When is Fever an Emergency?
A fever is an elevated body temperature that is part of the body’s response to something else, like an infection. As one of the most common reasons people go to the emergency room (ER), fevers are in the spotlight today and the physicians at Medco ER have some tips to help you know when to go to the ER for a fever.
Temperature Range
While each body is different and can vary slightly in normal range of temperature, the average body temperature has been designated as 98.6˚ F (37˚ C). If taken by mouth, a temperature of 100˚ F (37.8˚ C) or higher is considered a fever.1
Causes
A fever can be caused by any of a number of conditions. Most often, it is caused by an infection. Less often, a condition such as an autoimmune disorder or cancer can cause a low-grade fever. It can also be caused by medications or some vaccinations.2
“A fever can be the first indicator that something is wrong,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “If you have strep, a urinary tract infection, the flu, or a sinus infection, your body’s immune system will be in high gear which is manifested as a fever.”
Symptoms
A fever can be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms including:
- Headache
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomachache
- Difficulty or pain when urinating
- Rash
- Stiff neck
- Swollen glands
- Sweating
- Chills
- Muscle aches
- Weakness
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
- Weakness
“If any of these accompanying symptoms seem unusual, alarming or persistent, come to Medco ER right away,” said Dr. Khan.
How to Take Your Temperature
There are a variety of thermometers available today including ones for oral, rectal, forehead and ear. The most accurate place to get a temperature reading is the rectum and the least accurate place is the armpit.2
Most physicians recommend using a digital thermometer for an oral temperature reading. Write down the temperature, the device used and the location on the body to tell your physician.
Go to the ER
Fevers are especially concerning in infants and toddlers. Come to the ER if your infant has a temperature higher than 100˚ F. If your baby is 3 to 24 months old and has a temperature of 102˚ F or higher, come to the ER. If your baby has a fever and is sluggish, irritable, uncomfortable and listless, come to Medco ER for an evaluation.
If your baby or child has a runny nose, cough, diarrhea or vomiting along with a fever, seek help from a physician. If the fever has lasted more than 3 days, it’s time to seek medical help.
Warning signs include: listlessness, confusion, unable to awaken, loss of consciousness, change in speech, difficulty breathing, seizure, abdominal pain, painful urination, headache, stiff neck, rash, dehydration, or repeated vomiting.
“You know your child,” said Dr. Khan. “If he or she is especially uncomfortable with a fever, you know something is going on. Don’t hesitate to bring her to Medco ER for an evaluation.”
Medco ER is Open 24/7
Fevers don’t follow a schedule and neither does Medco ER. We are open all day and night—every day of the year—to make sure you have fast access to some of the best medical care in the area. Our rapid results labs can detect many infections and help target treatments to get you or your child 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
1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/fever/symptoms-causes/syc-20352759
2 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/10880-fever
Why Heat Stroke is a Big Problem
When you’re out in the heat for too long and your internal body temperature crests 104˚, you’ve entered into the red zone known as heat stroke/heatstroke. A life-threatening condition, heatstroke can cause dizziness and confusion to the point that you can no longer help yourself. That’s why the medical professionals at Medco ER are here to explain heat stroke and what you can do to avoid it.
