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Will My Bronchitis Turn into Pneumonia?

As winter drags on, chronic coughing is a common complaint. But you may have questions about your cough. Is it bronchitis or pneumonia? If I have bronchitis, can it turn into pneumonia? When should I see the doctor? It’s questions like these that the board-certified physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, have answered. Check out the discussion.

Bronchitis vs. Pneumonia

Upper airway or lung infections can start out as the cough that accompanies a common cold and can leave your defenses down. It can then morph into bronchitis where the bronchioles fill with mucus that is sometimes coughed up. Bronchitis, then, can turn into pneumonia, a more serious virus or bacterial infection. Pneumonia attacks the alveoli in the lungs with inflammation and mucus. It can then build up fluid, increase bacteria in your system or create a lung abscess.¹

“Whether your nonstop coughing is bronchitis, pneumonia or something else,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan, “You should come in right away and let us take a look. It can quickly deteriorate into a more serious condition if left untreated.”

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Bronchitis can show up with the following symptoms:¹

• Unrelenting cough
• Coughing up yellow-green mucus
• Wheezing breath
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Low fever

Pneumonia has these symptoms:¹

• Unrelenting cough, often deep in chest
• Coughing up yellow-green mucus
• Shortness of breath or rapid breathing
• Body aches, chest pain
• Fatigue
• High fever (up to 105˚F)
• Sweating, chills

Prevention

The best thing to do to prevent pneumonia or bronchitis is to stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk of becoming sick from a lung infection.

Pneumonia shares bacteria and viruses with other conditions. If you get the flu, measles, whooping cough or pneumococcal (bacterial pneumonia) vaccines, you may decrease your risks of getting pneumonia. Talk to our doctor about getting other vaccines when you get the flu shot each year.

Healthy practices such as frequent hand washing, keeping hands away from face, cleaning and disinfecting surfaces, coughing or sneezing into a tissue or your elbow and monitoring any chronic conditions such as diabetes or asthma are all great preventive measures.²

When to See the Doctor

“Since bronchitis can become pneumonia in some cases, it is important to come see us at Medco ER when you have a cough that just won’t stop,” said Dr. Khan. “A cough that produces mucus, or a wet cough, is especially important to check out. We can do a chest X-ray or rapid results test to help us quickly diagnose your condition and start treatment right away.”

Get Help Fast at Medco ER 

If you have a lingering cough with a fever, come to Medco ER. You will be seen quickly and your doctor will carefully diagnose your condition. Our in-house pharmacy will get you started with the right treatment to help you on the road to recovery. We are open 24/7, so you can come in any time, day or night.

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

Call us @ 469-747-0370

¹ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/bronchitis-vs-pneumonia/

² https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/prevention.html

Which is Better: Hospital Emergency Departments or Freestanding ERs?

What is the difference between hospital-attached emergency departments and freestanding emergency rooms? For many patients, long lines, understaffing, and inefficient procedures make hospital ERs less appealing than freestanding ERs. At Medco ER in Plano, TX, we offer some of the best options in healthcare to address your urgent and emergent medical conditions.

No Wait Health Care

Freestanding emergency rooms often have a great staff-to-patient ratio, meaning you will have little-to-no wait time when you arrive at the facility. At Medco ER, you can expect to be shown into a private exam room within minutes upon arrival. Any paperwork will be done there and the doctor will be in shortly to see you. We’ll work to get you in and out as fast as possible.

Board-Certified Physicians

Hospital EDs make extensive use of physician assistants, CNPs, medical assistants and RNs to do much of the intake, diagnostic and testing work.

“At Medco ER, there is always a board-certified physician ready to diagnose and to treat your urgent medical conditions,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “We staff experienced emergency physicians to be available any time day or night.”

Round-the-Clock Availability

Both Hospital EDs and freestanding ERs are open 24/7, all day and night throughout the year. But hospitals close many services in the late hours. Freestanding ERs continue to offer a full range of services regardless of the hour.

Fast Testing Services

Medco ER offers instant access to testing, labs and pharmaceuticals. Our rapid-results labs have fast turnaround to let you know if you have flu, COVID 19 or other condition. Our in-house CT scans, X-rays and ultrasounds are readily available. In addition to being a time saver, this potential of having a one-stop shop for all your medical needs offers enviable convenience to patients.

