Author: Kevin Cooper

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

³ https://www.bmhvt.org/gallbladder-disease/

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

When Anxiety Sends You Running for Cover

If you find yourself flooded with feelings of anxiety, it could be a normal response to your current situation. However, persistent and excessive feelings of fear and worry over common situations could be the sign of a growing anxiety disorder. Fears that turn into panic mode are commonly called panic attacks. If left untreated, anxiety disorders and panic attacks can have adverse effects on your physical health. Because anxiety is linked to number of health conditions, our board-certified physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano recommend a thorough evaluation to rule out any additional health issues.

“Panic attacks and feelings of anxiety, danger or impending doom can be deeply disturbing to the patient, but they are not always serious,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “However, anxiety could be an indicator that something more serious is going on with the body. Therefore, getting a thorough medical examination is an important step to rule out a more serious medical condition before attributing it to a form of anxiety.”

Anxiety disorders are common among adults. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 19% of adults in the United States have suffered from an anxiety disorder in the past year. “Don’t suffer in silence,” said Dr. Vora. “Anxiety is a rather common problem and Medco ER has a friendly staff that is available to help and to provide mental reassurance in times of need.”

What are the symptoms of anxiety?

• Excessive worrying about common things
• Feeling nervous
• Emotional outbursts
• Restlessness
• Tension in muscles, trembling, twitching or cramping
• Concentration problems
• Feeling of doom
• Irritability
• Increased heart rate or palpitations
• Insomnia
• Headaches
• Hyperventilation
• Abdominal cramps and diarrhea
• Sweating

What kind of health conditions can be caused by anxiety?

The human body usually responds to anxiety by releasing increased level of Adrenaline & Cortisol. Prolonged exposure to these hormones can lead to certain conditions over the course of time such as:

• Hormonal imbalance
• Elevated blood pressure
• Insulin resistance
• Increased blood sugar
• Altered food digestion
• Suppressed immune response
• Heart palpitations
• Heart disease
• Hair loss
• Impaired concentration & memory
• Depression
• Eating disorders

What health conditions can be mistaken for anxiety disorders?

Many types of ailments can manifest with symptoms suggestive of anxiety rather than a more serious health problem. Here are a few underlying conditions that your physician may check for during a medical evaluation:

• Hormone imbalance – thyroid imbalance
• Nutrition deficiency or malabsorption
• Alzheimer’s
• Blood disorders such as leukemia
• Lupus
• Fibromyalgia
• Electrolyte imbalance

Treatment for common anxiety

If your physician at Medco ER & Urgent Care determines you are suffering from anxiety, he/she can prescribe you a medication to treat it so you do not have to fight it on your own. You may be referred to a specialist for therapy or counseling that can help you feel even better. If your anxiety has caused physical symptoms, do not hesitate to receive immediate medical attention. “Whether anxiety is related to a physical condition or not, it is usually treatable,” said Dr. Vora. “So don’t feel discouraged. And feel free to come to us for help any time of the day or night.”

When should I go to the ER?

If you feel like your worrying is out of control, if you are experiencing difficulty breathing, palpitations or chest pain, or if you feel depressed or suicidal, come to the nearest ER immediately. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we offer some of the best medical care in the region and we are open 24/7 to help you start to feel better again.

• Plano location:

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

            Call us @ 469-392-4000

An Expert’s Guide to Nausea & Vomiting

If you or your child ever awakened in the night with a sudden bout of upset stomach, nausea or an urge to vomit, you have probably wondered what caused it. Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of an underlying condition which could be anything from a common infection to an intestinal obstruction or even appendicitis. While nobody wants to suffer from intractable nausea and vomiting, you can be assured that the board-certified physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano are highly experienced at diagnosing and treating these conditions using a thorough history & physical exam as well as use of the advanced lab tests and imaging tools.

“Nausea and vomiting are indicators of an underlying distress in the body,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “We need to perform a complete evaluation to pinpoint the exact cause, which could vary widely from patient to patient. We may need to follow it up with blood tests and a CT scan. In the end, we will be able to construct a treatment plan that’s appropriate for the patient.”

What are the causes of nausea and vomiting?

There are many causes of nausea and vomiting. Some of the most common ones encountered in the Urgent Care & ER setting are as follows:

• COVID-19
• Food poisoning
• Viral gastroenteritis – commonly called stomach flu
• Pregnancy – morning sickness
• Migraine
• Intestinal obstruction
• Appendicitis
• Alcohol consumption
• Diabetes
• Gallstones
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Heart attack
• Intestinal intussusception in young children
• Meningitis
• Concussion
• Kidney stone
• Cancer
• Motion sickness

What are some of the symptoms that can accompany nausea and vomiting?

• Dizziness and vertigo
• Stomach pain
• Abdominal cramps
• Fever
• Headache
• Dehydration – sunken eyes, chapped lips, dry mouth, rapid pulse, rapid breathing, decreased urine output, dark colored urine, strong smelling urine, sunken fontanelle (soft spot on infant’s head)

What are signs of an emergency?

