10 Symptoms You Should NOT Ignore
Self-reliance, toughing it out and playing through the pain is so ingrained in our psyches that it is common to hear of someone who waited too long to go to the doctor. Some symptoms are early indicators of a serious health condition and should not be ignored. To help you know the difference between a passing pain and a serious symptom, the physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care have compiled a list of 10 things you just shouldn’t ignore.
“If you are noticing any of these symptoms,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “Come to Medco ER immediately or call 9-1-1 for assistance. Even if it turns out to be a minor condition that is easily treatable, it is best to err on the side of caution in most of these cases.”
1. Sudden Pain
If you have sudden, shooting or stabbing pain, you should pay close attention. If there is no cause for it that you can easily identify, it’s time to head to Plano’s Medco ER for evaluation. If you have pressure in your chest or pain in your neck, jaw or shoulders, it could be heart-related. Any piercing headache that comes on suddenly should also receive a prompt medical evaluation.
2. Difficulty Breathing
When your breathing becomes strained, reduced or labored, try to remain calm and not panic. Shortness of breath can be a sign of a serious medical condition such as COVID-19, Pneumonia or heart problems, OR it may be caused by a benign condition such as anxiety. However, you must seek medical attention to rule out a serious disease.
3. Numbness
If you notice an unusual sensation of numbness, such as in a foot, arm or hand, it could potentially be an early sign of stroke. At Medco ER, we have the diagnostic tools, such as a CT scan, to help evaluate your condition and treat you quickly to prevent serious health consequences of a stroke such as paralysis.
4. Sudden Weakness
If you suddenly feel your legs give out, your strength drops, you are dizzy or you feel weak all over, it is time to get medical help. Weakness may be a sign of stroke or heart attack. You could be experiencing a drop in blood pressure or a heart issue. Additionally, fainting should never be ignored.
5. Racing Heart
If your heart suddenly goes into overdrive and is racing for no apparent reason, you need to be evaluated by a qualified ER physician. Have someone drive you to the nearest ER or call for an ambulance. It is important to rule out a heart attack or cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm).
6. Searing Pain
If you suddenly have a searing headache or a burning pain in any other part of your body, this is not something to ignore. Your body is trying to tell you something. Our board-certified physicians excel at diagnostics and are ready to help. For example, a sudden onset of an excruciating headache can potentially be a sign of aneurysm or bleeding in the brain and requires an emergent CT scan of the head for evaluation.
7. Blood in the Stool
If you notice a dark, tarry looking stool, it may have blood in it. If you think there is blood in your bowel movements, it is time to be checked out by a qualified doctor. At Medco ER, our qualified physicians can perform blood tests to check for anemia, liver disorder and even a CT scan to rule out potentially serious bleeding in the abdomen.
8. Unexplained Weight Loss
If you are losing weight without a change in diet, exercise or activity level, that is enough reason to go see the doctor. Weight loss may be a sign of cancer, which may be caught in its early stages by a CT scan.
9. Confusion
Any confusion or change in mental status should be immediately evaluated at the nearest ER. If the patient shows unusual signs like being unable to do simple math, tell time or recall a major event, it is time to head to the ER. Confusion may be an early sign of stroke or bleeding in the brain.
10. Dimming Vision
Any changes in the vision, especially if occurring suddenly and accompanied by a headache, should be immediately examined at the ER. “We can examine the patient and refer to an eye specialist, if appropriate,” said Dr. Vora. “Or, it could be related to a medical condition that we can begin to treat right away.”
Find help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
Any condition of a sudden onset can be quickly addressed at Medco ER & Urgent Care. Our no-wait ER has Board Certifies physicians standing by 24/7 to diagnose and treat your condition. We provide fast access to some of the highest quality and safest medical care in the region.
