear. If he is grabbing his ear and crying, an ear condition might be causing his discomfort. Laying your baby down may make the pain worse, so she might cry when you put her down. You may notice discharge from the ear – clear fluid, wax buildup, yellow fluid or even blood. If the ear is infected, your child may run a fever. Your baby may be extra fussy and crying a lot. She may react to loud sounds or she might not react to quiet conversation. His balance may be off. These are all indicators that something is not right with the ear canal.
Treatment for Ear Infections
“You can try ibuprofen or acetaminophen at home to relieve the ear pain,” said Dr. Khan. “Be sure to follow the correct dosage. Also, the baby may experience some relief if you apply a warm compress – but not too hot – to the ear. But after a day, it’s time to bring your child in to Medco ER & Urgent Care so we can look inside the ear canal.”
Many ear infections will resolve without antibiotics. Antibiotics won’t help infections caused by viruses, but they will help with bacterial infections. Your physician will want to know if the child had been experiencing a sore throat or cold prior to the ear pain. A careful diagnosis will determine if antibiotics will help your child.
Chronic ear infections may need to be treated with the insertion of tubes to aid in drainage. Your child’s pediatrician can discuss this option with you if ear infections and ear pain are recurring.
When should I bring my child to Medco ER & Urgent Care?
If your child has been experiencing ear pain for a day or longer, it is time to come to Medco ER & Urgent Care where you will be seen by a board-certified physician almost immediately upon arrival. We’re open all day and night, every day of the year so you can get the care your child needs right away.
Our physicians are experienced in pediatrics and are good with children. Our fun pediatric exam room features a space theme and interesting things to do to keep our youngest patients relaxed and happy. We work hard to make sure your little one starts to feel better again.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-40001https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/ear-infections-children
Hypertension Explained
Hypertension is persistently high blood pressure that a person can have without showing noticeable symptoms. When arteries are narrowed and blood is forced through at a high pressure, over time there can be damage to the artery walls. This can lead to serious medical conditions, such as heart disease. Often, the only way to know if you have hypertension is to have your blood pressure checked. At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, we check all of our patients’ blood pressure to screen for any signs of hypertension.
“There are times a patient comes in for something minor like stitches and then we discover a more urgent concern with his blood pressure levels,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “We highly recommend an annual blood pressure checkup to watch for any early signs of hypertension.”
What kind of health conditions can be caused by hypertension1?
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Stroke
- Vision loss
- Kidney failure
- Sexual dysfunction
What do the numbers mean?
When you have your blood pressure checked, two numbers are recorded: the systolic and diastolic measurements. The systolic, or first number, measures the pressure of the blood in your arteries while the heart beats. The second number is the diastolic measurement. It tells you what the pressure is like when your heart rests between beats. If the systolic measurement is 120 and the diastolic is 80, it is reported to be “120 over 80.”
What is a normal blood pressure reading?
According to the CDC, a normal blood pressure rate would be less than 120/80 mmHg. An elevated rate would be 120 to 129 over 80. And a hypertension rate would be 130 or higher, and higher than 80 diastolic.
A hypertensive crisis requiring immediate medical care would be a reading higher than 180/120.
“If you’re taking your blood pressure at home and you find it is in a hypertension stage, come in to Medco ER & Urgent Care right away,” said Dr. Khan. “We will check your blood pressure again and will give you a complete examination.”
How do I check my blood pressure at home?
You can easily obtain a digital blood pressure machine at most stores. Take your blood pressure consistently twice a day, such as at the same time in the morning and evening. Do not eat, drink or smoke for 30 minutes before taking your blood pressure and don’t exercise. Be quiet for 5 minutes before taking it.
Sit straight at a table with your feet flat on the floor and your arm resting on the table with the upper arm at the height of your heart. Place the blood pressure cuff on your bare arm just above the elbow. Don’t talk while you take the reading. Wait one minute and take another reading to compare. Record your measurements on a sheet of paper with the time and date, or a log.
Treatment for hypertension
“Take your blood pressure every day, twice a day and keep a log,” said Dr. Khan. “Make sure you are under a doctor’s supervision. Your physician may prescribe medication to manage your blood pressure. Also, you can start to make some lifestyle changes that can help lower your blood pressure.”
Lifestyle changes we recommend:
- Regular exercise
- Diet low in sodium – under 1,500 mg a day
- Lose weight / maintain a healthy weight
- Eat healthier – low fat, more fruits and vegetables
- Limit alcohol
- Don’t smoke
- Get plenty of sleep
What will Medco ER & Urgent Care do for me?
If your blood pressure is too high or perhaps even too low, we can evaluate it and examine you to determine the best course of action. If you take a reading at home and it is in the hypertension range, come in and we will examine you and craft a treatment plan that’s right for you. We are open 24/7 every day of the year to make sure you have easy access to top quality medical care.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
1 https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/health-threats-from-high-blood-pressure