No Balance Billing

Billing surprises that come at the end of treatment are never welcome after you’ve been sick or injured. At Medco ER, we don’t add to the balance at the end but are upfront about our fees when you arrive. In addition, we work for you to advocate for lower costs when possible.

Bottom Line: You Win!

In the battle of the hospital-attached emergency departments versus the freestanding emergency rooms, the patient is the winner. Competition has forced the systems to become more efficient, and that can only spell good news for you when you need prompt medical care.

Depending on the severity of your condition, freestanding ERs make a great choice when you need fast help from a board-certified physician with easy access to labs and tests. Medco ER is proud to offer some of the best medical help in the area.

Get Help Fast at Medco ER 

When you need urgent or emergency care, you can rest assured that Medco ER is open 24/7 every day of the year and will get you in with little-to-no waiting time. Our board-certified physicians are ready to go to work fast to help you on the road to recovery.

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

Call us @ 469-747-0370

Recognizing Gallbladder Pain

More than just heartburn pain, gallbladder pain can hit you like a sharp, throbbing pain of the abdomen or it can even be mistaken for a heart attack. Gallbladder pain is often hard to pinpoint since it involves a lot of referred pain in different areas, but the board-certified physicians at Medco ER are here to help you unravel the mysteries of the gallbladder.

Your Gallbladder at a Glance

The gallbladder is a small organ on the upper right side of the abdomen. It stores bile that is continually produced by the liver. When you eat, a hormone activates the release of the stored bile to aid in digestion and breaking down fats. Sometimes, the substances in the gallbladder can collect and form gallstones. These gallstones can be tiny or they can get very large. Often, they pose no problems but, occasionally, they block the bile duct and cause gallbladder spasms and pain.

“Gallstones are often the cause of serious abdominal pain, however, they aren’t the only cause,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Colicky gallbladders or functional gallbladders—gallbladders that work and appear normal on scans but occasionally act up—can also cause sporadic bouts of pain. The problem can even be a growth, tumor or inflammation of the gallbladder. It takes some careful diagnosing and tests like a CT scan or ultrasound to really get to the bottom of it.”

Symptoms

Depending on the type of gallbladder condition you may be experiencing, the following symptoms could be consistent or could come and go:¹

• Sharp, piercing pain in the abdomen or upper right quadrant, right under the rib cage
• Pain that radiates to the side, back or even right shoulder
• Rhythmic pain or constant pressure
• Pain after eating, especially fatty foods
• Stools that appear grayish or light in color
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever
• Dark urine
• Yellow skin or whites of the eyes
• Chest pain

“Other conditions can mimic gallbladder disease,” said Dr. Khan, “Appendicitis, irritable bowel disease, celiac disease, kidney stones, ulcers or other conditions can be causing your pain. That’s why you need a great diagnostic team, such as ours at Medco ER.”

Prevention

Gallbladder pain can be related to diets high in saturated fats and refined, processed foods. Try switching to a Mediterranean diet or a diet rich in fruits and vegetables and lean proteins. Whole grains, low-fat dairy and high fiber foods are all great choices. A good diet and regular exercise may reduce your risk of developing gallstones.²

Sugar, salt, red meat, fried foods, saturated fats are all things to avoid, as well as a sedentary lifestyle.

Treatment of Gallbladder Pain

Depending on the cause of your gallbladder pain, the treatment could vary from dietary and lifestyle changes to a cholecystectomy, or surgical removal of the gallbladder. Gallstones are not usually treated individually since they will likely just continue to grow back.²

When Should I Come to the ER?

Severe pain should not be ignored. It could indicate a serious condition.

“When the pain becomes serious and it is interfering with your life to the point where you can’t function, don’t hesitate to come to the ER,” said Dr. Khan. “We have the imaging equipment and board-certified physicians who will work hard to diagnose your condition.”

Get Help Fast at Medco ER 

When abdominal pain sidelines you from life, don’t delay. Medco ER is open 24/7 every day of the year. We can diagnose and treat gallbladder conditions and get you started on the road to healing.

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

Call us @ 469-747-0370

¹ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/what-causes-a-gallbladder-attack

² https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23355-gallbladder-pain

Taming the Tension Headache

What the Experts Say About Fractures

If you’re like most people, you spend little time thinking about your bone health. However, all it takes is one split-second accident, fall, sports injury or poor decision and your bone could fracture, or break. Or, what appeared to be a minor injury can lead to a fracture of the weakened bone down the road.¹ At Medco ER, we want you to have a basic understanding of fractures and how to correctly apply first aid on your way to our Plano, TX, facility. Let’s take a closer look at the two kinds of fractures and how to respond to them.