While many conditions presenting to the ER may be benign, it’s important to rule out the serious ailments before they become life threatening. We take pride in our staff and Board-Certified physicians at Medco ER who can recognize the severity of any presenting medical complaint and act fast to save lives in an efficient & timely manner.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
Learn the Signs of a Stroke & Save a Life
A stroke is the interruption of blood flow to the brain, preventing oxygen and nutrients from reaching the brain and causing cells to die. According to the American Stroke Association (ASA), stroke is the #5 cause of death in the United States and is a leading cause of disability. Fast reaction to the first signs of a stroke can make not only the difference between life and death but can determine the amount of disability suffered from the event. The physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care have compiled the information you need to know to quickly and properly respond to signs of a stroke.
“A stroke usually has noticeable symptoms,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “If you educate yourself and know what to look for, you can respond fast and call 911. EMS and emergency rooms are both set up with a stroke protocol to begin treatment as soon as possible.”
Signs of a Stroke
The 3 classic signs of a stroke can be remembered with the acronym F.A.S.T.
F – Face – one side of the face or mouth is drooping
A – Arms – ask him/her to raise both arms and see if one arm drifts down or is weak
S – Speech – stroke victims will have slurred speech or difficulty talking
T – Time – act quickly and call 911
In addition to these 3 classic signs of a stroke, the patient may experience the sudden onset of other symptoms. The important thing to note is these symptoms will come on suddenly. Here is the list of additional symptoms, according to ASA:
- Numbness – weakness or numbness of face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
- Confusion – confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Trouble seeing – vision problem in one or both eyes
- Trouble walking – dizziness, loss of coordination and balance
- Severe headache – sudden headache
Risk Facts for Stroke
Factors such as age, race, gender and family history may contribute to your risk of stroke, however many risk factors can be changed or controlled. Some of these factors include a chronic medical condition, overweight, diet rich in fats, smoking or sedentary lifestyle. These factors can contribute to the risk of stroke:
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Atrial fibrillation
- Obesity
- Peripheral artery disease
- Carotid artery disease
- Smoking
- High blood cholesterol
- Inactive lifestyle
- Diet high in saturated fats, cholesterol, sodium
- High blood pressure
- Sickle cell anemia
Emergency Care Needed
“A stroke is an emergency and must be treated immediately,” said Dr. Vora. “Call 911 rather than drive the person to the ER since the EMS is equipped to begin treatment on a stroke immediately.”
Time is of utmost importance when it comes to a serious condition such as a stroke.
Kinds of Stroke
There are two main types of strokes:
- Hemorrhagic: Caused by bleeding in the brain; occurs about 20% of the time.
- Ischemic: Caused by a blood clot in the brain; more common, occurs about 80% of the time.
In the emergency setting, it is crucial to find out what type of stroke a person is experiencing. This could be quickly determined by a CT scan of the head.
At Medco ER, we are equipped with advanced imaging equipment and can perform the CT scan in less than 30 minutes from arrival. We also have close contacts with expert Radiologists who can provide a quick assessment of the CT images.
Furthermore, we are affiliated with local hospitals and specialized stroke centers and can quickly reach a Neurologist for an expert opinion to discuss the various types of treatment in a timely fashion.
Find help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
Patients suffering symptoms of a stroke can find fast access to quality medical care at Medco ER & Urgent Care. Our board-certified physicians have the years of experience needed to quickly identify and treat strokes. Our easy-access, freestanding ER has much of the same equipment found in a hospital-attached ER and we are fully ready to treat you 24/7 when the need arises.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
The Link Between Stress and Your Migraines
If you suffer from recurring migraines or tension-type headaches, there could be a connection between stress and your pain. If you feel a headache blooming as you race through the house in the morning, trying to find your keys so you can get to work, it’s likely that stress is the cause. A tension-type headache can often be alleviated through relaxation techniques and lowering your stress levels. But migraines—even stress-induced migraines—are a different story. If you feel that your pain is out of control, you can visit us at Medco ER & Urgent Care where our board-certified physicians are always available to help.
