What to do When Your Child has a Foreign Object in the Body
Toddlers and children tend to put things in their mouths as they explore and learn about their world. Many parents have at least one story of discovering a penny in a diaper, and most others have swept something out of their baby’s mouth just in time. However, once in a while, a foreign object enters the body—either accidentally or on purpose—and the consequences are much more serious. When this happens, the physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are standing by with expert help available.
“We’ve seen young children who have inserted a foreign object into a nostril or ear canal or have swallowed a button battery, but we’ve also seen adults who have accidentally inhaled or swallowed something harmful, or have gotten a shard embedded in their eye,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “In any case, we know exactly what to do to help the patient.”
Dangers of Foreign Object in the Body
If a foreign object remains lodged inside the body, any of a number of dangerous things can occur. The body can go into shock, nearby organs can be damaged, infection can grow, and tissue can be permanently scarred. Occasionally, if left untreated, death can occur.
“It’s common sense to know that you need to have an emergency physician help with an impalement or other obvious foreign object penetration, but especially with little children, it takes a careful diagnosis to discover the problem if it is internal,” said Dr. Vora.
Symptoms of a Foreign Object Lodged Inside the Body
Throat:
If something is stuck in the esophagus, the patient may still be able to swallow, though there will be a burning pain. Even after the object has passed into the stomach, the esophagus may still hurt as if it was still lodged there. When the esophagus is completely blocked, the patient will be unable to swallow saliva and will drool and spit. The saliva may contain blood, which indicates trauma in the throat. There may be a vomit reflex with nothing coming up. The patient will have difficulty breathing. At Medco ER, we are able to resolve the obstruction in the esophagus at times with IV medication or refer to a GI specialist in more complicated situations.
Eye:
Easiest to recognize, a foreign body in the eye causes obvious symptoms. Watery eyes, runny nose and pain when blinking are all symptoms of something in the eye. A tiny sliver of glass, metal or wood in the eye can cause extreme pain. At Medco ER, we have the tools to identify and remove the foreign body from the eye using anesthetic eye drops with pain relief.
Stomach and Intestines:
If there is a foreign body in the stomach or intestines, the patient can experience cramps, pain and bloating. Abdominal cramps and area tenderness may be present. Nausea and vomiting may also occur. Young children may seem lethargic and stop eating. It is important to identify certain types of foreign objects (such as a battery) in the stomach, which require urgent medical attention.
Skin:
Also reasonably easy to diagnose, a foreign object embedded in the skin is often visible. A raised, painful lump that gathers fluid may be the first indication. If the area becomes red and pus is present, there is likely something in the skin. At Medco ER, we can oftentimes remove the foreign object from underneath the skin and treat the infection right away.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a foreign object in the body usually includes an imaging tool such as an X-ray, CT scan or endoscopy. Your physician will do a thorough diagnosis to discover the type and location of the offending object.
Treatment
“To remove a foreign object, surgery may be required,” said Dr. Vora. “An endoscopy procedure may be able to retrieve an esophagus or stomach invader without further surgical intervention. A foreign object in the rectum may be able to be removed manually. An object in the eye or skin is usually able to be removed with minimal difficulty.” Once the object is removed and the wound closed, further treatments such as IV fluids, antibiotics or a tetanus shot may be needed to help the body heal.
Fast Help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
When you suspect there’s something wrong with your child, or when someone has an encounter with a foreign object in his or her body, the emergency physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are standing by to offer top healthcare services. Our no-wait ER is open 24/7 for all your medical needs. Our highly trained staff respond quickly to determine the severity of each condition and to provide appropriate care to each patient.
- 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.
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.
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.
The 7 Biggest Advantages of a Freestanding ER Over a Hospital ER
Have you ever wondered how a freestanding emergency room differs from an attached hospital ER? The answers may surprise you.
In recent years, freestanding ERs have skyrocketed in popularity in the greater Dallas Fort Worth region as people realize the landslide of advantages freestanding ERs offer over hospital ERs. Since freestanding ERs can address almost all common emergency conditions that you or your family may encounter, the benefits are worth noting.
Here are the top 7 advantages of a freestanding ER:
1. No wait time
Emergencies don’t wait and neither should you. Waiting in a crowded, possibly germ-filled waiting room is a chore that the freestanding ERs have eliminated. Within minutes upon your arrival, you can be shown to a private room. A physician will be immediately alerted to your needs. Our locations are squeaky clean and we always keep patients at safe distances from one another.
2. More face-to-face time with the doctor
Less time waiting and more time spent talking with the doctor is one of the most important benefits of going to a freestanding ER. “Our patients are our top priority. We make sure we can spend all the time you need to make sure you get some of the highest quality care available,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora.
3. Board-certified physicians standing by
Unlike hospital ERs, you won’t be seen by a physician assistant (PA), medical assistant (MA) or a certified nurse practitioner (CNP). At Medco ER & Urgent Care, you have immediate access to a board-certified physician with years of experience in treating emergency conditions.
4. On-site imaging equipment and labs
Our fast-result labs are available on-site to aid in proper diagnostic and treatment. Getting the answers right away for your medical questions can help speed you on the way to recovery. Cardiac labs are available to diagnose urgent heart conditions. Imaging equipment such as X-rays, EKG and ultrasounds are in-house for fast and accurate diagnosis of your medical condition.
5. Efficient billing
We accept most insurance plans at Medco ER & Urgent Care. Our billing department understands the ins and outs of a myriad of insurance benefits and billing requirements. We will work with you to provide all the help you need to understand your bill and the next steps to take. We do not bill patients for the difference between in-network and out-of-network reimbursement, so there are no unwelcome surprises in your bill.
6. Concierge service
Our hospitality service offers complimentary beverages and snacks. The person who drove you or accompanied you will appreciate our clean waiting room stocked with refreshments. If appropriate, you may also enjoy snacks and a sports drink to unwind and rehydrate during your visit.
7. Courtesy call directly from the doctor after your ER visit
You will be pleased to receive a follow-up phone call from your doctor after you visit our emergency room. We want to track your progress and make sure you are on your way to feeling better.
Which freestanding ER should I go to?
When it comes to receiving fast, friendly and excellent medical care, it’s important to choose the freestanding ER with a stellar reputation. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we’re proud of our top star ratings that showcase our quality healthcare services.
When you are dealing with an emergency or urgent condition, you need the freestanding ER that’s readily available. “We’re open 24/7 every day of the year to make sure you have the quality care you need at just the right time,” said Dr. Vora.
Where can I find a Medco ER & Urgent Care?
For fast medical help, Medco ER & Urgent Care is available in two convenient locations close to home and work. Visit us any time at:
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road. Call us @ 469-392-4000.
- Frisco: 5600 Eldorado Parkway across from McDonald’s and Costco. Call us @ 469-392-4100.