Author: Kenneth Hawkins

5 Different Coughs in Children

When you put your child to bed and all is well but later you hear him or her coughing—sounding like a bark—what do you do? Is it just a passing thing or is the cough something dangerous? Our board-certified physicians at Medco ER have some suggestions as you decide what kind of cough your child has and what you should do about it.

Wet Cough

A wet, garbled-sounding cough that sometimes produces mucus could be caused by a cold. If your child has a fever and runny nose, then this is likely. If it has lasted for days and is accompanied by phlegm, tightness in the chest, and fever, it could be pneumonia or a sinus infection.

“A good rule of thumb here is to watch your child’s comfort level. If he or she is coughing up mucus and is able to breathe normally in-between coughs and is relatively at ease, you can probably wait it out. If the child has a high fever, is wheezing or pulling hard to breathe and is miserable, it’s time to come to Medco ER,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan.

Dry Cough

A cough that doesn’t produce mucus and just seems to hang around could be caused by colds, asthma, irritants in the air, bronchitis, Covid 19, or allergies. For chronic coughers, try using air purifiers to reduce dust, pollen, pet dander, mold and smoke.

Wheezing Cough

A cough accompanied by a wheezing breath or a rattling sound could mean that the child’s airways are being blocked or inflamed. This could be caused by a cold, infection, or asthma.

Barking Cough

A harsh, barking cough could mean your child is suffering from croup. It is often accompanied by stuffy nose and a fever. The airways swell, causing the voice box and windpipe to become swollen and irritated. A high-pitched, squeaky sound can accompany the breathing in between the barking cough. If your child starts breathing rapidly, struggling to breathe, or has a blueish tinge around the lips, come to Medco ER right away.¹

Whooping Cough

If the cough is a hacking, hard cough that is followed by a strange whooping sound as the child breathes in, it is called Whooping Cough or Pertussis and requires antibiotics to treat. It may include a runny nose, watery eyes and fever.

When to go to the ER

“Any time a cough has gone on and on and doesn’t respond to any common treatments, you should bring your child in to Medco ER,” said Dr. Khan. “If there are any concerning things like a fever, green/yellow mucus, blood, wheezing, chest pain or difficulty breathing, come in right away. Infants, especially, should be brought in right away.”

Warning signs:

• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Tightness in chest
• Shortness of breath
• Fever
• Persistent cough lasting longer than 3 weeks
• Blood in mucus
• Barking cough
• Dehydration
• Rapid breathing
• Blue tinge to skin

Medco ER is Open 24/7

When your child’s cough is concerning and doesn’t seem to respond to steam, fluids and cough syrup, Medco ER is here to help. You can walk in any time, day or night, and enjoy our little-to-no-wait medical service. Our physicians are ready to bring some of the best medical care in the area to your child.

Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

Call us @ 469-747-0370

¹ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/17755-cough

When is Fever an Emergency?

A fever is an elevated body temperature that is part of the body’s response to something else, like an infection. As one of the most common reasons people go to the emergency room (ER), fevers are in the spotlight today and the physicians at Medco ER have some tips to help you know when to go to the ER for a fever.

Temperature Range

While each body is different and can vary slightly in normal range of temperature, the average body temperature has been designated as 98.6˚ F (37˚ C). If taken by mouth, a temperature of 100˚ F (37.8˚ C) or higher is considered a fever.¹

Causes

A fever can be caused by any of a number of conditions. Most often, it is caused by an infection. Less often, a condition such as an autoimmune disorder or cancer can cause a low-grade fever. It can also be caused by medications or some vaccinations.²

“A fever can be the first indicator that something is wrong,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “If you have strep, a urinary tract infection, the flu, or a sinus infection, your body’s immune system will be in high gear which is manifested as a fever.”

Symptoms

A fever can be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms including:

• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomachache
• Difficulty or pain when urinating
• Rash
• Stiff neck
• Swollen glands
• Sweating
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• Weakness
• Dehydration
• Loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Weakness

“If any of these accompanying symptoms seem unusual, alarming or persistent, come to Medco ER right away,” said Dr. Khan.