Simple Fracture

Also called a “closed fracture,” this kind of injury means the bone is broken but not protruding through the skin.

Compound Fracture

Also called an “open fracture,” this kind of break causes a fragment of bone to pierce the skin, thus, opening the skin into an external wound.

“In the event of a compound fracture,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan, “You should be careful not to touch it or allow any contaminants into the wound. The open skin is prone to infection so cover with something sterile, if possible. Don’t get overly involved in wrapping the wound, however. Just bring the patient to Medco ER right away. Our board-certified physicians can quickly respond to these kinds of emergencies.”

Symptoms of a Fracture

While it is not always easy to know if the bone is fractured or just bruised or the muscles sprained, there are some key symptoms you can look for such as:

• Sharp pain
• Guarding the area, not wanting anyone to touch it
• Misshapen area
• Swelling
• Warm to the touch
• Bruising or redness
• Protrusion and bleeding
• Numbness
• Inability or difficulty in moving the limb

Fracture First Aid

“Fractures need immediate medical attention, but you should first work to keep the patient calm,” said Dr. Khan. “Check their vitals. Are they breathing? Are they injured in other ways? Are they showing signs of shock? If possible, immobilize the wounded area with a makeshift splint, such as rolled up newspapers and strips of cloth. You can apply ice packs to reduce the swelling and try to keep the injury elevated as you come to the ER. For shock, keep the patient covered, calm and lying down. Bring the patient to Medco ER right away.”

How Can I Strengthen My Bones?

Wanting to prevent a potential fracture? There are some simple things you can do to build up bone density and strength.

• Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. It is especially important to get vitamin D and calcium in your diet.
• Get plenty of sunlight – at least 15 minutes each day on your skin – to replenish your vitamin D.
• Get help to stop smoking. Smoking increases your risk of fractures and delays healing.
• Drink milk not alcohol. Alcohol increases your risk of osteoporosis while calcium helps build up bones.
• Do simple, weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones and build up density. The more active you are, the lower your risk of osteoporosis.²

Get Help Fast at Medco ER 

Fractures are a part of life, and at Medco ER, we’re here to help you or your child when accidents happen. Our facility is open 24/7 and we have imaging equipment, such as X-ray and CT scan, and treatments at the ready to take good care of you.

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

• Call us @ 469-747-0370

¹ https://medlineplus.gov/fractures.html

² https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/bone-health/art-20045060

2 Diabetic Emergencies You Should Not Ignore

If living with diabetes is the new norm for you—as it is for 37 million Americans¹—your routine can make it easy to overlook changes and to make dietary mistakes that can quickly turn into diabetic emergency conditions that require medical care. Left untreated, these conditions can deteriorate into coma, seizures, or even death. Here are two diabetic-related emergency conditions that you absolutely cannot ignore and what you need to do when they happen.

Emergency #1 – High blood sugar

Hyperglycemia—or blood sugar that is too high—can be caused by illness, not eating enough, or low insulin. This condition can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in patients with Type 1 diabetes or nonketotic hyperosmolar syndrome in Type 2 diabetics. DKA can cause dehydration, abdominal pain, frequent urination, and dangerously low blood pressure.

Symptoms of DKA: patient may show confusion, fatigue, excessive thirst, fast breathing, nausea and vomiting. Patient may exhibit signs of shock including weakness, fast heart rate, sweating, dry skin, dry mouth, fruity breath, flushed face, headache, anxiety and disorientation. Left untreated, patient will lose consciousness and eventually die.

What to do for DKA: test your urine for high ketones using a test kit strip.² If the ketones are high, call your primary care physician immediately or come to Medco ER. Treatment may include fluid replacement, electrolyte replacement and insulin.³

“If you are experiencing high blood sugar, it is important to stop any physical activity,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Exercise elevates ketones and that is the opposite of what you need to happen when you’re in this position. Come to Medco ER right away for expert help stabilizing your blood sugar.” 

Emergency #2 – Low blood sugar

Hypoglycemia—or low glucose in the blood—can be caused by improper nutrition, illness, too much exercise, alcohol, heat or humidity, high altitude, or too much insulin. This diabetic emergency can lead to convulsions or seizures if left untreated.

