emergency room Plano Tag

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

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

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

8 Tips for a Healthy Holiday

Looking forward to the elaborate holiday feasts but dreading your blood sugar swings, exhaustion and weight gain? At Medco ER & Urgent Care in Plano, TX, our board-certified physicians have put together 8 tips to help you make the best choices for a home run healthy, happy holiday season.

“The holidays are fraught with tension, extra work and poor eating choices,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “But with a bit of planning, you can reduce your stress and feel better as you spend time with loved ones.”

Avoid feast or famine

It’s easy to skip a meal or two in advance to get ready for a big holiday feast, and then pile it on once you get to the table. This is a sure way to make your blood sugar swing wildly. Instead, eat a small snack before going to the party and watch your portions once you get there.

Make it count

While you don’t have to rigidly count calories at your family gatherings, it is advisable to be judicial in choosing where you are willing to spend the most calories. Choose your favorite foods and take smaller portions of them.¹

Drink more not less

Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. But go easy on the rest of the drinks. Remember that egg nog, punch, soda and alcoholic drinks can pack a whopping amount of calories where a fruited water spritzer has none. Also, alcohol makes you hungrier and reduces your ability to make healthy choices.¹

Say goodbye to stress

Knowing that stress levels will be high during the holidays, you can make a plan now for ways to reduce it. Simplify your expectations to center on the most important people and traditions. Plan breaks for yourself.² Choose shortcuts for the month, such as preparing freezer-ready meals in advance. Get plenty of rest. Eat well and exercise.

Slower is better

Remembering that it takes up to 20 minutes for your brain to get the signal that your stomach is full, take longer between courses and go slow on second helpings. A side benefit is less heartburn from not overeating.

Green is good

If you are a snacker, make sure there are plenty of fresh vegetables to grab. Avoid standing next to the snack table where it is tempting to grab more chips. Make sure you put plenty of veggies on your plate during the feast, too.³

Sneak in the substitutions

Don’t be afraid to look for healthier options for traditional foods. No one will mind that there is Monkfruit sweetener in the pies, chicken broth with only a bit of butter in the stuffing, hummus for raw veggies or yogurt dip for the fruit tray. Healthy choices like fanciful pear-pomegranate-pistachio salads with raspberry vinaigrettes can joyfully replace traditional butter-swamped or mushroom soup-covered hot vegetables.

Avoid the allergens

If you suffer from food allergies or are sensitive to things like gluten or monosodium glutamate (MSG), keep that in mind before diving into the dips, cookies and other scrumptious-looking treats. Russian tea cakes have ground up nuts and flavored chips and dips often have MSG.

Medco ER & Urgent Care is here when you need us

Since medical concerns don’t care if it’s the holidays or if it’s the middle of the night, Medco ER & Urgent Care is open all day and night, every day of the year, to provide you with the quality healthcare you need. If you or your loved ones aren’t feeling well, come in right away for an expert evaluation and treatment plan.

• Plano location:

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

            Call us @ 469-392-4000

¹ https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/12-tips-for-holiday-eating-201212242506

² https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/holiday-stress-try-our-top-5-tips-for-a-healthy-holiday-season

³ https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/holidays-healthy-eating.html

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

² https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fantibiotic-use%2Fcommunity%2Ffor-patients%2Fcommon-illnesses%2Futi.html

³ https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/bladder-infection-uti-in-adults/all-content

Is it Appendicitis?

A sharp, piercing side pain is obviously appendicitis—or inflammation of the appendix—but what if your pain is more of a general throbbing, vague abdominal pain, or upset stomach? One of the greatest emergency room challenges is figuring out what is causing your abdominal pain. At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, we are experienced in pinpointing the source of your abdominal pain and finding the treatment that’s right for you.

“Appendicitis doesn’t always manifest in a simple way,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “But our board-certified emergency medicine physicians are able to use our in-house diagnostic tools to find the root of the pain.”

