Burns – Types & Treatments
A burn can occur in a split second. Burns can be caused by scalding water, hot burner, open flame, electrical connection, chemical spill, radiation, or even too much time in the sun that results in painful or even debilitating burns. Each year, 1.1 million people are treated for burn injuries.1 At Medco ER & Urgent Care in Plano, TX, our board-certified physicians are here all day and night to provide quality care for burns and other injuries.
“Burns are especially painful and can be hard to judge the severity at home,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “That’s why we recommend you come in and have us evaluate the injury and provide rapid treatment to try to help reduce the pain and speed recovery.”
Types of Burns
First degree burns are the least severe and involve only the outer layer of skin, or epidermis and will cause redness and possibly minor blisters. Sunburns, grease spatters and coffee spills are examples of causes of first degree burns. They can be very painful but usually heal within several days without going to the doctor. If these burns cover more than 3 inches, consult with a physician.
Second degree burns involve both the epidermis and the next layer, the dermis. These burns swell rapidly and have more blistering and redness than first degree burns. They also can look glossy or weep fluid. Seek immediate medical attention for these burns.
Third degree burns are serious burns that require immediate medical attention. They involve the epidermis, dermis and fat layer. The burn area can look dry and leathery and tan, white, red or black in color. The skin may look charred. These burns are so deep that the patient may not feel how serious it is. Take the person to the nearest ER for emergency treatment.
Treatment of Burns
At home: Clothing and jewelry should be immediately removed from the injured area since burns swell quickly and circulation or breathing could be restricted. Cool water or compresses can give some pain relief. Elevate the wound.
At the ER: your physician will treat the burn with antibiotics and follow protocol to keep the body supplied with hydration and concentrated nutrients needed for healing. Your physician may discuss how to start the process of receiving skin grafts and a splint may be added to keep the area from moving during early treatment. Later, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and other therapies may be recommended to encourage healing.
Burn Safety
Prevention is key when considering injuries as painful and serious as burns. Children and older adults are at greater risk for being injured by burns or scalds. That’s why it’s important to spend some time considering how to best use safety precautions in your home. Practice safety measures when cooking, carrying hot liquids, filling bathtubs and serving food to children. Adjust the hot water heater to safe temperatures. Keep matches and lighters out of reach and be careful with candles and cigarettes.3
Teach children fire safety basics, such as Stop-Drop-and Roll, and practice your evacuation plan. Most fire stations have workshops for children to learn fire safety practices.
Keep hot irons, hair straighteners, etc., out of the reach of children. Cover outlets and put away electrical cords not in use. Keep children away from grills, outdoor fires, radiators and space heaters.
Enjoy taking the family to city fireworks and avoid doing fireworks at home. Install working fire alarms and fire extinguishers.
Get fast help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
Even with the best precautions in place, burns still happen. When someone receives a burn injury, come immediately to Medco ER & Urgent Care for quality care. We’re always open and ready to help when you need it.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
1 https://www.cdc.gov/masstrauma/factsheets/public/burns.pdf
2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-burns/basics/art-20056649
Taming Tooth Pain
When is a tooth infection or a tooth abscess reason to go to the emergency room? When a minor infection goes from mild discomfort to a throbbing pain with swollen gums, it’s time to go to Medco ER & Urgent Care in Plano, TX. A tooth infection or an abscessed tooth can quickly become a life-threatening condition if left untreated.
“Any time you are experiencing tooth pain, you can come to see us and we will help you right away,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “It’s not always possible to get in to see your dentist at a moment’s notice, but we can help treat the infection, get bleeding under control, reduce pain, and address tooth fractures while you wait for further dental procedures.”
Symptoms of Tooth Infection
A tooth abscess has very noticeable symptoms including:1
- Sore gums next to the tooth
- Discoloration of gums next to the tooth
- Swollen gums
- Swollen cheek
- Bleeding gums
- Pain, throbbing toothache that can include the jaw and neck
- Loosened tooth
- Bad taste in mouth
- Inability to chew
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Accelerated heart rate and breathing
“Emergency symptoms include difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, and swelling of the jaw and face. These are warning signs that the infection is spreading, which can be very dangerous,” said Dr. Kahn. “The body could go into sepsis, which requires emergency medical intervention.”
Causes of Tooth Pain
Tooth abscesses are most commonly caused by cavities that have spread down to the sensitive root tip of the tooth where the soft pulp contains the nerve bundle. A pocket of pus can collect there and can involve the blood supply to the tooth which then can spread the infection throughout the body if left untreated. Or, the infection can be next to the tooth and involve more of the gums, causing them to swell and discolor.
There are 3 main causes of tooth abscesses: poor oral hygiene, high sugar diet, and dry mouth which can be caused by certain medications or aging.1 Additionally, tooth pain and infection can result from cracks or fractures to the tooth’s enamel or injury to the tooth.
Treatment of Tooth Infection
Your board-certified physician at Medco ER & Urgent Care will diagnose your tooth pain through examination and possibly by taking an X-ray. Infection will be treated with antibiotics, possibly administered intravenously, and bleeding will be stopped.
