Bacterial vs. Viral Respiratory Infections

When a common cold or flu spirals out of control, or when a virus morphs into a secondary, bacterial infection, the sinuses, trachea, bronchial tubes or lungs may become infected with a respiratory infection. Most people have experienced a respiratory tract infection in their lifetime, and springtime often creates conditions that are ripe for the outbreak of these kinds of infections. At Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano, TX, we commonly diagnose and treat seasonal respiratory conditions.
“Pollen can be an irritant that sets off allergies and escalates respiratory conditions,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “We also see a lot of colds and flus this time of year, even with our current focus on social distancing, masks and handwashing. Respiratory infections often develop in the aftermath of colds and flus and need medical intervention.”
What is a respiratory infection?
A respiratory infection occurs when a virus or bacteria takes over the sinuses, throat, airway or lungs. As you may have guessed, a viral respiratory infection is caused by a virus while a bacterial respiratory infection is caused by bacteria. This is usually the result of a secondary infection that takes place after a viral infection.
Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics. Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics, but there are some antiviral drugs that can be used to treat viruses if the outbreak is treated within the first 24 hours.
Respiratory infections are classified as upper and lower. Upper respiratory tract infections affect the sinuses, throat, pharynx and larynx. Lower respiratory tract infections affect the trachea, bronchioles and lungs.
Symptoms of a respiratory infection
Different respiratory infections have different symptoms, but most include some of these:
- Fever, chills
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Sinus drainage
- Congestion
- Cough – dry or wet
- Shortness of breath
- Painful breathing
- Sore throat
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Bluish tinge to skin
- Hoarseness
- Fatigue
Is a respiratory infection contagious?
“Many kinds of respiratory infections are highly contagious,” said Dr. Khan. “An example would be SARS that originated in China and spread rapidly to scan the globe. It is a good idea to treat any kind of respiratory infection as contagious and to try to keep it from spreading from airborne particles or through contact.”
Treatment for respiratory infections
Depending on the severity of the respiratory infection, over-the-counter fever reducers and pain relievers are often the starting point. If your rapid-results lab at Medco ER determines the infection is bacterial, then an antibiotic may be prescribed. Oxygen supplementation may also be used.
Get help fast at Medco ER & Urgent Care
With the convenience of a freestanding ER and little-to-no wait, Medco ER & Urgent Care offers some of the best medical care for respiratory infections. Our board-certified physicians are experienced in diagnosing and treating a range of respiratory conditions. With our help, you can soon be on the path to breathing easy again.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
When Anxiety Sends You Running for Cover

If you find yourself flooded with feelings of anxiety, it could be a normal response to your current situation. However, persistent and excessive feelings of fear and worry over common situations could be the sign of a growing anxiety disorder. Fears that turn into panic mode are commonly called panic attacks. If left untreated, anxiety disorders and panic attacks can have adverse effects on your physical health. Because anxiety is linked to number of health conditions, our board-certified physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care of Plano recommend a thorough evaluation to rule out any additional health issues.
“Panic attacks and feelings of anxiety, danger or impending doom can be deeply disturbing to the patient, but they are not always serious,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “However, anxiety could be an indicator that something more serious is going on with the body. Therefore, getting a thorough medical examination is an important step to rule out a more serious medical condition before attributing it to a form of anxiety.”
Anxiety disorders are common among adults. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 19% of adults in the United States have suffered from an anxiety disorder in the past year. “Don’t suffer in silence,” said Dr. Vora. “Anxiety is a rather common problem and Medco ER has a friendly staff that is available to help and to provide mental reassurance in times of need.”
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
- Excessive worrying about common things
- Feeling nervous
- Emotional outbursts
- Restlessness
- Tension in muscles, trembling, twitching or cramping
- Concentration problems
- Feeling of doom
- Irritability
- Increased heart rate or palpitations
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Hyperventilation
- Abdominal cramps and diarrhea
- Sweating
What kind of health conditions can be caused by anxiety?