If your nausea and vomiting are accompanied by any of these symptoms, you need to immediately go to the nearest emergency room.

• Chest pain
• Stiff neck and high fever
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Confusion
• Loss of consciousness
• Sharp pain
• Uncontrolled dehydration
• Blood in stool
• Blood in urine
• Blood, green color or something like coffee grounds in vomit
• Fecal odor in vomit

Treatment options

Simple treatment options at home include the importance to pushing hydration and drinking fluids. Carbonated and sweet liquids can sometimes soothe the stomach better than water. Mint tea is also quite helpful for certain conditions. Rehydrate with an electrolyte-ready solution or drink. Stay home and rest. Avoid triggers such as perfumes, odors, lights, driving and heat. A few hours after vomiting, try bland foods like toast, crackers or gelatin. Keep your head elevated.

There are different types of medications that are used in the clinical setting depending on the various conditions and age group. Our physicians at Medco ER do not just provide prescriptions but they can make you feel better quickly with IV medications and IV fluids right on the spot and help you go home feeling great.

When should I go to the ER?

As a rule of thumb, if your vomiting has lasted for longer than 24 hours, seek medical attention at Medco ER & Urgent Care. We are open 24/7, and happy to help anytime you want to come see us.  

• Plano location:

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

            Call us @ 469-392-4000

Top Reasons to go to the ER Even During COVID-19 Pandemic

For many people, the coronavirus pandemic has caused concerns about receiving safe medical treatment. However, visiting the ER in times of need is quite appropriate and safe. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we made extra efforts to adhere to the safety guidelines recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) during the height of COVID-19. We have also taken extraordinary measures to make sure our patients have safe medical care and efficient access to top quality care in a timely fashion.

“We pride ourselves on our excellent, safe medical care, even during unusual times of pandemic,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “If you have an urgent medical condition, don’t hesitate to come in and be seen by one of our board-certified physicians. You can be confident anytime in the care you receive here.”

What conditions are considered an emergency?

Any type of serious symptoms such as shortness of breath, numbness, abdominal pain, chest pain, loss of consciousness, and/or atypical headache are some common reasons to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room.

Medical problems we commonly treat at Medco ER include:

• Chest pain
• Abdominal pain
• Broken bone
• Sprains and strains
• Lacerations, scrapes or cuts
• Upper respiratory infection
• Respiratory distress
• Back pain
• Migraines
• Infections
• Foreign object in body
• Circulation concerns
• Pregnancy complications
• Burns or wound care
• Contusions
• Diabetes complications
• Renal failure
• Blood in urine or stool
• Concussion
• High blood pressure
• Mental and behavioral health concerns
• Flu or virus
• Pneumonia
• Allergic reactions
• Uncontrolled diarrhea and vomiting
• Animal bites

Additionally, anyone suffering with symptoms of COVID-19 should seek safe medical care. Symptoms vary but can include: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, neck ache or stiffness, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

COVID-19 symptoms considered an emergency by the CDC include:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face

“We are always here for you,” said Dr. Vora. “If you are unsure about a medical emergency or even something minor, we can perform a preliminary examination and determine the next steps in terms of diagnostics and treatment. With advanced imaging equipment and lab tests, we’re prepared to safely treat both medical emergencies and minor conditions with expert care.”

Negative Pressure Room

Using some of the latest technology, we have an exam room that is designed with negative pressure environmental controls. This helps contain any viruses, bacteria or airborne contaminants and keeps them from spreading throughout the facility.

Other safety protocols

In our continued, aggressive response to COVID-19, we have safety protocols in place to make sure our patients are protected against viruses and germs as best as possible. Here are some of our safety measures:

• N95 masks and room sanitization in the facility
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the entire staff
• Aggressive screening measures right at the entrance
• Regular staff screening with daily bodily temperature recording
• Clean waiting areas for patients & visitors
• Social distancing
• Designated areas for patients presenting for COVID-19 screening
• Rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols

Come Right Away to Medco ER & Urgent Care

If you or people you love are experiencing symptoms of an urgent medical condition, don’t hesitate to come in for fast and expert help at Medco ER & Urgent Care. We’re open 24-hours a day to make sure you can get the medical care you need with little or no waiting time.

• Plano location:

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

            Call us @ 469-392-4000

Pediatric Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions We Treat

When your child’s sore throat gets worse, when ear pain flares up, when sinuses become congested, or when something happens to get stuck in the throat, it is time to visit Medco ER & Urgent Care. For ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions that affect infants, children and adolescents, different procedures are used than for adults. That’s why we have an expansive pediatric care available—so we can provide the specialized treatment that is right for each patient.

“Babies and children have common ENT concerns, and often they are quite urgent,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “Our board-certified physicians with pediatric expertise treat everything from ear infections to foreign bodies stuck in the throat, ear or nose. Whatever the problem may be, we can diagnose and treat it, or refer to a specialist, if necessary.”