Causes of Appendicitis

While the cause of appendicitis may not always be clear, here are some common reasons:¹

• Blockage of the opening of the appendix
• Enlarged wall tissue in the appendix caused by an infection in gastrointestinal system
• Disease such as inflammatory bowel disease
• Parasites
• Growths in the appendix
• Matter that clogs the appendix
• Abdominal trauma

Symptoms of Appendicitis

• Pain or discomfort in abdomen, often near the belly button
• Pain localized on lower right side
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal tenderness
• Loss of appetite
• Malaise
• Stiff abdomen

Diagnosis of Appendicitis

To diagnose your abdominal pain to determine if it is appendicitis, your physician will do a physical exam including checking for abdominal stiffness and the tendency to guard or react when pressed. A rectal or pelvic exam may be performed to locate the source of the pain. A blood test may show an elevated white blood cell count which may mean you have an infection. A urine test will eliminate a urinary tract infection or kidney stone that would be causing pain. Finally, an imaging exam, such as a CT scan, X-ray or ultrasound may be used in diagnosis.²

Treatment for Appendicitis

“There is really only one treatment for appendicitis – an appendectomy,” said Dr. Khan. “If the appendix hasn’t ruptured, it is a straightforward procedure that can be done as a minimally invasive surgery to remove the appendix. Recovery should be rapid and antibiotics may be prescribed to ward off infection. However, if the appendix ruptured, the surgery and recovery will be more extensive.”

Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

Appendicitis is a serious medical condition. If left untreated, sepsis may occur, which is life-threatening. If you are experiencing pain or have any of these symptoms, come to Medco ER & Urgent Care right away:

• Abdominal pain or back pain
• Intense pain on your right side
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills

Get help fast at Medco ER & Urgent Care

With little-to-no wait time, you can get right into an exam room and be seen by a board-certified physician within minutes. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we offer you top-quality care from physicians rather than PAs, CNPs or assistants. Our ER is equipped with the imaging and lab equipment needed to quickly diagnose and to treat your abdominal pain. Open 24/7 every day of the year, we’re here when you need us.

• Plano location:

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

            Call us @ 469-392-4000

¹ https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/appendicitis/symptoms-causes

² https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/appendicitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369549

3 Things to Know About Your Gallbladder

A pulsing, throbbing pain on the right side of your abdomen has traditionally been considered an appendix issue, but if it is a little higher, right under the first rib, it actually may be a gallbladder attack. The gallbladder, a small, pear-shaped organ, sits quietly, tucked under the liver on your right side. When it becomes inflamed or when stones or sludge block the bile duct, it can cause a sharp and sudden pain in your abdomen, back or shoulder blades. Sometimes, it can cause you to feel nauseous or feverish. At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, we commonly diagnose and treat gallbladder disease and gallstones.

“Gallbladder inflammation, stones or sludge can cause severe pain and can become a very serious condition very quickly,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “We can diagnose using ultrasound, CT scan and in-house blood tests and can get you the treatment you need right away.”

Causes of gallbladder disease

Gallbladder inflammation can be caused by a blocked bile duct. The gallbladder releases bile after you eat. It goes into a shared duct that the liver and pancreas also use. If stones that form in the gallbladder are released into the duct, they can get stuck there and block the flow of bile, causing the gallbladder to become inflamed and possibly even infected.¹

What causes gallstones? Gallstones are possibly caused by an excess build-up of cholesterol or bilirubin, a digestive fluid.²

While gallstones are the most common cause of gallbladder inflammation, some others include tumors, abscesses, congenital defects, cancer and infection.

Gallbladder disease is on the rise

Gallbladder disease is becoming more prevalent and the median age is lowering, as well. Since it is linked to obesity and diabetes, which are also on the rise, it stands to reason that gallbladder disease is also increasing.³

Gallbladder disease can be life-threatening

“A blocked bile duct is serious,” said Dr. Khan. “The pancreas uses the same duct and when it is blocked, it starts to deteriorate. When you are experiencing severe abdominal pain, it is important to come right away to Medco ER. We are here 24/7 to help you.”

Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

If you have any of these symptoms, come to Medco ER & Urgent Care right away:

• Intense abdominal pain or back pain or shoulder pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Dark urine
• Light colored stools
• Skin or eyes turning yellow or jaundiced

Get help fast at Medco ER & Urgent Care

Have you felt intermittent pain in the upper abdominal area? It is possible you have been experiencing biliary colic pain. This means you have possibly already experienced stones passing through the gallbladder and bile duct. If the pain increases or is ongoing, come in right away for quality medical care. Our ER offers almost no wait time and fast access to board-certified physicians. Open all day and night, we’re here when you need us.

• Plano location:

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

            Call us @ 469-392-4000

¹ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15265-gallbladder-swelling–inflammation-cholecystitis

² https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/gallstones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354214

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