The human body usually responds to anxiety by releasing increased level of Adrenaline & Cortisol. Prolonged exposure to these hormones can lead to certain conditions over the course of time such as:
- Hormonal imbalance
- Elevated blood pressure
- Insulin resistance
- Increased blood sugar
- Altered food digestion
- Suppressed immune response
- Heart palpitations
- Heart disease
- Hair loss
- Impaired concentration & memory
- Depression
- Eating disorders
What health conditions can be mistaken for anxiety disorders?
Many types of ailments can manifest with symptoms suggestive of anxiety rather than a more serious health problem. Here are a few underlying conditions that your physician may check for during a medical evaluation:
- Hormone imbalance – thyroid imbalance
- Nutrition deficiency or malabsorption
- Alzheimer’s
- Blood disorders such as leukemia
- Lupus
- Fibromyalgia
- Electrolyte imbalance
Treatment for common anxiety
If your physician at Medco ER & Urgent Care determines you are suffering from anxiety, he/she can prescribe you a medication to treat it so you do not have to fight it on your own. You may be referred to a specialist for therapy or counseling that can help you feel even better. If your anxiety has caused physical symptoms, do not hesitate to receive immediate medical attention. “Whether anxiety is related to a physical condition or not, it is usually treatable,” said Dr. Vora. “So don’t feel discouraged. And feel free to come to us for help any time of the day or night.”
When should I go to the ER?
If you feel like your worrying is out of control, if you are experiencing difficulty breathing, palpitations or chest pain, or if you feel depressed or suicidal, come to the nearest ER immediately. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we offer some of the best medical care in the region and we are open 24/7 to help you start to feel better again.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
Top Reasons to go to the ER Even During COVID-19 Pandemic

For many people, the coronavirus pandemic has caused concerns about receiving safe medical treatment. However, visiting the ER in times of need is quite appropriate and safe. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we made extra efforts to adhere to the safety guidelines recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) during the height of COVID-19. We have also taken extraordinary measures to make sure our patients have safe medical care and efficient access to top quality care in a timely fashion.
“We pride ourselves on our excellent, safe medical care, even during unusual times of pandemic,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “If you have an urgent medical condition, don’t hesitate to come in and be seen by one of our board-certified physicians. You can be confident anytime in the care you receive here.”
What conditions are considered an emergency?
Any type of serious symptoms such as shortness of breath, numbness, abdominal pain, chest pain, loss of consciousness, and/or atypical headache are some common reasons to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest emergency room.
Medical problems we commonly treat at Medco ER include:
- Chest pain
- Abdominal pain
- Broken bone
- Sprains and strains
- Lacerations, scrapes or cuts
- Upper respiratory infection
- Respiratory distress
- Back pain
- Migraines
- Infections
- Foreign object in body
- Circulation concerns
- Pregnancy complications
- Burns or wound care
- Contusions
- Diabetes complications
- Renal failure
- Blood in urine or stool
- Concussion
- High blood pressure
- Mental and behavioral health concerns
- Flu or virus
- Pneumonia
- Allergic reactions
- Uncontrolled diarrhea and vomiting
- Animal bites
Additionally, anyone suffering with symptoms of COVID-19 should seek safe medical care. Symptoms vary but can include: fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle aches, neck ache or stiffness, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
COVID-19 symptoms considered an emergency by the CDC include:
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
“We are always here for you,” said Dr. Vora. “If you are unsure about a medical emergency or even something minor, we can perform a preliminary examination and determine the next steps in terms of diagnostics and treatment. With advanced imaging equipment and lab tests, we’re prepared to safely treat both medical emergencies and minor conditions with expert care.”
Negative Pressure Room
Using some of the latest technology, we have an exam room that is designed with negative pressure environmental controls. This helps contain any viruses, bacteria or airborne contaminants and keeps them from spreading throughout the facility.
Other safety protocols
In our continued, aggressive response to COVID-19, we have safety protocols in place to make sure our patients are protected against viruses and germs as best as possible. Here are some of our safety measures:
- N95 masks and room sanitization in the facility
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) for the entire staff
- Aggressive screening measures right at the entrance
- Regular staff screening with daily bodily temperature recording
- Clean waiting areas for patients & visitors
- Social distancing
- Designated areas for patients presenting for COVID-19 screening
- Rigorous cleaning and disinfection protocols
Come Right Away to Medco ER & Urgent Care
If you or people you love are experiencing symptoms of an urgent medical condition, don’t hesitate to come in for fast and expert help at Medco ER & Urgent Care. We’re open 24-hours a day to make sure you can get the medical care you need with little or no waiting time.