“Once a migraine starts, it can quickly get worse,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “You can take over-the-counter pain relievers and try to rest, but if your migraine continues to worsen, you should come in and let us evaluate you and provide pain relief through advanced treatment options.”
Healthy Choices
If stress is the cause of your tension-type headaches or migraines, there may be some things you can do on your own to help avoid or lessen the pain. Consider ways to relax to allow your stress to melt away. A common method is to learn relaxation techniques through tai chi, yoga, stretching, meditation, biofeedback, progressive muscle relaxation, or breathing techniques.
Here are some other stress-busters that could help you avoid migraines:
- Play with your child and laugh together
- Play with your pet
- Be active – hike, sports, dance, exercise
- Become better organized so things don’t get lost so often
- Get more sleep
- Time management techniques – organize your day, eliminate commitments that are not needed
- Eat well – reduce artificial ingredients and additives and eat fresh, whole foods
- Read
- Reduce or eliminate toxins and stimulants – cigarettes, vapes, alcohol, caffeine
- Try a mouth guard if you grind your teeth at night
Emergency Care Needed
You should come to the emergency room if your headache or migraine comes on suddenly and is severe. If you have difficulty speaking or moving, or if you are confused, you should see a doctor immediately. Additionally, if your migraine comes with a stiff neck, double vision, fever, rash or seizures, go to the nearest ER. If you get a migraine after bumping or injuring your head, a doctor needs to evaluate you.
“While migraines can be brought on by stress, it’s important to know the warning signs that mean it’s time to come to the ER,” said Dr. Vora. “It could be more serious than just a headache and we are here to help.”
Find help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
When you are suffering from a migraine and it’s not getting any better, the physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are ready to put their years of experience in evaluating and treating migraines to work for you. Since we know that migraines often come at the most inopportune times, we’re here 24/7 every day of the year and are ready to bring you top quality health care when you need it the most.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
What You Need To Know About Breathing Difficulties
Struggling to breathe or becoming short of breath is often a cause for alarm. But even while trying hard to breathe, many people wonder if their condition warrants a trip to the ER. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we’re here 24/7 when you’re having trouble breathing, and we can examine you right away.
“Breathing problems, whether brought on by asthma, allergies or even an unknown problem, should not be ignored,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “It’s best to be seen immediately by an experienced medical provider with expertise in Emergency Medicine. Shortness of breath may be a life threatening issue that should be addressed immediately.”
Symptoms Associated with Breathing Difficulties
When you or your loved one is experiencing difficulty breathing, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. If you have any doubt, go to the nearest Medco ER & Urgent Care or the nearest emergency room. Some of the symptoms that indicate it is time to go to the ER include:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Sweating and weakness
- Wheezing
- Excessive Coughing
- Fever & chills
- Muscle aches
- Exhaustion
- Sore throat
- Blue tinge
- Faster breathing rate
- Heart palpitations
Causes of Shortness of Breath
Some of the common causes include:
- Asthma
- Allergic reaction
- Stress and anxiety
- Pneumonia
- Heart attack
- Croup
- COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Pulmonary hypertension
- Epiglottitis
- Pulmonary embolism caused by a blood clot
“By far the most common cause of breathing difficulties that we treat is Asthma,” said Dr. Vora. “However, you must be examined by a healthcare provider to rule out even more serious causes of shortness of breath.”
What to Do On the Way to Medco ER
When you are struggling to breath and you’re on the way to the ER, you’ll want to know what you can do to increase your oxygen intake. The most important thing to do is to slow your heart rate by remaining calm and relaxed. Take slow, deep breaths and focus on staying calm. If you have a prescribed inhaler-type medication, use it according to the directions.
Diagnostics and Treatment
The physician will need to review your medical history and perform a physical examination of your lungs, heart and airways. He/she may also perform a chest X-ray, CT scan, blood tests, electrocardiogram (EKG), or pulmonary function test to determine the exact cause of your breathing problems.