How to Take Your Temperature

There are a variety of thermometers available today including ones for oral, rectal, forehead and ear. The most accurate place to get a temperature reading is the rectum and the least accurate place is the armpit.²

Most physicians recommend using a digital thermometer for an oral temperature reading. Write down the temperature, the device used and the location on the body to tell your physician.

Go to the ER

Fevers are especially concerning in infants and toddlers. Come to the ER if your infant has a temperature higher than 100˚ F. If your baby is 3 to 24 months old and has a temperature of 102˚ F or higher, come to the ER. If your baby has a fever and is sluggish, irritable, uncomfortable and listless, come to Medco ER for an evaluation.

If your baby or child has a runny nose, cough, diarrhea or vomiting along with a fever, seek help from a physician. If the fever has lasted more than 3 days, it’s time to seek medical help.

Warning signs include: listlessness, confusion, unable to awaken, loss of consciousness, change in speech, difficulty breathing, seizure, abdominal pain, painful urination, headache, stiff neck, rash, dehydration, or repeated vomiting.

“You know your child,” said Dr. Khan. “If he or she is especially uncomfortable with a fever, you know something is going on. Don’t hesitate to bring her to Medco ER for an evaluation.”

Medco ER is Open 24/7

Fevers don’t follow a schedule and neither does Medco ER. We are open all day and night—every day of the year—to make sure you have fast access to some of the best medical care in the area. Our rapid results labs can detect many infections and help target treatments to get you or your child on the road to recovery.

Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

Call us @ 469-747-0370

¹ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759

² https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10880-fever

What You Need to Know About RSV and Your Baby

Your baby may look like he or she has a common cold with a fever and runny nose, but it could be something much more serious like Respiratory Syncytial Virus, commonly known as RSV. According to the American Lung Association, nearly 100% of all infants are infected with RSV before the age of two.¹ Because of the prevalence of RSV in the fall and winter months, the medical professionals at Medco ER have some tips to help you know what to look for if your baby gets sick.

Each year, approximately 58,000 to 80,000 children in the United States are hospitalized from RSV.² Infants and premature infants are at a higher risk of contracting the RSV infection. It is a highly contagious and easily transmittable virus. It can be picked up from handling contaminated objects or by being on the receiving end of someone coughing or sneezing.

Symptoms

While infants or babies may not show all of the most common symptoms, parents should watch out for listlessness, decreased appetite, fussiness and changes in breathing. Infants with RSV may require a hospital stay.³

Here are some other symptoms of RSV:

• Runny nose
• Fever
• Cough
• Blueish lips and fingernails
• Short, shallow breathing
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, caving of chest to pull hard
• Flared nostrils
• Irritability
• Listlessness
• Not eating or drinking as usual
• Coughing

Testing and Treatment

Your physician may order a test to check white blood cell counts and to look for viruses to confirm an RSV diagnosis. A person infected with RSV may experience additional complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia or dehydration.

“If your baby or child is sick with a fever and runny nose,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan, “bring him or her in right away to be checked. Because RSV is so common and can quickly escalate into an emergency, it’s good to be checked out right away. In Texas, the cases of RSV in infants are on the rise, so it’s time for parents to be extra cautious.”

Red Flags

“If your baby has a fever, is not eating or drinking well, has a cough, or is wheezing or breathing hard, bring him or her into Medco ER right away,” said Dr. Khan. “Listlessness and difficulty breathing are warning signs that something serious is going on.”

Prevention

RSV is so common that your baby is almost certain to contract it at some point. It can be contracted at any age, not just infancy, so adults could transmit it, too. While not every RSV infection escalates into an emergency, there are some steps you can take to try to protect your baby from infection.

• Avoid close contact with sick people
• Don’t share cups or toys
• Wash hands frequently

Get Help Fast at Medco ER 

If your baby is sick and has a fever, come to Medco ER any time day or night for fast help from board-certified physicians. We are always open and ready to treat you or your baby. We can diagnose and treat RSV in infants, babies children and adults. Our rapid-results labs can test for RSV and we can check for complications while providing some of the best medical care available in Plano, TX.

Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

Call us @ 469-747-0370

¹ https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/rsv/symptoms-diagnosis

² https://www.cdc.gov/rsv/high-risk/infants-young-children.html

³ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8282-respiratory-syncytial-virus-in-children-and-adults

Why Heat Stroke is a Big Problem

When you’re out in the heat for too long and your internal body temperature crests 104˚, you’ve entered into the red zone known as heat stroke/heatstroke. A life-threatening condition, heatstroke can cause dizziness and confusion to the point that you can no longer help yourself. That’s why the medical professionals at Medco ER are here to explain heat stroke and what you can do to avoid it.

Complications of Heat Stroke

People who become highly overheated can slip into a coma. They can experience liver, brain, nerve or kidney damage. Blood flow to the heart can be reduced. Muscles can die. Heat stroke, left without medical intervention, can result in death.¹

Types of Heat Stroke

There are two types of heat stroke: exertional and non-exertional. Exertional results from physical overexertion in the heat and can come on quickly. Non-exertional may take a few days to manifest and it may be related to other health issues.¹

Heat stroke can occur from exposure to a hot, possibly humid, environment and strenuous activity. It can occur from wearing the wrong, hot clothing. Drinking alcohol interferes with your body’s ability to regulate its temperature. Not drinking enough water or electrolytes means your body dehydrates from sweat loss.²

Symptoms

As soon as the first symptoms of heat stroke show up, it is a medical emergency. Have someone bring you to the Plano Medco ER for immediate treatment. Here are the symptoms to watch out for:¹

• Dry skin that no longer sweats
• Wet skin that continues to sweat after you stop exerting yourself
• Coordination and balance problems
• Confusion, slurred speech
• Dizziness
• Red, flushed, hot skin
• Weakness
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low urine output
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heart rate
• Seizure
• Bubbling sound in lungs
• Unconsciousness
• Headache

Stages of Heat-Related Illness

“When you become so overheated that you can no longer cool yourself down with rest, water or sports drink, cold packs, and air conditioning, your physical decline can be rapid,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Heat exhaustion can easily become heat stroke if you try to push through. If you can’t get on top of your heat-related illness, come in right away to Medco ER. We will likely start an IV and begin trying to safely cool your body down.”

Prevention of Heat Stroke

Be aware of overheating when working or playing in hot, humid conditions. Keep these preventative tips in mind:¹

• Avoid working or playing outside in the heat.
• Continually drink water or sports drinks in hot conditions.
• If you are new to the area or the climate, gradually acclimate your body to it.
• Make sure your car has working air conditioning and don’t sit in it when it is idle.
• Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
• Choose light, loose clothing made with light colors.
• Be aware of medications that can affect your ability to regulate temperature such as blood pressure, ADHD, antidepressants, beta blockers and antihistamine medications.

Get Help Fast at Medco ER 

With this extreme heat, when you show the first signs of overheating that no longer responds to normal care, come to Medco ER for fast help from board-certified physicians. Since sickness doesn’t always happen during work hours, we’re open 24/7 to provide you with some of the best emergency care available in Plano, TX.

Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

Call us @ 469-747-0370

¹ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21812-heatstroke

² https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20353581

Don’t Be Sidelined by an Asthma Attack

When your chest is tight, you can’t catch your breath, and you are wheezing and coughing, it could be an asthma condition flaring up. Asthma is a long-term disease that is not curable but can be managed or controlled. It affects 25 million people in the United States.¹ Asthma can restrict your airways and increase mucus production, causing breathing difficulties. When asthma gets out of control, it’s good to know the physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, are standing by to help.

Risk Factors for Asthma

You may be at risk for asthma if someone in your immediate family has been diagnosed with it. Allergies can contribute to asthma. Common triggers can cause an asthma attack. Environmental exposure to smoke, mold, dampness, dust mites, wood dust, chemicals, and air pollution can also increase your risk of developing asthma.² If you have a history of viral respiratory infections, your chances of developing asthma increase. Also, obesity increases the risk of asthma.³

Diagnosing Asthma

Asthma can be detected by examining your family history and by running breathing tests such as spirometry, peak flow test, pulse oximetry and nitric oxide measurement.⁴ A chest or sinus X-ray may be ordered, and a blood test and allergy tests may be used to diagnose asthma.¹

Types of Asthma

Asthma is a condition that can be categorized into different types. Knowing your particular type of asthma can determine the kind of treatment and management plan needed. The different types include:⁵

• Allergy asthma
• Aspirin-induced asthma
• Cough asthma
• Exercise-induced asthma
• Nighttime asthma
• Steroid-resistant asthma
• Occupational asthma

Emergency Room Visits

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical help at the nearest Medco ER or emergency room.