Prevention of Tooth Abscess
Good oral hygiene is your best defense against tooth infections. Brush 2 to 3 times a day and floss each day to maintain healthy teeth and gums. Salt water rinses and hydrogen peroxide can help cut down on the amount of bacteria attacking the teeth and gums. Use fluoridated toothpaste and drinking water. Eat healthy foods and avoid snacks between meals, especially sugary snacks.1 Visit your dentist regularly. Replace your toothbrush 3 to 4 times a year.
Get help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
When your tooth pain is getting worse and your gums are swollen, come to Medco ER & Urgent Care right away for quality medical treatment. We are open 24/7 every day of the year because we know that tooth infections can crop up any time day or night. We can help you start to feel better again by reducing the infection and easing the pain.
- 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/tooth-abscess/symptoms-causes/syc-20350901
3 Tips for Pool Safety
As the dog days of summer drag on, the pool is probably your family’s favorite hangout. But accidental drownings are the leading cause of death in children in the United States.1 To help keep your family safe this summer, the physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, have put together these 3 tips for pool safety that every homeowner should know.
1. Create a Barrier
An enclosed fence on all four sides of the pool is a key safety feature that should coincide with a pool’s installation. The lock on the gate should be higher than a child’s reach and should be self-closing and latching. For above-ground pools, remove the ladder or steps when not in use, as well as any other equipment that could be used to gain access.
Consider installing a locking pool cover.2 Use a safety float line to partition off the deep end for young swimmers. Use childproof window and door locks on the side facing the pool.
“Barriers are essential for keeping children away from water,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “However, it is good advice that if your child is missing, check the water first.”
2. Install an Alarm
Alarms can alert adults to a child trying to gain access to a pool without supervision. Since 69% of young children who drown were not expected to be in the water, a warning alarm could save a life.2
There are several options for alarms. They can be installed on patio doors that lead out to the pool, on the gate of the fence that provides the pool barrier, or installed in the water as a sensor for a child unexpectedly entering the water.
3. Invest in Education
While purchasing alarms and barriers seem like sensible investments, you can also prepare your children for pool safety by investing in their education. At the earliest age that is appropriate, take them to swimming lessons. Spend time regularly reviewing pool rules and then enforcing them. Finally, attend CPR training to know what to do in the event of an emergency.
Here are some common pool rules to get you started:
- No swimming without an adult present
- No swimming without permission
- No entering pool area without an adult present
- No running around the pool
- No diving (or dive only in deep end, if applicable)
- No alcohol and swimming
- No roughhousing or pushing into the pool
- Stay away from drains and filters
“While drowning is a parent’s biggest fear when it comes to pool safety, running on wet pavement is also a concern. Kids racing around a pool to jump in can have a serious slip and fall injury,” said Dr. Khan. “We see a lot of lacerations on chins and concussions from this common accident.”
Get help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
While these pool safety tips will help prevent many accidents, children or adults may still inhale water or have other pool-related emergencies. That’s why Medco ER & Urgent Care is open 24/7 to provide immediate access to quality healthcare right when you need it the most.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
Patient Service Rep Makes Major Advance
Not only is Medco ER & Urgent Care there 24/7 for our patients, but we also provide advancement opportunities for their employees. Two years ago, we hired Amber Tilghman for the position of Patient Service Representative (PSR), and today we congratulate her on achieving her dream of attaining a nursing degree from Brookhaven nursing program.
“I’d like to thank Medco for giving me the opportunity to work closely with the PSRs, physicians, nurses, and radiology techs. The support system here is, without question, phenomenal. Reggie, Caitlin, Melanie and so many nurses have taken the time to answer my questions, to explain something to me, or to give me real life advice. I can’t thank everyone enough for everything they do and I hope that they know that I hold them in such high regard,” said Tilghman.
Opportunities Abound
Opportunities to achieve your career goals is one of the reasons Medco ER & Urgent Care is a popular employer in the Plano, TX, region. When Amber was hired on as a PSR, she had a strong interest in healthcare. “I have always wanted to work in healthcare and the PSR position sort of fell into my lap. I had no medical background coming to Medco and they took a shot with me, based on a reference. Emergency medicine has always fascinated me and I remember being nearly giddy with excitement, knowing that I would finally have an opportunity to learn what it’s like behind the scenes. I was not disappointed. It is just as exciting today as it was two years ago,” she said.
Amber’s journey through college to become a nurse while working required dedication and a solid base of support from the Medco ER team. But it’s not all work and no play. In a job where it is critical to provide timely and detailed medical care, the Medco ER team knows how to seize the in-between moments to enjoy life. “Recently, Dr. Swami and I smelled pasta and went hunting for the source,” she said with a laugh.
Working with people who are sick or injured, often worried, and helping them in tangible ways is one of Amber’s favorite parts of the job. She said, “Medco ER puts a huge emphasis on patient care and it felt amazing to walk into that kind of environment, fresh into healthcare. Patient care is still my favorite part—seeing the person that checked in grumpy leave with all smiles, knowing you made a difference.”
Medco ER & Urgent Care
To learn more about Medco ER & Urgent Care and the employment opportunities we provide in addition to our high quality healthcare, contact us today.
Or, if you have a medical concern, stop by any time, day or night. We’re always open and our board-certified physicians and engaged staff are ready to help you when you need it the most.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
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