- Plano location:
3960 Legacy Drive, Plano TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-392-4000
Stress Busters That Really Work

What do headaches, stomach upset, insomnia, fatigue, overeating, anger, depression and loss of sex drive have in common? These are some of the symptoms pointing to the possibility of stress. Most would agree that this past year has been particularly stressful. The COVID-19 pandemic, financial strain, civil unrest, election issues, isolation and separation from family and friends—there are plenty of reasons why you may be experiencing stress. And, of course, the holiday season presents its own sets of challenges as well. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we are available to help when this type of pressure is causing you to experience physical and mental problems.
“If you live a fairly stress-free life, then you’re in the minority,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “We see a lot of patients who have conditions related to an overwhelming amount of stress in their lives. Anything you can do to lessen your stress level is going to benefit your body in the long run.”
What Stress Does To Your Body
When left unchecked, high levels of stress can raise your cortisol levels to an unhealthy level, burn out adrenals, cause high blood pressure and increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.
“Stress is a great motivator in moderation, but too much stress can put undue strain on the body and cause all kinds of problems,” said Dr. Vora. “While it is impossible to eliminate stress completely from our lives, we can start to intentionally practice stress busters to try to help us cope.”
Stress Buster Tips
The #1 tip for relieving stress is exercise. You don’t have to do a full gym regimen to get some helpful exercise. Try going for a walk after a holiday gathering, spend quality time with family & friends, play ball with your kids or chase your pet around the yard. Stretching and flexibility therapies like yoga, tai chi, Pilates or qigong are also solid choices. If you already lead an active life, bump up the conditioning with even more challenging gym options.
Some other tips for relieving stress include:
- Hobbies – sewing, jewelry-making, comic collecting, video games, scrapbooking, book club, reading, cooking
- Art – freestyle drawing, painting, crafts, mandala coloring
- Play – with kids and pets
- Music – listen to favorite tunes, explore new genres, try movement with music
- Nature – birdwatching, hiking, fishing, swimming, picnic, photography, gardening, kayaking
- Friends – meet up for coffee, have a Facebook private group chat, talk
- Bicycle, scooter or skating
- Jokes – collect jokes, cartoons or memes you think are funny and share with others
- Meditation and prayer
When Stress Becomes an Emergency
Even with an arsenal of stress busting tips at hand, it is possible to become overwhelmed by the effects of the pressure. You may wonder if it is ok to come to the ER with stress-related problems. It is important to know that many urgent medical conditions might masquerade as stress but require prompt care. Anxiety is one of the most common reasons for which people visit the emergency room.
Warning signs that require immediate ER attention:
- Chest pains
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Jaw pain
- Back pain
- Shortness of breath
- Pain radiating down one arm
“Please do come to the ER any time you are feeling emotionally out of control or if you are experiencing physical symptoms that may be due to stress,” said Dr. Vora. “If you are feeling like harming yourself or others, or if you are in pain, we are always here to help. Our physicians and staff are very caring and understanding.”
Fast Help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
When you are feeling the effects of stress, or you aren’t sure what’s making you feel bad, the board-certified physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are ready to help. Open all day and night, every day of the year, Medco ER offers fast access to get the answers to your important medical questions.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000
When Abdominal Pain is an Emergency

If you’ve ever suffered sudden, acute pain in the abdomen, a chronic ache in the gut, or a long, drawn out ache in the stomach, you probably wondered when would be the right time to go to the ER. In most cases, the board-certified emergency medicine physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care recommend coming in for a fast evaluation if you have any doubts about your abdominal pain.
“Abdominal pain is one of the most common complaints that we see often in the Emergency Room setting,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “It could potentially be caused by any of a number of serious medical conditions. Patients require medical evaluation to determine the root cause of pain.”