• Persistent shortness of breath
• Blue tinged lips or fingernails
• Straining to breathe
• Tightness of chest
• Coughing a lot
• Changing posture to try to breathe
• Difficulty speaking
• Feeling confused or agitated
• Loss of consciousness

“If you are having trouble breathing and your medication isn’t helping, come to see us right away,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “We’re here 24/7 to help with your asthma attack.”

Treatment may include medications such as short-acting beta agonists, oral corticosteroids, bronchodilator, intubation, and oxygen. You may be kept for observation for a few hours to ensure your asthma is under control.⁶

Prevention Tips for Asthma Management

“See your doctor regularly for a plan of action that includes medications and management skills to help prevent flare-ups,” said Dr. Khan.

Controlling or managing your asthma requires a consistent plan of action. Take your medication consistently, even when you don’t have asthma symptoms.² You can consider your asthma well controlled if you need your inhaler less than 3 times per week, do not wake up in the night with an asthma attack, and can go about your daily activities and exercise with few to no symptoms.⁷

Get Help Fast at Medco ER 

When asthma attacks happen, you can find fast help at Medco ER. Our board-certified physicians are experienced in treating asthma and are ready to respond immediately to your condition.

Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

Call us @ 469-747-0370

¹ https://aafa.org/asthma/    

² https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/faqs.htm    

³ https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/learn-about-asthma/what-causes-asthma

⁴ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma-attack/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354274

⁵ https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/learn-about-asthma/types

⁶ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma-attack/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354274

⁷ https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/managing-asthma

When Your Skin Condition is an Emergency

Summer is the time when rashes, sunburns and skin infections most often occur. Being outdoors, in the sun, around insects, animals, and new allergens can present skin problems. These common culprits can create skin conditions that require immediate medical attention. The physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, are experienced in diagnosing and treating urgent skin problems as soon as they arise.

Skin conditions can be painful and serious. Our rapid results labs can support a fast and accurate diagnosis of a variety of skin flare-ups. If you are experiencing any of a number of common skin conditions, come into Medco ER any time day or night to find a board-certified physician ready to treat you.

Common Skin Conditions

• Skin infections
• Dermatitis
• Rosacea
• Poison ivy or poison oak
• Cat scratch fever¹
• Sunburn
• Rocky Mountain spotted fever¹
• Necrotizing fasciitis¹
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome¹
• Toxic shock syndrome¹
• Angioedema²
• Eczema²
• Psoriasis²
• Meningitis²
• Septicemia²
• Hives
• Ringworm³
• Drug reaction side effect³
• Heat rash³
• Shingles³
• Swimmer’s itch³

Common Symptoms

Skin conditions can be accompanied by a rash. Rashes can look or feel like:⁴

• Blisters
• Raised, red, swollen area
• Patches of discoloration or blotches
• Ring shaped or perfect circles
• Lacy in appearance
• Thick or leathery
• Scaly and flakey
• Raised bumps
• Red welts
• Oozing or pus-filled
• Hot to the touch
• Tight skin

Warning Signs

If your rash is accompanied by a fever, headache, muscle weakness or nausea, it’s time to come to Medco ER for help. If your skin condition is accompanied by difficulty breathing or tightness of the chest, you could be experiencing an anaphylactic reaction and need immediate ER care.

If your rash or skin condition covers a large part of your body or your whole body, that is a warning sign that you need to be seen at the ER. Discoloration, mouth sores, sore throat, diarrhea or joint pain accompanying a rash are other indicators that something is wrong.

Skin conditions that have swelling, discharge, crusting and are warm to the touch are indicators of infection and require medical care. Sepsis is a risk where infection is present.

Finally, if you are immunocompromised such as from having had surgery, cancer treatment, or a recent injury, and you develop a skin condition, come in to Medco ER and let us examine you right away.