Once the cause is identified, your physician will determine the best course of treatment, which may vary from a simple breathing treatment to advanced medications administered through an IV line.
Get Fast Treatment at Medco ER & Urgent Care
When your breathing becomes labored and you’re not getting enough oxygen, come to Medco ER right away. Our board-certified physicians are always ready for any emergency and have the oxygen therapy and diagnostic equipment standing by to provide fast help right when you need it the most.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
5 Ways to Keep Your Child Healthy This School Year
COVID-19 pandemic has not only affected the adult world of health, finance and even social interactions, it has also forced us all to rethink the safety of our children as they go back to school to face a potential influx of germs and infections. And we know that some of these germs could potentially have very serious consequences.
While we all want our kids to get the most out of their education, no one wants to sacrifice their children’s health to that end. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we’re here to help. Our board-certified physicians have compiled 5 ways you can safeguard your child’s health while school starts back up.
“Despite a solid game plan in place that correlates with the school district’s reentry plan, parents are still concerned about sending their kids to school. However, by adhering to the proper guidelines, the risk of infection can be minimized,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora.
Tip 1: Immune System Boosters
“The best thing you can do for your child is to nurture a strong immune system,” said Dr. Vora. “Making sure your child gets a balanced diet each day with plenty of fresh vegetables, fruit, protein, complex carbohydrates and water, eliminating refined sugar and processed foods, and using vitamin supplements are good places to start.”
Establishing a regular bedtime with plenty of hours of sleep is part of teaching your child good sleep hygiene. This is an often overlooked aspect of having a strong, healthy body.
Keep tabs on stress levels. If your child runs at high levels of stress, over time this can impact the immune system. Do what you can to infuse laughter and fun into each day and talk through any difficulties to keep your child healthy and trouble-free.
Tip 2: Sanitize Clothes and Masks Daily
Have your children get in the habit of changing their clothes immediately upon coming home and placing them in the dirty laundry. Cloth masks should be washed each night and paper masks should be disposed of properly (not recycled). It may be more convenient to do a small load of laundry each night to ensure your child has sanitized clothes and mask to start each new day. Don’t forget to disinfect the laundry hamper and wash your own hands afterwards.
Tip 3: Teach Healthy Practices at Home
To prepare your child for a healthy school year and beyond, proper hand washing techniques are crucial. Teach your child to wash his or her hands every time after using the bathroom and before eating. Instruct them to wash hands immediately upon returning home and after changing clothes. Demonstrate the right way to wash between the fingers, under the nails and on the fronts and backs of hands for 20 seconds using soap and water.
Pack hand sanitizer in your child’s backpack for on-the-go cleaning. If your child moves from classroom to classroom throughout the day, consider packing non-bleach disinfecting wipes so each desk and chair can be cleaned before use.
Tip 4: Masks are a Must
Even more than backpacks, masks are essential back-to-school gear now for every student. But it’s not enough to give a mask to your child and send him or her out the door. Kids need to know the proper way to wear the mask – covering both the nose and the chin – and that they are not supposed to remove the mask even to answer questions or to talk to friends, and they should not share or exchange masks with friends.
“We should teach our kids how to sneeze and cough when wearing a mask. They should learn to cough or sneeze into the mask. If you can, pack an extra mask each day. Then, your child can swap out when it has gotten dirty,” said Dr. Vora.
Perhaps the biggest hurdle parents face in mask training is getting their kids to wear them for long periods of time. This actually may require practice at home to get the children desensitized to the mask.
Tip 5: Monitor Temperature and Symptoms
Taking your child’s temperature each day can be painless with a digital thermometer. This constant vigilance will help ensure your child is feeling his best at the beginning of the day. If your child has a headache, cough or runny nose, keep him/her home to be on the safe side, and follow up with a health care provider.