Causes of Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can be acute (coming on suddenly) or chronic (persistent over time). It can come and go, or it can be steady and even pulsating. Everyone suffers from abdominal pain at some point in their lives. Understanding some of the causes can help you know if it’s time to head to the ER. Some of the serious causes of abdominal pain include:
- Appendicitis
- Gallbladder
- Spleen rupture
- Kidney stone or infection
- Bladder inflammation or urinary tract infection
- Heart attack
- Aortic aneurism
- Diabetic ketoacidosis
- Diverticulitis or intestinal blockage
- Stomach flu
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian cyst
- Hernia
- Celiac disease
- Ulcer
- Sickle cell anemia
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Hepatitis
- Cancer
- Lymphoma
“As you can see, there are a wide array of reasons why a person may be suffering from abdominal pain,” said Dr. Vora. “It’s important to know how long the pain has been going on, if it comes and goes or is steady, if any activity or food seems to trigger it, or if there are any accompanying symptoms.”
Emergency Signs Accompanying Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can be an indicator of a life-threatening condition. If your pain is sudden or severe, come to the ER right away. If the pain is in the mid-to-lower right side, come to the ER for evaluation.
Come to the ER immediately if your abdominal pain comes with:
- Fever
- Bloody stool
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Tender area that hurts to touch
- Bloated, extended abdomen
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
- Yellowing skin
- Pink urine or difficulty urinating
“There’s a reason for your abdominal pain and it shouldn’t be ignored. Any time you are suffering from pain or chronic ache, you should be seen by a qualified physician. We have a range of helpful diagnostic tools, such as lab tests, CT scan, ultrasound and X-ray right here for easy access,” said Dr. Vora. “If you are experiencing abdominal pain, come right in and let us help you.”
Treatments for Abdominal Pain
Since there are so many different causes of abdominal pain, the treatment may also vary and possibly include prescription for pain medications and/or antibiotics, regulating diet, initiating immediate surgical intervention or implementing a long-term maintenance plan for chronic conditions.
Fast Help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
When you are experiencing abdominal pain and are suspicious that something’s not right, the emergency physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are ready 24/7 to take care of you. Don’t delay coming in for an immediate evaluation. We offer No Wait access to top emergency care physicians and our trained team will go to work fast to help you start to feel better again.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
When To Go To the ER for Back Pain

Crippling back pain can come out of nowhere, sidelining you from all your favorite activities, or it can be a chronic condition that lasts for weeks or even years. When back pain is at its worst, you may wonder if you should head to the ER for help. While it could have been caused by an injury or a muscle spasm and just needs time to heal, there could be something much more serious at the root of your back pain. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we recommend coming in for a medical evaluation.
“Back pain is a common medical concern and we can evaluate & treat it promptly with a detailed physical exam and various modalities that include x-ray & CT scan, if warranted,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “We can offer several treatment options and therapies that can help the patient feel better quickly. We are also able to refer patients to a pain management or spine specialist for serious and chronic conditions.”
Causes of Back Pain
Over 80% of the population can experience back pain during their lifetime and 25% report having back pain within the last three months1. A common condition, back pain can be caused by any of a number of things such as:
- Inflammation
- Muscle strain or sprain
- Injury – ligaments, vertebrae, muscles, joints or discs
- Herniated disc
- Spinal fracture
- Infection
- Tumor
- Bulging disc
- Arthritis
“Sometimes the cause of your back pain could be completely unrelated to the spine, such as with kidney stones, appendicitis or ulcerative colitis,” said Dr. Vora. “It’s impossible to know for sure without a thorough medical exam and a CT scan.”
Treatments for Back Pain
Early treatments for benign back pain include simple things that can be performed at home. Try to rest, reduce activities, rotate ice and heat pack applications, and take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen or Aleve®. These things may provide some relief and give a chance for strained muscles or ligaments to heal.
If pain continues or becomes unbearable, other treatment options are available including:
- Physical therapy
- Surgery
- Steroids
- Neurostimulation therapy
- Prescribed and managed pain medication
Additional therapies may help to relieve your back pain such as chiropractic care, acupuncture, massage, or myofascial release therapy. Muscle strengthening exercises are excellent for relieving pain and yoga-style exercise can also help with ongoing pain control.