Common Pediatric ENT Conditions  

We commonly treat babies, children and teens for conditions such as:

• Ear infections
• Hearing loss
• Sinus infections
• Allergies
• Reflux or difficulty swallowing
• Tonsillitis
• Nosebleeds
• Foreign object in ear, nose or throat
• Ruptured eardrum
• Difficulty breathing
• Swimmer’s ear
• Laryngitis

Specialized Pediatric Care

We have exam rooms that are designed with our youngest patients in mind. Colorful murals help put them at ease. When appropriate, juice and simple snacks are available.

Most importantly, our facilities feature dedicated pediatric equipment so we have the right size equipment for each infant, child or adolescent that comes to us for quality healthcare. Our in-house lab is equipped with rapid strep and flu test that can reduce the time waiting and help to provide timely treatment. We also have various imaging modalities such as ultrasound, MRI and X-rays.

When our facility was designed, it was built to accommodate people of all ages with a special emphasis on pediatrics. We care about our youngest patients and give them the highest level of care possible.

When ENT Conditions Become an Emergency

When your baby or child is having difficulty breathing, is choking, has a fever, shows signs of ear pain, has a foreign object stuck in a passageway, or shows signs of distress, head over to the emergency room immediately.

“We’re open 24/7 every day of the year to make sure we’re ready to receive your child any time there is a medical concern,” said Dr. Vora. “Any time you feel something is not right with your baby or child, don’t hesitate to come in. We can do a fast evaluation and, if it turns out to be minor, we can give you a recommendation of what to do next to save you time and money.”

Fast Help at Medco ER & Urgent Care

When your baby, child or teen is having ear, nose or throat concerns, the board-certified physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are here to help find a solution to any medical needs. Our trained staff is experienced in helping little ones feel relaxed and comfortable while we provide excellent pediatric care.

• Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.

            Call us @ 469-392-4000

Stress Busters That Really Work

What do headaches, stomach upset, insomnia, fatigue, overeating, anger, depression and loss of sex drive have in common? These are some of the symptoms pointing to the possibility of stress. Most would agree that this past year has been particularly stressful. The COVID-19 pandemic, financial strain, civil unrest, election issues, isolation and separation from family and friends—there are plenty of reasons why you may be experiencing stress. And, of course, the holiday season presents its own sets of challenges as well. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we are available to help when this type of pressure is causing you to experience physical and mental problems.

“If you live a fairly stress-free life, then you’re in the minority,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “We see a lot of patients who have conditions related to an overwhelming amount of stress in their lives. Anything you can do to lessen your stress level is going to benefit your body in the long run.”

What Stress Does To Your Body

When left unchecked, high levels of stress can raise your cortisol levels to an unhealthy level, burn out adrenals, cause high blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.

“Stress is a great motivator in moderation, but too much stress can put undue strain on the body and cause all kinds of problems,” said Dr. Vora. “While it is impossible to eliminate stress completely from our lives, we can start to intentionally practice stress busters to try to help us cope.”

Stress Buster Tips

The #1 tip for relieving stress is exercise. You don’t have to do a full gym regimen to get some helpful exercise. Try going for a walk after a holiday gathering, spend quality time with family & friends, play ball with your kids or chase your pet around the yard. Stretching and flexibility therapies like yoga, tai chi, Pilates or qigong are also solid choices. If you already lead an active life, bump up the conditioning with even more challenging gym options.

Some other tips for relieving stress include:

• Hobbies – sewing, jewelry-making, comic collecting, video games, scrapbooking, book club, reading, cooking
• Art – freestyle drawing, painting, crafts, mandala coloring
• Play – with kids and pets
• Music – listen to favorite tunes, explore new genres, try movement with music
• Nature – birdwatching, hiking, fishing, swimming, picnic, photography, gardening, kayaking
• Friends – meet up for coffee, have a Facebook private group chat, talk
• Bicycle, scooter or skating
• Jokes – collect jokes, cartoons or memes you think are funny and share with others
• Meditation and prayer

When Stress Becomes an Emergency

Even with an arsenal of stress busting tips at hand, it is possible to become overwhelmed by the effects of the pressure. You may wonder if it is ok to come to the ER with stress-related problems. It is important to know that many urgent medical conditions might masquerade as stress but require prompt care. Anxiety is one of the most common reasons for which people visit the emergency room.

Warning signs that require immediate ER attention:

• Chest pains
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Jaw pain
• Back pain
• Shortness of breath
• Pain radiating down one arm

“Please do come to the ER any time you are feeling emotionally out of control or if you are experiencing physical symptoms that may be due to stress,” said Dr. Vora. “If you are feeling like harming yourself or others, or if you are in pain, we are always here to help. Our physicians and staff are very caring and understanding.”

Fast Help at Medco ER & Urgent Care

When you are feeling the effects of stress, or you aren’t sure what’s making you feel bad, the board-certified physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are ready to help. Open all day and night, every day of the year, Medco ER offers fast access to get the answers to your important medical questions.

• Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.

            Call us @ 469-392-4000