Complications of Heat Stroke
People who become highly overheated can slip into a coma. They can experience liver, brain, nerve or kidney damage. Blood flow to the heart can be reduced. Muscles can die. Heat stroke, left without medical intervention, can result in death.1
Types of Heat Stroke
There are two types of heat stroke: exertional and non-exertional. Exertional results from physical overexertion in the heat and can come on quickly. Non-exertional may take a few days to manifest and it may be related to other health issues.1
Heat stroke can occur from exposure to a hot, possibly humid, environment and strenuous activity. It can occur from wearing the wrong, hot clothing. Drinking alcohol interferes with your body’s ability to regulate its temperature. Not drinking enough water or electrolytes means your body dehydrates from sweat loss.2
Symptoms
As soon as the first symptoms of heat stroke show up, it is a medical emergency. Have someone bring you to the Plano Medco ER for immediate treatment. Here are the symptoms to watch out for:1
- Dry skin that no longer sweats
- Wet skin that continues to sweat after you stop exerting yourself
- Coordination and balance problems
- Confusion, slurred speech
- Dizziness
- Red, flushed, hot skin
- Weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Low urine output
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid heart rate
- Seizure
- Bubbling sound in lungs
- Unconsciousness
- Headache
Stages of Heat-Related Illness
“When you become so overheated that you can no longer cool yourself down with rest, water or sports drink, cold packs, and air conditioning, your physical decline can be rapid,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Heat exhaustion can easily become heat stroke if you try to push through. If you can’t get on top of your heat-related illness, come in right away to Medco ER. We will likely start an IV and begin trying to safely cool your body down.”
Prevention of Heat Stroke
Be aware of overheating when working or playing in hot, humid conditions. Keep these preventative tips in mind:1
- Avoid working or playing outside in the heat.
- Continually drink water or sports drinks in hot conditions.
- If you are new to the area or the climate, gradually acclimate your body to it.
- Make sure your car has working air conditioning and don’t sit in it when it is idle.
- Use sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
- Choose light, loose clothing made with light colors.
- Be aware of medications that can affect your ability to regulate temperature such as blood pressure, ADHD, antidepressants, beta blockers and antihistamine medications.
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
With this extreme heat, when you show the first signs of overheating that no longer responds to normal care, come to Medco ER for fast help from board-certified physicians. Since sickness doesn’t always happen during work hours, we’re open 24/7 to provide you with some of the best emergency care available in Plano, TX.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21812-heatstroke
2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heat-stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20353581
Don’t Be Sidelined by an Asthma Attack
When your chest is tight, you can’t catch your breath, and you are wheezing and coughing, it could be an asthma condition flaring up. Asthma is a long-term disease that is not curable but can be managed or controlled. It affects 25 million people in the United States.1 Asthma can restrict your airways and increase mucus production, causing breathing difficulties. When asthma gets out of control, it’s good to know the physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, are standing by to help.
Risk Factors for Asthma
You may be at risk for asthma if someone in your immediate family has been diagnosed with it. Allergies can contribute to asthma. Common triggers can cause an asthma attack. Environmental exposure to smoke, mold, dampness, dust mites, wood dust, chemicals, and air pollution can also increase your risk of developing asthma.2 If you have a history of viral respiratory infections, your chances of developing asthma increase. Also, obesity increases the risk of asthma.3
Diagnosing Asthma
Asthma can be detected by examining your family history and by running breathing tests such as spirometry, peak flow test, pulse oximetry and nitric oxide measurement.4 A chest or sinus X-ray may be ordered, and a blood test and allergy tests may be used to diagnose asthma.1
Types of Asthma
Asthma is a condition that can be categorized into different types. Knowing your particular type of asthma can determine the kind of treatment and management plan needed. The different types include:5
- Allergy asthma
- Aspirin-induced asthma
- Cough asthma
- Exercise-induced asthma
- Nighttime asthma
- Steroid-resistant asthma
- Occupational asthma
Emergency Room Visits
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical help at the nearest Medco ER or emergency room.
- Persistent shortness of breath
- Blue tinged lips or fingernails
- Straining to breathe
- Tightness of chest
- Coughing a lot
- Changing posture to try to breathe
- Difficulty speaking
- Feeling confused or agitated
- Loss of consciousness
“If you are having trouble breathing and your medication isn’t helping, come to see us right away,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “We’re here 24/7 to help with your asthma attack.”
Treatment may include medications such as short-acting beta agonists, oral corticosteroids, bronchodilator, intubation, and oxygen. You may be kept for observation for a few hours to ensure your asthma is under control.6
Prevention Tips for Asthma Management
“See your doctor regularly for a plan of action that includes medications and management skills to help prevent flare-ups,” said Dr. Khan.