When to Come to the ER for Back Pain
There are serious medical emergencies that can first present as back pain. Come immediately to the emergency room if your back pain is accompanied by pain in the shoulder or jaw or numbness in the arm or legs. If you have trouble standing, have lost sensation in the groin or have muscle weakness in your legs, seek immediate medical attention. If bowel or bladder control is lost, that is another emergency indicator. Back pain that is accompanied by a fever, nausea or vomiting also required urgent evaluation.
If your back pain is worse when you lay down, there may be something more serious going on. If you have cancer, HIV/AIDS or are taking immunosuppressant drugs or prolonged steroids, back pain should not be ignored. We can also evaluate patients with back pain caused by motor vehicle accident.
“We’ve got the diagnostic tools to determine the true cause of your back pain,” said Dr. Vora. “Don’t hesitate to come in and let us work to help you start to feel better.”
Fast Help at Medco ER & Urgent Care
When you experience debilitating back pain, the emergency physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are standing by to help. Come right in any time, day or night, and we will show you to a private room where you will see your board-certified, emergency medicine physician in a few moments. Our imaging equipment is in-house and ready to use to aid in your diagnosis, if needed. Our goal is to help you soon feel better while on your way to recovery.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
What Your Doctor Knows About Lacerations

Whether you’re fishing on your day off, enjoying a hobby, building something new, playing outside or even just preparing a meal, cuts, scrapes or lacerations can happen unexpectedly. The board-certified physicians at Medco ER & Urgent Care are experienced in treating wounds of all kinds and are standing by to help.
“When you experience a deep cut or laceration, or a scraped area of skin, the sooner you can get here, the better we are able to fight off infection that could be settling in the wound,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “We can treat it quickly and relatively painlessly. We use topical anesthetics to help reduce the sensation during treatment and we can make sure all the dirt and foreign bodies are removed properly before creating a proper seal.”
Do I need stitches?
When a laceration occurs, most people wonder whether or not they really need stitches. Sometimes it is very obvious that medical attention is needed, but other times it is not as clear. As a rule of thumb, if you can see layers of fat, muscle, tendons or bone in the wound, you will probably need stitches by a medical professional.
“Having one of our physicians treat your laceration can accomplish three things,” said Dr. Vora. “One: it will reduce the possibility of infection by properly sterilizing and sealing the wound. Two: it will stop severe bleeding. Three: it will speed healing by keeping the wound closed and stabilized. Treating a deep laceration at home is not advisable because of the risk of infection and inefficient healing. A wound may heal unevenly and leave a rough area that has reduced or deadened sensation.”
What about afterwards?
After you’ve received stitches, we can remove them in 5-14 days, depending on the location and size of the wound.
What about road rash, scratches or bites?
If your wound was caused by a skidding motion that peeled or scraped away a patch of skin, it is important to make sure all the dirt is removed from the area. “Scrapes or abrasions caused by falling off a bike or skidding across pavement are notoriously hard to clean at home,” said Dr. Vora. “Plus, they are extremely painful because they involve a large area of pain receptors. We can reduce the pain with topicals and can make sure all the dirt and gravel is removed to speed healing.”
If you had trouble with an animal and have scratches or bites, it is important to receive medical attention even if the wounds don’t appear to be too deep. Animal-related wounds are notorious for becoming infected, and a tetanus shot may be needed. Be prepared to identify the animal so your doctor can discover if there is a risk of rabies and so the animal can be contained, if necessary.
Do I need a Tetanus shot?
It is extremely important that you are up to date on your Tetanus booster anytime you experience a laceration or open wound. Tetanus is caused by bacteria and is almost always fatal if contracted through the skin. A Tetanus booster is usually good for 5-10 years.
If you don’t remember your last Tetanus shot, it’s crucial to get one in case of an open injury. At Medco ER, we can provide you a Tetanus booster in order to avoid a potentially deadly infection.
What to do on the way to the ER
Apply a clean cloth to the laceration and keep pressure on it to slow the bleeding. A gentle pinching pressure to pull the sides together could stem the bleeding on the way to Medco ER. Have someone else drive you so you can keep the wound elevated above the heart. If the wound is severe and blood loss is prominent, call 911 immediately or have someone take you to the nearest ER.