Symptoms of low blood sugar: symptoms can vary but may include pale skin, lightheadedness, shaking, sweating, headache, fatigue, irritability, fast heart rate, confusion, difficulty speaking or eating, weakness, hunger, anxiety, or blurred vision.⁴

What to do for low blood sugar: text your blood sugar. If it is below 54mg/dL, you will be close to fainting.⁵ If someone is with you, try injecting glucagon from a kit provided by your physician. If no glucagon is available or if it isn’t enough to revive you and normalize your blood sugar levels in 15 minutes, call 911 or come to Medco ER right away.⁶

“If you don’t have glucagon or if you are still confused and your numbers are low, come to Medco ER right away,” said Dr. Khan. “We can help raise your blood sugar to get you out of the danger zone and back to feeling better again.”

Get Help Fast at Medco ER 

Don’t wait to the point of fainting or seizures before you respond to these two potential diabetic emergencies. Come in right away to the nearest Medco ER. No need to call ahead—we’re open 24/7 every day of the year and our board-certified physicians are experienced in responding to insulin-related crises. You’ll get top quality care at Medco ER.

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

            Call us @ 469-747-0370

• Carrollton: 2745 E Belt Line Road, Carrollton, TX 75006

Call us @ 469-840-4600

¹ https://www.diabetes.org/about-us/statistics/about-diabetes

² https://search.cdc.gov/search/?query=diabetic%20coma&dpage=1#results

³ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperglycemia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373635

⁴ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-hypoglycemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20371525

⁵ https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/low-blood-sugar.html

⁶ https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/low-blood-sugar-treatment.html

3 Myths About Dehydration that Could Hurt You

Summertime can be the busiest time of the year. Not only are you getting all your projects done, but you’re also squeezing in all the fun you can. This extra running, combined with our excessive Texas heat, can result in dehydration if you’re not careful with your water intake. Left unchecked, dehydration can quickly become serious.

Dehydration Explained

Dehydration is the lack of sufficient water for your body’s needs. Symptoms can begin with even as little as 1.5% fluid loss.¹

When the body is low on water, several adverse things begin to happen.

• Your heart must work harder to pump blood²
• Your muscles don’t move efficiently
• Your feet and hands may swell as your body retains fluid
• You start to feel really sick: dizzy, headache, dry mouth, pounding heart, shaky

Dehydration can be caused by not getting enough water and by exercising, drinking alcohol, taking certain medications, unrelenting hot weather, or by being sick with vomiting or diarrhea.

But many of us are used to living with a certain level of dehydration and we tell ourselves it will be ok because we’ve pushed the envelope before. Here are 3 common myths that need to be debunked when it comes to protecting yourself from the adverse effects of dehydration.

Myth #1 – Drink when you’re thirsty and you’ll be fine

“Waiting to drink water when you are thirsty is not the best plan of action against dehydration,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Your body will already be struggling to get back to a comfortable hydration point, especially if countering the effects of hot weather or exercise. Also, as you age, your thirst indicator becomes less noticeable and, thus, less reliable.” 

Pro Tip: Drink before you notice thirst and keep up the water intake throughout the day.

Myth #2 – Drinking a lot of water quickly will take care of it

Drinking excessive amounts of water at one time is not the best way to remain hydrated all day. Your body will rapidly purge more and retain less, leaving you still dehydrated as you keep working or the heat remains an issue.

Pro Tip: Drink small amounts of water throughout the day to make sure you are getting plenty.

Myth #3 – Dehydration is unpleasant but not dangerous

“Dehydration can quickly become dangerous and even deadly,” said Dr. Khan. “We treat patients all the time with IVs and electrolyte intervention to try to restore them to health. It’s not something to take lightly.”

Additionally, it can contribute to an imbalance of electrolytes—or hypernatremia—which can make you very sick. Another complication that is made worse by dehydration is low fluid levels in the cells of the body, or hypovolemia. Over time, liver and kidney damage can occur. Most of these complications can be alleviated with proper hydration habits.

Pro Tip: Help educate those around you and establish good hydration habits in their lives.

Symptoms of Dehydration³

• Dark-colored urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Less frequent urination
• Muscle cramps
• Lightheadedness, dizziness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fever, chills
• Drowsiness, fatigue
• Irritability
• Thirsty, dry mouth
• Confusion
• Weakness, shaking

Get Help Fast at Medco ER 

Babies, children, and seniors are among the highest risk group for dehydration. If you or someone you love is suffering from dehydration, come in right away to the nearest Medco ER, open all day and night. You will be met by a board-certified physician who is experienced in treating mild to severe dehydration.