Controlling or managing your asthma requires a consistent plan of action. Take your medication consistently, even when you don’t have asthma symptoms.2 You can consider your asthma well controlled if you need your inhaler less than 3 times per week, do not wake up in the night with an asthma attack, and can go about your daily activities and exercise with few to no symptoms.7
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
When asthma attacks happen, you can find fast help at Medco ER. Our board-certified physicians are experienced in treating asthma and are ready to respond immediately to your condition.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
2 https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/faqs.htm
4 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma-attack/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354274
5 https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/learn-about-asthma/types
6 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma-attack/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354274
7 https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/managing-asthma
When Your Skin Condition is an Emergency
Summer is the time when rashes, sunburns and skin infections most often occur. Being outdoors, in the sun, around insects, animals, and new allergens can present skin problems. These common culprits can create skin conditions that require immediate medical attention. The physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, are experienced in diagnosing and treating urgent skin problems as soon as they arise.
Skin conditions can be painful and serious. Our rapid results labs can support a fast and accurate diagnosis of a variety of skin flare-ups. If you are experiencing any of a number of common skin conditions, come into Medco ER any time day or night to find a board-certified physician ready to treat you.
Common Skin Conditions
- Skin infections
- Dermatitis
- Rosacea
- Poison ivy or poison oak
- Cat scratch fever1
- Sunburn
- Rocky Mountain spotted fever1
- Necrotizing fasciitis1
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome1
- Toxic shock syndrome1
- Angioedema2
- Eczema2
- Psoriasis2
- Meningitis2
- Septicemia2
- Hives
- Ringworm3
- Drug reaction side effect3
- Heat rash3
- Shingles3
- Swimmer’s itch3
Common Symptoms
Skin conditions can be accompanied by a rash. Rashes can look or feel like:4
- Blisters
- Raised, red, swollen area
- Patches of discoloration or blotches
- Ring shaped or perfect circles
- Lacy in appearance
- Thick or leathery
- Scaly and flakey
- Raised bumps
- Red welts
- Oozing or pus-filled
- Hot to the touch
- Tight skin
Warning Signs
If your rash is accompanied by a fever, headache, muscle weakness or nausea, it’s time to come to Medco ER for help. If your skin condition is accompanied by difficulty breathing or tightness of the chest, you could be experiencing an anaphylactic reaction and need immediate ER care.
If your rash or skin condition covers a large part of your body or your whole body, that is a warning sign that you need to be seen at the ER. Discoloration, mouth sores, sore throat, diarrhea or joint pain accompanying a rash are other indicators that something is wrong.
Skin conditions that have swelling, discharge, crusting and are warm to the touch are indicators of infection and require medical care. Sepsis is a risk where infection is present.
Finally, if you are immunocompromised such as from having had surgery, cancer treatment, or a recent injury, and you develop a skin condition, come in to Medco ER and let us examine you right away.
“Skin conditions can be alarming because they can appear rapidly and cause extreme discomfort,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “That’s why we advise you to come in right away. Also, if your skin condition is infected, we can administer IV antibiotics at Medco ER that you wouldn’t be able to get at a doctor’s office or an urgent care.”
Prevention Tips
“While it is difficult to predict what may cause a skin irritation or condition, there are some basic things you can do to keep your skin healthy,” said Dr. Khan. “Keep your skin clean and dry. Avoid contact with harsh chemicals. Apply moisturizer with an SPF rating and use sunscreen when going outside. If you tend to get heat rash from skin-on-skin contact, sometimes weight loss can help. Use flip flops in the shower or locker room. If you are going hiking or outdoors, apply bug spray and check for ticks regularly.”