“Skin conditions can be alarming because they can appear rapidly and cause extreme discomfort,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “That’s why we advise you to come in right away. Also, if your skin condition is infected, we can administer IV antibiotics at Medco ER that you wouldn’t be able to get at a doctor’s office or an urgent care.”

Prevention Tips

“While it is difficult to predict what may cause a skin irritation or condition, there are some basic things you can do to keep your skin healthy,” said Dr. Khan. “Keep your skin clean and dry. Avoid contact with harsh chemicals. Apply moisturizer with an SPF rating and use sunscreen when going outside. If you tend to get heat rash from skin-on-skin contact, sometimes weight loss can help. Use flip flops in the shower or locker room. If you are going hiking or outdoors, apply bug spray and check for ticks regularly.”

Get Help Fast at Medco ER 

When skin conditions or rashes flare up, you can find fast help at Medco ER. We’re open 24/7 and have an in-house pharmacy with many prescriptions and creams designed to help common skin problems.

Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

Call us @ 469-747-0370

¹ https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2010/1001/p773.html    

²  https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1283494/    

³ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dermatitis-eczema/multimedia/skin-rash/sls-20077087?s=8

⁴ https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptom-checker/skin-rashes-in-children-child/related-factors/itt-20009075

Is It Kidney Stones?

A sharp, throbbing pain in the back or kidneys may be your first indication that you have kidney stones. A leading cause of trips to the ER, kidney stones can be very debilitating. Over 500,000 people go to the ER each year for kidney stones, and one in ten people will experience them at some point in their lives.¹ The physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, are here to help you identify and understand the problems associated with a blockage of the ureter caused by kidney stones.

Symptoms²

• Sharp pain in your back, side, abdomen or groin
• Blood in the urine – pink, red or brown
• Urgent and frequent need to urinate
• Painful urination
• Cloudy urine
• Bad smelling urine
• Inability to urinate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills

Risk Factors

• Obesity
• Under hydration (not enough fluids in diet)
• Lack of calcium
• Too much salt in diet
• Too much sugar or high fructose corn syrup in diet
• Bariatric surgery
• Family history
• Exercise – too much or too little

“If you don’t drink enough water each day or you have a diet high in sugars and salt,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan, “you may increase your risk of kidney stones. If it runs in your family, your first line of defense is drinking plenty of water daily.”

Types of Stones

“Kidney stones are caused by high levels of certain minerals in the urine,” said Dr. Khan. “Normally, they wouldn’t be a problem, but at high levels they start to build up and cause calcification that turns into stones.”

• Calcium oxalate – most common kidney stones formed when you don’t get enough fluids or calcium³
• Uric acid – high levels of purine from some meats and shellfish can cause these kidney stones that often run in families³
• Struvite – less common, these are formed from upper urinary tract infections³
• Cystine – these kidney stones are caused by a rare condition that is passed down in families that can be treated but not cured³

Prevention

Drink plenty of water to keep the color of your urine light or clear. Limit sugar, high fructose corn syrup and salty foods. Eat more fruits and vegetables to lower the acidity of the urine. Lose weight if you are overweight, but avoid high protein diets. Consult a registered dietician for weight loss tips and to understand what foods bind with calcium to cause kidney stones.

Treatment

Treatments may include:¹

• Waiting to see if the stone passes on its own
• Shockwaves (lithotripsy) directed at the stone to break it up into tiny pieces
• Ureteroscopy of the ureter which uses a long tube to take out the stone or break it into smaller pieces with a laser
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy makes a small cut in the back and inserts a viewing tool to locate and remove the kidney stone directly from the kidney

Get Help Fast at Medco ER 

When an abdominal X-ray or CT scan, coupled with a urine or blood analysis, can quickly show the presence of kidney stones, you want to go to an ER that has everything available right when you need it. At Medco ER, we’re open 24/7 and have the imaging equipment and rapid results labs to identify and to begin to treat kidney stones.

Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

Call us @ 469-747-0370

¹ https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones

²  https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes  

³https://www.kidneyfund.org/all-about-kidneys/other-kidney-problems/kidney-stones

Everything You Need to Know About Back Pain

When your back hurts, it can feel like a shooting, stabbing, burning pain or it can radiate down the leg. Any movement such as bending, standing or even walking can make the pain flare up again.¹ When you are suffering from back pain from causes such as a back injury, degenerative disc disease or osteoarthritis, it’s important to do the right things for yourself to speed healing. The physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, are here when your back pain becomes unbearable.

Statistics

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, 30% of Americans experience back pain on any single day. At some point in their lives, 80% of Americans will experience back pain or a back injury. The cost of U.S. medical fees and lost wages due to back pain is estimated between $30 billion and $70 billion per year. Back pain is the leading cause of activity restriction in people under age 45.²

Risk Factors³

• Obesity – puts stress on joints and discs.
• Age – over age 30 you are more likely to experience back pain due to weakening discs.
• Health – people with weak abdominal or core muscles are at a higher risk for back pain. Smoking, drinking to excess and sedentary lifestyles are also risk factors.
• Occupation – jobs that require heavy lifting and bending can cause back pain.
• Disease and conditions – osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, kidney stones and certain cancers can contribute to back pain.
• Mental health – depression and anxiety can contribute to back pain.

“If you have a family history of osteoarthritis and other things that contribute to back pain, you need to be extra careful in preventing back injuries,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Keeping a healthy weight and staying active are your best defenses against debilitating back pain.”

Rehabilitation⁴

“Depending on the cause of your back pain, there may be several ways you can rehabilitate to regain your ease of movement and to reduce your pain,” said Dr. Khan. “Physical therapy, bed rest and exercise are the leading ways to come back from a back injury.”

• Aquatic physical therapy
• Core exercises
• Regular exercise including stretching and flexibility
• Correction of posture or body mechanics
• Joint therapy for mobility
• Soft tissue mobility
• Traction

When to go to the ER

If your back pain has lasted longer than a couple weeks and doesn’t improve with rest, come to Medco ER for a thorough evaluation. If the pain radiates down the leg or causes weakness or tingling in the leg, it’s time to see the doctor. Severe cases may include unexplained weight loss, bowel or bladder problems, or a fever. If you have had a back injury such as a fall or a blow, come in right away.¹

Get Help Fast at Medco ER 

Back pain is a leading cause for ER visits. If you have back pain, don’t suffer any longer. We’re open 24/7 for your convenience and we have imaging equipment to diagnose your back injury. Our board-certified physicians are here to help.

Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

Call us @ 469-747-0370

¹ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906

²  https://www.aaos.org/aaosnow/2007/marapr/clinical/clinical2/ 

³ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/7936-lower-back-pain

⁴ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/symptoms-causes/syc-20369906

How To Keep Your Young Athlete Safe in Sports

The warm weather sports season has children and teens of all ages streaming onto fields, courts, rinks, gyms and diamonds to get the most out of their chance to play organized sports. But the dark side of kids’ sports is the high rate of injuries that occur when kids get together to play an organized game. The good news is that many of these sports injuries can be prevented, allowing kids to play their favorite sports in good health. The physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, have put together some prevention tips and information you need to know to keep your young athlete in the game and feeling great.

Prevention Tips¹

• Stretching and warmups
• Protective equipment that fits properly and meets safety standards
• Hydration
• Sleep
• Rotate sports and cross train muscle groups to keep from overwork or repetitive movements
• Safe surfaces to play on
• Adult supervision
• Doctor’s physical exam – make sure your child or teen is playing a sport that is a good fit for his/her athletic ability
• Healthy, balanced diet
• Listen to trainer and learn proper techniques to avoid injuries
• Rest an injury early on and get prompt medical attention

“Many sports injuries in children could be greatly improved by rest and recovery rather than pushing through and playing with pain,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “It’s important for parents to step in to make sure the child’s ongoing good health is the main concern.”

Types Sports Injuries

Acute injuries – sudden impact or fall that can result in minor scrapes or major injuries like broken bones or an eye injury.

Overuse injuries – repetitive stress injuries from doing the same motion or movement over and over again. Overuse often occurs in joints and can disrupt normal bone growth.