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

            Call us @ 469-747-0370

• Carrollton: 2745 E Belt Line Road, Carrollton, TX 75006

Call us @ 469-840-4600

¹ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/9013-dehydration

² https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/fitness-basics/staying-hydrated-staying-healthy

³ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/symptoms-causes/syc-20354086 

Are Energy Drinks Really Bad for You?

A late morning or an early afternoon slump may have you reaching for an energy drink to boost your energy and power up for the rest of the day. Packaged in attractive and portable cans, these drinks seem like little more than a soda designed to give you wings. But regular consumption can actually result in a quick trip to the emergency room or a fast track to a chronic health condition like hypertension.¹

Marketed to youth, energy drinks are consumed mostly by children, teen and young adults. “While the American Academy of Pediatrics warns that children and adolescents should not consume energy drinks, there still are many who do,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “They seem mostly unaware of the risk they are taking in spiking their hormone levels, overdosing on caffeine, and gambling with exacerbating a latent condition they may not even know they have, such as a heart arrhythmia.” 

What’s in an energy drink? 

The main source of energy in an energy drink comes from caffeine. While caffeine content varies, energy drinks generally have three to six times the amount of caffeine as coffee does. Also, considering how quickly a can could be consumed, that could be comparable to drinking six cups of coffee in 30 minutes.

There are five basic components most energy drinks share.

• Caffeine – a legally addictive substance. Too much caffeine increases heart rate and blood pressure and causes insomnia and anxiety.²
• Taurine – an amino acid that possibly stimulates brain activity and increases physical performance.² A ban on taurine has made many energy drinks illegal in other countries.
• Sugar – most people don’t realize that energy drinks contain as much or more sugar than regular sodas. That’s a whopping amount of sugar to consume regularly and can result in unhealthy weight gain.
• Guarana – from a tropical plant from South America, these seeds contain a high caffeine content.³
• Glucuronolactone – claimed to be a caffeine-like stimulant, there is no scientific evidence to support its use.³

What does your energy drink do to your body? 

Caffeine triggers a supercharging of receptors which then release norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin in the brain.¹ Additionally, there is an increased risk of caffeine intoxication which causes a myriad of bad side effects and potentially lasting damage.

“Energy drinks can easily lead to caffeine overdoses which can lead to seizures, heart problems and death,” said Dr. Khan. “When combined with alcohol, the effects can be masked which can cause a person to not realize how much damage they are doing to their body.”

What are common symptoms of an energy drink-related emergency?

• Seizures
• Heart complications – irregular heartbeat, racing heart, heart failure
• Hypertension
• Hypotension
• Dehydration
• Anxiety
• Insomnia

How can I get an energy boost without the risk of energy drinks?

Eating a well-balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables can help you get the vitamins and minerals needed to keep your energy at an even keel. Protein can give you long-lasting energy burns. Low-to-no caffeine teas or coffee can also be substituted for energy drinks. Sports drinks have a lot of additives but can be researched and considered as an alternative to energy drinks.

Getting plenty of water will help your body operate at its peak. Milk and 100% fruit juice should be offered in place of manufactured drinks.⁴ Sales of these drinks should take the place of energy drinks in schools and colleges.⁵

Get Help Fast at Medco ER 

If you are experiencing any adverse symptoms from energy drink consumption or alcohol mixed with energy drinks, come in right away to the nearest Medco ER. We are open 24/7 every day of the year and our board-certified physicians are experienced in diagnosing and treating these conditions.  

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

Call us @ 469-747-0370

• Carrollton: 2745 E Belt Line Road, Carrollton, TX 75006

Call us @ 469-840-4600

¹ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8083152/

² https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/taurine/faq-20058177

³ https://fherehab.com/learning/energy-drink-overdose

⁴ https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/nutrition/energy.htm

⁵ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4320741/

When IBS is an Emergency

Top 10 Reasons to Go to the ER

Healthcare today gives you more choices than ever before. You can go to the doctor’s office, urgent care clinic, telehealth visit or emergency room. Even with all these choices, some choose to stay home and tough it out. But there are times when the emergency room is absolutely the right choice. The board-certified physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, have compiled ten reasons when going to the ER is your only option.