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
When skin conditions or rashes flare up, you can find fast help at Medco ER. We’re open 24/7 and have an in-house pharmacy with many prescriptions and creams designed to help common skin problems.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2010/1001/p773.html
How To Keep Your Young Athlete Safe in Sports
The warm weather sports season has children and teens of all ages streaming onto fields, courts, rinks, gyms and diamonds to get the most out of their chance to play organized sports. But the dark side of kids’ sports is the high rate of injuries that occur when kids get together to play an organized game. The good news is that many of these sports injuries can be prevented, allowing kids to play their favorite sports in good health. The physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, have put together some prevention tips and information you need to know to keep your young athlete in the game and feeling great.
Prevention Tips1
- Stretching and warmups
- Protective equipment that fits properly and meets safety standards
- Hydration
- Sleep
- Rotate sports and cross train muscle groups to keep from overwork or repetitive movements
- Safe surfaces to play on
- Adult supervision
- Doctor’s physical exam – make sure your child or teen is playing a sport that is a good fit for his/her athletic ability
- Healthy, balanced diet
- Listen to trainer and learn proper techniques to avoid injuries
- Rest an injury early on and get prompt medical attention
“Many sports injuries in children could be greatly improved by rest and recovery rather than pushing through and playing with pain,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “It’s important for parents to step in to make sure the child’s ongoing good health is the main concern.”
Types Sports Injuries
Acute injuries – sudden impact or fall that can result in minor scrapes or major injuries like broken bones or an eye injury.
Overuse injuries – repetitive stress injuries from doing the same motion or movement over and over again. Overuse often occurs in joints and can disrupt normal bone growth.
Reinjuries – repeat injury, often caused by returning to the sport before the original injury has had time to fully heal.2
Most Common Sports Injuries
Some of the most common sports injuries in children center around joint pain and injuries. A sprained ankle, twisted knee, frozen shoulder or wrist injury are all common problems. Concussions are also a common injury. Tendonitis, stress fractures and eye injuries are also very common.3
When to go to the ER
“Any time your young athlete is experiencing severe, sudden or ongoing pain, it’s time to come to Medco ER,” said Dr. Khan. “Any joint swelling, immobility, popping noise, recurring pain or impeded playing are all indicators that your child needs medical attention. Signs of a concussion such as dizziness, fatigue and nausea also require a doctor’s intervention. We’re here when your child or teen needs help.”
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
If your young athlete has experienced consistent pain from sports or has a new joint injury or pain, come see us right away. Open 24/7, we are conveniently located on Legacy Drive and have imaging equipment to diagnose common sports injuries. Skip the long lines and enjoy fast, quality medical care to help your child start to feel better.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/pain-management/types-of-pain/youth-sports/
2 https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sports-safety.html
3 https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/a-guide-to-safety-for-young-athletes/
What You Need to Know About Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD)
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more common than you might imagine. Highly contagious, sexually transmitted diseases occur at a rate of 25 million each year in the United States.1 At Medco ER in Plano, TX, our board-certified physicians offer prevention education, testing and treatment for common STDs. Fortunately, most conditions are treatable and can be cured, though they may still reoccur at a future date.
Prevention2
The best way to prevent a sexually transmitted disease is abstinence from all forms of sexual contact.
Vaccinations are available for hepatitis B and HPV (Human Papillomavirus) but not for the other common forms of STDs.
Control and reduce the number of sexual partners you have. This doesn’t remove your risk and you still need to be tested regularly for STDs.
Agreeing on a mutually monogamous relationship with one long-term partner is another option that slashes your risks.
Use condoms according to manufacturer’s specifications each time for every kind of sexual contact to protect yourself against STDs.
“Prevention is the most important thing in protecting yourself against STDs,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Educating yourself and having frank, open discussions with your partner is the first step in prevention.”