Get fast treatment at Medco ER & Urgent Care
At Medco ER, we are here all day, every day, to take care of your family when needed. Our board-certified physicians are always available and ready to assess your child’s health at a moment’s notice. If you are worried about exposure to coronavirus, talk to us about any noticeable symptoms. We can help.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
3 Biggest Mistakes to Avoid With a Concussion
A concussion—or a traumatic brain injury—can happen in sports, at school, at play or in falls or accidents. Whenever any trauma to the head occurs, it’s a good idea to have a professional evaluation done. Our board-certified physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are capable to evaluating and treating head injuries with state-of-the-art CT Scan and treatment modalities.
“Concussions can start out seeming like no injury at all, then, later on, additional symptoms can manifest,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “That’s why we always encourage our patients to come in right away so we can start the concussion evaluation protocol and watch the patient for signs of serious brain injury. We can also monitor the patient in the ER for extended period of time and save them a trip to the hospital.”
While an injury to the head can commonly occur from falling, contact sports are also notorious for causing concussions. Any blow to the head, jolt or violent shaking can cause a concussion. When this happens, patients often try to self-diagnose, which can lead to three common errors in judgment.
Mistake #1: Ignoring it
Since symptoms may be subtle at the onset of the injury, patients often think they will be fine after a little rest. Early symptoms can include a headache, nausea, fatigue, feeling dazed and a little confused.
“These symptoms alone may not raise any red flags,” said Dr. Vora. “That’s why it’s important to continue observing the injuredpatient and to bring him or her in for a medical evaluation.”
Early symptoms can deteriorate into more noticeable symptoms such as memory loss, vomiting, loss of consciousness, slurred speech, sensitivity to light and sound, change in taste and smells, concentration problems, balance problems or seizures. If you notice symptoms changing or deteriorating, seek medical attention immediately.
Mistake #2: Underestimating it
Many young athletes think they can sit on the bench for a few minutes and then get back in the game. After all, playing through a headache and other pain is all part of being an athlete. When asked if they’re ready to go back in, many will say “yes” because they want to keep playing. Underestimating the severity of the blow is a serious mistake that can lead to a longer recovery time and even more severe symptoms.
“Whenever you receive a blow to the head—whether you lose consciousness or not—it’s a good idea to remove yourself from the game,” said Dr. Vora. “In the long run, you can be back to playing your favorite sport again faster if you take proper care of your head injury at the onset. Most importantly, it’s best to wear proper sport gear such as a helmet to minimize a head injury in the first place.”
Mistake #3: Reinjuring it
When a concussion occurs, it is a serious injury. But when a second concussion occurs, it can be devastating. Staying in the game and risking a second blow to the head can be a fatal mistake.
“Most patients fully recover from an initial concussion, but a secondary concussion can be difficult to recover from and can leave permanent damage to the brain,” said Dr. Vora. “It can even be fatal. That’s why you must take careful steps to make sure you don’t receive a second concussion.”
What to do if you’ve had a blow to the head
If someone you know has suffered a head injury, start paying careful attention to that person. Asking the patient simple questions to see if he/she is able to answer them easily can give you an early indication of any brain trauma. Don’t let the patient drive, rather, drive him or her to the nearest Medco ER.
“Remember to resist the temptation to self-diagnose,” said Dr. Vora. “The symptoms are often hard to notice without a proper medical exam and can be more severe than you realize.”
Get concussion treatment at Medco ER & Urgent Care
At Medco ER, we have a proven concussion protocol in place and we know just what to do to treat your injury. We can evaluate your injury and make the best recommendations for what needs to be done to avoid any reinjury. We are open 24/7 every day of the year so you can be confident that a board-certified physician is always available to help when you need it.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
What Your Doctor Knows About Lacerations
Whether you’re fishing on your day off, enjoying a hobby, building something new, playing outside or even just preparing a meal, cuts, scrapes or lacerations can happen unexpectedly. The board-certified physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are experienced in treating wounds of all kinds and are standing by to help.