“If you’re wondering whether or not to go to the ER, ask yourself if it is not getting better over time, if pain has you sidelined, or if there is one of the warning signs of a serious condition,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “If you answer yes to any of those points, it’s best to come immediately and let us examine you.”

Blood Loss

Whenever the body is losing blood, a trip to the ER is the right thing to do. This could include any of the following:

• Coughing blood
• Vomiting blood
• Passing blood in the stool
• Excessive bleeding from a laceration
• Bleeding from a fracture
• Uncontrolled bloody nose

Fracture or Tear

If you have an injury and you’re not sure whether it is broken, fractured, torn or just bruised, your doctor at Medco ER can help. We can X-ray the area, apply a brace, or refer you to a specialist when needed.

Warning signs include: numbness or cold in the extremity that is injured, pain when moving the limb, bleeding accompanying the fracture, bone protruding, or misalignment of the limb. For any of these symptoms, go to Medco ER immediately.

Breathing Difficulties

If you or someone you love is struggling to breathe, pulling hard at each breath, making a wheezing sound with a breath, showing blueish discoloration around the mouth or fingertips, or has chest tightness, go to the nearest ER immediately. Whether it is a complication of COVID-19, an asthma attack, COPD or another cause, breathing difficulties must be addressed as an emergency.¹

Chest Pain

Sudden or growing pain in the chest, jaw, neck, arm or back could indicate a heart problem that is an emergency. Other symptoms could include:²

• Tightness in chest
• Uncomfortable fullness feeling
• Heartburn
• Squeezing feeing in chest
• Pain in one or both arms
• Cold sweat
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Shortness of breath

Stroke Symptoms

Symptoms of a stroke can come on suddenly and unexpectedly. If someone exhibits these symptoms, call 911 immediately.² Every minute counts.

• Confusion or disorientation
• Arm weakness
• Partial paralysis or difficulty moving
• Unexplained drowsiness
• Difficulty speaking
• Change in vision
• Face drooping

Loss of Consciousness

Any time someone has lost consciousness, whether for a short time or is unresponsive, take them to the nearest ER or call 911. Loss of consciousness accompanied by seizures should also be seen by a physician immediately.

Head Injury

If you have fallen and hit your head, been hit in the head by an object, or had a severe shaking of the head, you might sustain a head injury or a concussion. Here are some warning signs³ that require a visit to the ER:

• Pain from the injury
• Confusion or disorientation
• Loss of consciousness
• Ringing of the ears
• Sudden drowsiness or fatigue
• Vision changes
• Nausea or vomiting
• Slurred speech

Burns

If you are suffering from a burn, consider the severity. Just going by pain level alone isn’t enough since minor burns often hurt worse than major burns.⁴ If it covers a large area, has penetrated deep, has discolored the skin, has swollen the area or has caused blisters, a trip to Medco ER is a good idea.

Abdominal Pain

Pain in the abdomen can indicate one of several conditions. All of them require immediate medical intervention. “If you’ve experienced abdominal pain for any length of time, it’s a good idea to come in and let us check you out,” said Dr. Khan. “It could be anything from a bleeding ulcer to gallbladder stones to a cyst. With a thorough examination and imaging scan, we should be able to diagnose the problem.”

Extreme Pain

If you’re experiencing extreme pain that isn’t responding to over-the-counter medication and isn’t getting better with time and rest, your body is trying to tell you something. It’s time to go to Medco ER.

• Migraine or headache
• Back pain
• Shooting pain
• Chest pain
• Pain when eating
• Pain that takes away your appetite
• Throbbing pain
• Eye pain
• Toothache
• Stomach pain

What to Expect at Medco ER

When you go to Medco ER, you can expect to receive fast, quality healthcare with little-to-no wait time. Open 24/7 every day of the year, Medco ER gives you fast access to a board-certified physician and much of the same imaging equipment found in a hospital emergency department. Our in-house pharmacy carries rapid results labs and medications needed to treat many conditions. Try one of our two convenient locations for rapid response healthcare.

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

            Call us @ 469-747-0370

• Carrollton: 2745 E Belt Line Road, Carrollton, TX 75006 

            Call us @ 469-840-4600

¹ https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/shortness-of-breath/basics/definition/sym-20050890

² https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/heart-attack-and-stroke-symptoms

³ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/concussion/symptoms-causes/syc-20355594

⁴ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12063-burns