Symptoms
Early symptoms to watch out for include:3
- Infection symptoms: fever, sore throat, swollen glands, headache, rash, lethargy, night sweats, appetite loss, joint pain, body aches
- Pain: during urination, lower abdominal, during sexual intercourse, testicular, genital, anal, inner thighs
- Itching, burning or irritation
- Unusual discharge from vagina or penis
- Strong odor
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Cough, shortness of breath
- Rash, bumps, blisters, warts, pimples or swelling in genital or anal areas
- Bleeding with sexual intercourse
- Dark urine
- Jaundice (yellowing skin or whites of the eyes)
Testing
Your provider will discuss the different test options that pinpoint different STDs, depending on your risk factors and possible symptoms. Testing could include:1
- Cheek swab
- Urine test
- Blood test
- Sample from a skin sore
- Cell sample or discharge sample from the affected area
Who should get tested? It is recommended that anyone who is sexually active should be tested every year. Having an open discussion with your healthcare provider is an important part of receiving the right testing at the right time. Sexually active women, pregnant women, gay or bisexual men, people who have had oral or anal sex and those participating in risky sexual or drug behaviors should be tested at least once a year or even every six months.2
When to go to the ER
Left untreated, STDs could cause ongoing poor health, organ damage, increased risk of getting HIV and even cancer or death.3
“This medical condition is not one to ignore,” said Dr. Khan. “Overlooking the fact that it is extremely contagious and can be easily transmitted to another person, the symptoms of most STDs will only compound if you ignore them. Come to Medco ER for fast, confidential help with your symptoms. We’re here to help.”
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
If you’ve been experiencing any symptoms of a STD, the expert team at Medco ER is ready to help you. Open 24/7, we are conveniently located and have in-house labs to identify any conditions that need to be treated. Our professional, courteous staff will make you comfortable as you enjoy little-to-no wait time to be seen by a board-certified physician.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
Flu Update for 2023 Flu Season
It’s that time of year again when coughs, sneezes and runny noses can send you running for cover from potential flu virus contamination. As the flu season ramps up, the board-certified physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, are prepared to offer flu vaccinations, antiviral medications, antibiotics, rapid results labs, and advice to patients who encounter influenza.
Current Flu Predictions
Since this is the onset of flu season, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) reports that influenza is not currently a pandemic. They continue to monitor the potential threat of widespread flu in the United States. For now, the flu vaccine combats the four most common viruses predicted to be dominant this year.
Asian lineage avian influenza A consisting of H5N1 and H7N9 viruses is considered one of the risks this season.1 This and other strains of viruses are being tracked by the CDC.
Symptoms
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, come to Medco ER immediately for evaluation for the flu:4
- Chills, fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Body aches
- Fatigue, lethargy
Prevention
The first line of defense against the flu is to get the vaccine every season. Patients with chronic conditions or at higher risk for complications should get the vaccination every year.2 Vaccinations help prevent the most common viruses, but not all of them.3
“If we experience a pandemic flu this year, it is likely going to happen in spite of the vaccine,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “Widespread viruses that cause influenza are not protected against with annual vaccinations. However, flu vaccinations are very important for the most virulent strains. It is also important to follow good practices to prevent getting the flu.”
One of the best things that you can do to prevent the flu is to frequently and carefully wash your hands with hot water and soap. If you are on the go, take hand sanitizer with you to use after each stop.
Avoid crowded places and close contact with people who are sick. Similarly, if you are sick, stay home so you don’t spread the germs. Stay home 24 hours after your fever is gone. Don’t forget that your fever-reducing medications may confuse this timeframe.
Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth to prevent introducing germs into your system. Use a tissue or your elbow to cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away afterwards.2
Clean frequently touched surfaces such as light switches, doorknobs, countertops, and bathrooms to keep germs at bay. Consider spraying rooms with natural antibacterial mixtures such as tea tree oil and distilled water.
Treatment
One of the only treatments for early onset influenza is antiviral drugs. These prescribed antiviral drugs need to be administered rapidly to be effective. They should be started within 1-2 days of the first symptom.