“When you experience a deep cut or laceration, or a scraped area of skin, the sooner you can get here, the better we are able to fight off infection that could be settling in the wound,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “We can treat it quickly and relatively painlessly. We use topical anesthetics to help reduce the sensation during treatment and we can make sure all the dirt and foreign bodies are removed properly before creating a proper seal.”
Do I need stitches?
When a laceration occurs, most people wonder whether or not they really need stitches. Sometimes it is very obvious that medical attention is needed, but other times it is not as clear. As a rule of thumb, if you can see layers of fat, muscle, tendons or bone in the wound, you will probably need stitches by a medical professional.
“Having one of our physicians treat your laceration can accomplish three things,” said Dr. Vora. “One: it will reduce the possibility of infection by properly sterilizing and sealing the wound. Two: it will stop severe bleeding. Three: it will speed healing by keeping the wound closed and stabilized. Treating a deep laceration at home is not advisable because of the risk of infection and inefficient healing. A wound may heal unevenly and leave a rough area that has reduced or deadened sensation.”
What about afterwards?
After you’ve received stitches, we can remove them in 5-14 days, depending on the location and size of the wound.
What about road rash, scratches or bites?
If your wound was caused by a skidding motion that peeled or scraped away a patch of skin, it is important to make sure all the dirt is removed from the area. “Scrapes or abrasions caused by falling off a bike or skidding across pavement are notoriously hard to clean at home,” said Dr. Vora. “Plus, they are extremely painful because they involve a large area of pain receptors. We can reduce the pain with topicals and can make sure all the dirt and gravel is removed to speed healing.”
If you had trouble with an animal and have scratches or bites, it is important to receive medical attention even if the wounds don’t appear to be too deep. Animal-related wounds are notorious for becoming infected, and a tetanus shot may be needed. Be prepared to identify the animal so your doctor can discover if there is a risk of rabies and so the animal can be contained, if necessary.
Do I need a Tetanus shot?
It is extremely important that you are up to date on your Tetanus booster anytime you experience a laceration or open wound. Tetanus is caused by bacteria and is almost always fatal if contracted through the skin. A Tetanus booster is usually good for 5-10 years.
If you don’t remember your last Tetanus shot, it’s crucial to get one in case of an open injury. At Medco ER, we can provide you a Tetanus booster in order to avoid a potentially deadly infection.
What to do on the way to the ER
Apply a clean cloth to the laceration and keep pressure on it to slow the bleeding. A gentle pinching pressure to pull the sides together could stem the bleeding on the way to Medco ER. Have someone else drive you so you can keep the wound elevated above the heart. If the wound is severe and blood loss is prominent, call 911 immediately or have someone take you to the nearest ER.
Get help fast at Medco ER & Urgent Care
At Medco ER, we have the imaging equipment, IVs, labs and supplies needed to treat any lacerations or wounds that you or your loved ones may experience. We are open 24/7 to provide you with some of the best medical care available to speed you on your way to healing.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
What’s the Difference Between Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke?
As the heat index ramps up, you may find yourself rapidly overheating with your body unable to keep up with cooling and maintaining your core temperature. If you’re exercising, moving or working in the heat, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of heatstroke and heat exhaustion and recognize if you’re in danger. When your body overheats, it might not be long before you need fast medical care. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, our board-certified physicians are capable to handling this condition very efficiently.
“Heat exhaustion—which can lead to the more serious heatstroke—is a preventable condition,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “That’s why it’s important to keep a close check on yourself during the high heat index days.”
Heat Exhaustion
The first stage in overheating of the human body is heat cramps, followed by heat exhaustion. This condition occurs when your body is no longer able to maintain a steady core temperature through the natural cooling process of sweating and heatevaporation. Heat cramps include muscle aches, thirst, fatigue and heavy sweating. It can be alleviated by drinking an electrolyte-balanced sports drink, or water, and resting.