Reinjuries – repeat injury, often caused by returning to the sport before the original injury has had time to fully heal.²

Most Common Sports Injuries

Some of the most common sports injuries in children center around joint pain and injuries. A sprained ankle, twisted knee, frozen shoulder or wrist injury are all common problems. Concussions are also a common injury. Tendonitis, stress fractures and eye injuries are also very common.³

When to go to the ER

“Any time your young athlete is experiencing severe, sudden or ongoing pain, it’s time to come to Medco ER,” said Dr. Khan. “Any joint swelling, immobility, popping noise, recurring pain or impeded playing are all indicators that your child needs medical attention. Signs of a concussion such as dizziness, fatigue and nausea also require a doctor’s intervention. We’re here when your child or teen needs help.”

Get Help Fast at Medco ER 

If your young athlete has experienced consistent pain from sports or has a new joint injury or pain, come see us right away. Open 24/7, we are conveniently located on Legacy Drive and have imaging equipment to diagnose common sports injuries. Skip the long lines and enjoy fast, quality medical care to help your child start to feel better.

Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

Call us @ 469-747-0370

¹ https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/pain-management/types-of-pain/youth-sports/

²  https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sports-safety.html

³ https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/a-guide-to-safety-for-young-athletes/

What You Need to Know About Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more common than you might imagine. Highly contagious, sexually transmitted diseases occur at a rate of 25 million each year in the United States.¹ At Medco ER in Plano, TX, our board-certified physicians offer prevention education, testing and treatment for common STDs. Fortunately, most conditions are treatable and can be cured, though they may still reoccur at a future date.

Prevention²

The best way to prevent a sexually transmitted disease is abstinence from all forms of sexual contact.

Vaccinations are available for hepatitis B and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) but not for the other common forms of STDs.

Control and reduce the number of sexual partners you have. This doesn’t remove your risk and you still need to be tested regularly for STDs.

Agreeing on a mutually monogamous relationship with one long-term partner is another option that slashes your risks.

Use condoms according to manufacturer’s specifications each time for every kind of sexual contact to protect yourself against STDs.

“Prevention is the most important thing in protecting yourself against STDs,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Educating yourself and having frank, open discussions with your partner is the first step in prevention.”

Symptoms

Early symptoms to watch out for include:³

• Infection symptoms: fever, sore throat, swollen glands, headache, rash, lethargy, night sweats, appetite loss, joint pain, body aches
• Pain: during urination, lower abdominal, during sexual intercourse, testicular, genital, anal, inner thighs
• Itching, burning or irritation
• Unusual discharge from vagina or penis
• Strong odor
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Cough, shortness of breath
• Rash, bumps, blisters, warts, pimples or swelling in genital or anal areas
• Bleeding with sexual intercourse
• Dark urine
• Jaundice (yellowing skin or whites of the eyes)

Testing

Your provider will discuss the different test options that pinpoint different STDs, depending on your risk factors and possible symptoms. Testing could include:¹

• Cheek swab
• Urine test
• Blood test
• Sample from a skin sore
• Cell sample or discharge sample from the affected area

Who should get tested? It is recommended that anyone who is sexually active should be tested every year. Having an open discussion with your healthcare provider is an important part of receiving the right testing at the right time. Sexually active women, pregnant women, gay or bisexual men, people who have had oral or anal sex and those participating in risky sexual or drug behaviors should be tested at least once a year or even every six months.²

When to go to the ER

Left untreated, STDs could cause ongoing poor health, organ damage, increased risk of getting HIV and even cancer or death.³

“This medical condition is not one to ignore,” said Dr. Khan. “Overlooking the fact that it is extremely contagious and can be easily transmitted to another person, the symptoms of most STDs will only compound if you ignore them. Come to Medco ER for fast, confidential help with your symptoms. We’re here to help.”

Get Help Fast at Medco ER 

If you’ve been experiencing any symptoms of a STD, the expert team at Medco ER is ready to help you. Open 24/7, we are conveniently located and have in-house labs to identify any conditions that need to be treated. Our professional, courteous staff will make you comfortable as you enjoy little-to-no wait time to be seen by a board-certified physician.

Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)

Call us @ 469-747-0370

¹ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9138-sexually-transmitted-diseases–infections-stds–stis

² https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/default.htm

³ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sexually-transmitted-diseases-stds/in-depth/std-symptoms/art-20047081