Prescription antibiotics may be needed for secondary infections that could arise from flu symptoms, such as bronchitis. Your physician at Medco ER may prescribe something to keep your symptoms from getting worse.
At home treatment ideas include:5
- Bed rest
- Stay home
- Fever reducing over-the-counter medication
- Drink clear liquids
Warning Signs
Influenza could become an emergency and require immediate medical care. If you or someone in your house is experiencing any of these warning signs, come to Medco ER right away for a complete examination.5
- Breathing difficulty
- Chest pain or pressure
- Fever or cough that improves, then gets worse
- Lack of urine output
- Dizziness
- Confusion, not alert
- Dry mouth, no tears when crying
- Seizure
- Severe body aches or muscle pain
- Fever that doesn’t respond to fever-reducing medications
- Extreme weakness
Get Flu Help Fast at Medco ER
If you are just experiencing flu symptoms, go immediately to Medco ER. You may be a good candidate for antiviral prescription medication that could shorten the life of your flu symptoms. We are open 24/7, so you can get easy access to rapid results flu tests and prescriptions.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/monitoring/current-situation.html
2 https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/prevention.htm
3 https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/basics/faq.html
What You Need to Know About Vomiting and Diarrhea in You & Your Kids
It’s flu season and if you haven’t experienced a bout of the flu in your household, it may still be on the horizon. Influenza, food poisoning or infection is often accompanied by diarrhea and vomiting and a feeling of nausea. At Medco ER in Plano, TX, our board-certified physicians know what to look for in the case of vomiting and diarrhea in you or your children.
Possible Causes
If you or your child are experiencing irrepressible bouts of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, there could be one of several conditions causing your discomfort.1
- Stomach flu or influenza – there are several different kinds and some trend more than others in our region and at certain times of the year.
- Food poisoning
- Motion sickness, dizziness, ear infection
- Blocked intestine
- Infection
- Illness such as appendicitis, cholecystitis, etc.
- Concussion or brain injury
- Migraines
- Parasites
- Heart attacks
- Kidney or liver conditions
- Central nervous system conditions
- Tumors
- Cancer
- Pregnancy
“Since your vomiting and diarrhea could be contributed to several different things, we usually test right away for flu and investigate the more common things like food poisoning,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan, “Those rapid results labs can often tell us pretty quickly what we are dealing with. After that, we can develop the right treatment plan for you or your child.”
Symptoms Defined
- Nausea is when your stomach feels queasy or unsettled and you may feel like you may soon vomit.
- Vomiting, or throwing up, is when your stomach forcibly empties itself of its contents.
- Diarrhea is loose, watery stools, sometimes explosive or hard to control.
At Home Treatment
Since fluid is being lost, it is important to continue drinking to prevent dehydration. Drink clear liquids and eat light, liquid foods. Avoid greasy or fried foods or solid food. Eat small amounts more frequently. Stay quiet and still and rest as much as possible. Drink a rehydrating solution such as electrolytes or sports drinks.
When to go to the ER
“If your diarrhea and vomiting won’t stop,” said Dr. Khan, “then it’s time to come to Medco ER and let us help you.”
Warning signs that mean you need to go to the doctor:
- Black, tarry stools or blood in stool
- Dry, cracked lips and dry mouth
- Sunken eyes
- Rapid breathing
- Fast pulse, racing heartbeat
- Decreased or stopped urination
- Sunken soft spot on top of baby’s head (fontanelle)
- Diarrhea that lasts more than 2 days for adults or 1 day for children
- Vomiting that lasts more than a half day
- Fever over 100˚F
- Blood in vomit (looks like coffee grounds)
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Lethargy
- Confusion
- Abdominal pain
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
When vomiting and diarrhea are out of control, the expert team at Medco ER is ready to help you. Our in-house pharmacy has the hydrating IVs and the medicines to start to help you feel better. Come in anytime day or night to find a board-certified physician ready to go to work for you.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
1 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/8106-nausea–vomiting
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/
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