Heat exhaustion follows untreated heat cramps and is a more serious condition, but is still preventable and also treatable.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
- Cool, moist skin, possible goose bumps
- Heavy sweating
- Exhaustion
- Muscle cramps
- Headache
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Weak, rapid pulse or dizziness when standing
Treatment for Heat Exhaustion
As with heat cramps, you will want to find a cool place to recover. Drink a sports drink or water and rest as your core temperature goes down. Do not drink alcohol. Try to cool your body with water, if possible. If your symptoms don’t improve, seek medical attention immediately.
Heatstroke
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can quickly degrade into the most serious heat-related illness called heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when the core temperature of the body reaches 104°. Heatstroke is a medical emergency that can cause damage to the brain, organs and muscles. Left untreated, heatstroke can lead to permanent organ damage or death
Symptoms of Heatstroke
- Change in sweating, possibly with skin becoming hot and dry
- Confusion, agitation, slurred speech
- Seizures or coma
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe headache
- Red, flushed face and arms
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid, shallow heartbeat
Treatment for Heatstroke
Heatstroke can be treated at the ER with cooling procedures to safely bring the core body temperature down. An IV will administer the needed fluids to assist in lowering the body temperature. If you are assisting someone with a heat-related injury, have them drink water or a sports drink (not alcohol), get them to a cooler place and wet them down or place ice in a towel and apply it to head, neck, armpits and groin. Call 9-1-1 and transport them to the ER as soon as possible.
When to come to the ER with a heat injury
“Don’t hesitate to come in when you get overheated,” said Dr. Vora. “The sooner we can see you, the faster you will recover. If someone you know has symptoms of a heat injury and have become irrational or lost consciousness, call 9-1-1 immediately.”
Get help fast at Medco ER & Urgent Care
At Medco ER, we are equipped with advanced lab and treatment modalities to treat any heat-related ailment. We can check your electrolyte levels—such as sodium and potassium—and immediately treat you with Intravenous (IV) fluids while keeping you comfortable in a cool and safe environment.
We are open 24/7 to provide you with some of the best medical care available. Our Little-to-No Wait service ensures you will be shown to your own room and can be seen by a board-certified emergency medicine physician within minutes. Before long, you may be on the way to recovering from the overexposure to heat.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
10 Signs of Dehydration
As the heat index ramps up and we become more active, it’s easy to forget to drink enough fluids to stay well-hydrated. If you’ve ever wondered if you may be dehydrated, there are some quick and easy ways to know. Once you’ve determined that you’re suffering from dehydration, you can start taking some steps towards remedying it.
However, bringing your body back into a state of healthy hydration isn’t always as easy as grabbing a glass of water. That’s why, we’re always ready at Medco ER & Urgent Care to bring the needed hydration and electrolyte balance back into your system to help you start to feel better again.
“Dehydration can lead to the more serious heat-related illnesses and should be treated immediately,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “If you can’t get on top of your dehydration right away, we have the treatment readily available.”
Here are 10 warning signs of dehydration:
Fatigue
If you’re exhausted and you don’t know why, dehydration may be the culprit. Try drinking water while resting.
Headache
The first thing you should do when you have a headache is drink some water. If the problem is dehydration, you should experience some relief soon.
Muscle cramps
An imbalance in minerals can cause muscle cramps and pain. Try drinking electrolyte-balanced hydration packets or drinking water and eating a banana for a potassium boost.
Constipation
Since your body absorbs much of its liquid from the passage of food and water in the intestines, your stool may become dry and immobile if you aren’t drinking enough. Get some water into your system and even some healthy oils or prunes to help.
UTI
A urinary tract infection can be the result of dehydration. An excess of bacteria can build up and multiply in the tract if it isn’t flushed out regularly by trips to the bathroom. If you’re experiencing difficulty urinating, painful urination or blood in the urine, come to Medco ER & Urgent Care immediately for treatment.
Dark-colored urine
The color of your urine could tell a lot about you. If it is dark yellow or orange, you may be dehydrated. Vitamins and certain vegetables can also taint your urine color, so consider that when determining if you are dehydrated or not.
Dry skin and lips
If you’re experiencing chronic chapped lips or dry, cracked skin, you may not be getting enough to drink. In addition to drinking water, try some moisturizers or natural oils to feel better.
Brain fog
If your cognitive processes are slowing down and you’re struggling to think, your brain may be stressed from dehydration. Try to get 80 ounces of water each day and see if it helps to make you feel better.
Dizziness
An imbalance in the electrolytes and minerals can lead to dizziness. If a sports drink doesn’t help within 20 minutes, a trip to the ER might be a good idea.
Confusion
One of the most serious indicators of advanced dehydration, confusion should always be taken seriously. “If you or someone you love is struggling to communicate, confused or just seems out of it, it is important to seek medical attention immediately,” said Dr. Vora. “Whether it’s dehydration or something else, it’s a cause for prompt evaluation by a qualified emergency medical provider.”
Where can I get medical help for dehydration symptoms?
For any of your urgent medical needs, Medco ER & Urgent Care is open day and night to serve you. We have the rapid labs and the IV fluids ready to diagnose and to treat your dehydration. Come on into our Plano location which is open 24/7 for your convenience.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
Is it Safe to Come to the ER Now?
Like many others, you may be wondering about the wisdom of coming to the ER during the COVID-19 pandemic. Your safety and health are our #1 priority at Medco ER & Urgent Care. We feel it is a privilege to serve you with extensive safety measures in place. Providing quality healthcare round-the-clock is our passion, and we do it with an eye to excellence.
You’ve probably heard the stories of people who have stayed home with serious medical conditions—like heart attack, stroke, pneumonia or diabetic crisis—rather than “risk” going to the emergency room. “We strongly discourage the idea of not going to the ER because of the chance of catching coronavirus,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “With stringent sanitizing practices and carefully thought-out safety precautions in place at Medco, there’s no reason to fear going to the emergency room when you need it.”
Negative Pressure Room
When it comes to treating patients safely in a sterile environment, preparation is key. And Medco ER has been prepared for infection control using some of the most advanced technology. One example of this is our specialized Negative Pressure Room, which helps to prevent airborne diseases (such as Flu and COVID-19) from escaping the room and infecting other people.
Here’s a peek at some of the other protocols we’ve implemented to ensure you will receive top quality care in a sanitized, safe and secluded environment.
Clean entrance
As soon as you walk in the freshly sanitized, touch-free door, you will find a secure processing center complete with hand sanitizers, masks and an intake specialist who will screen you for fever and symptoms.
Safe waiting area
If you have a non-COVID-19 related health concern, you may be seated in our clean waiting area arranged to help you distance from other patients. If possible, you may be escorted to your newly sanitized exam room to wait instead.
Separated areas
We have a protocol for separating any cases that are suspected to be COVID-19 related. If you enter with a non-COVID condition, you can be assured that you will be kept completely separated from any other cases and that every precaution will be taken to ensure your health and safety. Our rigid infection control practices follow the highest standards possible to maintain the safety of everyone in the clinic.
Sanitized exam room
Each patient will have access to a freshly cleaned exam room. In your sanitary, enclosed environment, you can finish filling out the paperwork and be seen by your board-certified physician. If diagnostic tests are needed, you can wait in your room for the rapid results and then speak to your physician about treatment options.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
Our team of caring professionals has access to the personal protective equipment needed to keep us and our patients safe from the spread of contagion. We are practicing the recognized guidelines for safe measures including masks, gloves and eye protection, when needed.
Should I come in just for a common condition like a UTI or dehydration?
If you are suffering from a common medical condition and need to see a doctor right away, Medco ER & Urgent Care is open day or night to serve you. We are here to apply our experience to all kinds of medical concerns. Our Plano location has easy access and is open 24/7. You can trust us with your healthcare needs.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.