Get help fast at Medco ER & Urgent Care
At Medco ER, we have the imaging equipment, IVs, labs and supplies needed to treat any lacerations or wounds that you or your loved ones may experience. We are open 24/7 to provide you with some of the best medical care available to speed you on your way to healing.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.
What’s the Difference Between Heat Exhaustion and Heatstroke?

As the heat index ramps up, you may find yourself rapidly overheating with your body unable to keep up with cooling and maintaining your core temperature. If you’re exercising, moving or working in the heat, it’s important to know the signs and symptoms of heatstroke and heat exhaustion and recognize if you’re in danger. When your body overheats, it might not be long before you need fast medical care. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, our board-certified physicians are capable to handling this condition very efficiently.
“Heat exhaustion—which can lead to the more serious heatstroke—is a preventable condition,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “That’s why it’s important to keep a close check on yourself during the high heat index days.”
Heat Exhaustion
The first stage in overheating of the human body is heat cramps, followed by heat exhaustion. This condition occurs when your body is no longer able to maintain a steady core temperature through the natural cooling process of sweating and heatevaporation. Heat cramps include muscle aches, thirst, fatigue and heavy sweating. It can be alleviated by drinking an electrolyte-balanced sports drink, or water, and resting.
Heat exhaustion follows untreated heat cramps and is a more serious condition, but is still preventable and also treatable.
Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion
- Cool, moist skin, possible goose bumps
- Heavy sweating
- Exhaustion
- Muscle cramps
- Headache
- Fainting
- Nausea
- Weak, rapid pulse or dizziness when standing
Treatment for Heat Exhaustion
As with heat cramps, you will want to find a cool place to recover. Drink a sports drink or water and rest as your core temperature goes down. Do not drink alcohol. Try to cool your body with water, if possible. If your symptoms don’t improve, seek medical attention immediately.
Heatstroke
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can quickly degrade into the most serious heat-related illness called heatstroke. Heatstroke occurs when the core temperature of the body reaches 104°. Heatstroke is a medical emergency that can cause damage to the brain, organs and muscles. Left untreated, heatstroke can lead to permanent organ damage or death
Symptoms of Heatstroke
- Change in sweating, possibly with skin becoming hot and dry
- Confusion, agitation, slurred speech
- Seizures or coma
- Nausea and vomiting
- Severe headache
- Red, flushed face and arms
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid, shallow heartbeat
Treatment for Heatstroke
Heatstroke can be treated at the ER with cooling procedures to safely bring the core body temperature down. An IV will administer the needed fluids to assist in lowering the body temperature. If you are assisting someone with a heat-related injury, have them drink water or a sports drink (not alcohol), get them to a cooler place and wet them down or place ice in a towel and apply it to head, neck, armpits and groin. Call 9-1-1 and transport them to the ER as soon as possible.
When to come to the ER with a heat injury
“Don’t hesitate to come in when you get overheated,” said Dr. Vora. “The sooner we can see you, the faster you will recover. If someone you know has symptoms of a heat injury and have become irrational or lost consciousness, call 9-1-1 immediately.”
Get help fast at Medco ER & Urgent Care
At Medco ER, we are equipped with advanced lab and treatment modalities to treat any heat-related ailment. We can check your electrolyte levels—such as sodium and potassium—and immediately treat you with Intravenous (IV) fluids while keeping you comfortable in a cool and safe environment.
We are open 24/7 to provide you with some of the best medical care available. Our Little-to-No Wait service ensures you will be shown to your own room and can be seen by a board-certified emergency medicine physician within minutes. Before long, you may be on the way to recovering from the overexposure to heat.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.

What to do when you don’t know what’s wrong with your child

One of the hardest things about being a parent is knowing when your baby or child needs to see a doctor. Sometimes, the symptoms are so subtle, you can’t easily tell that anything is wrong. Sometimes, you just have to rely on your intuition—when you know that something’s not quite right with your baby or child.
“It’s often one of those ‘better safe than sorry’ scenarios when you bring your child in to be seen by one of our physicians, but you don’t really know what’s wrong,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “Often, it turns out that you were right—there was a medical condition that needed to be addressed.”
At Medco ER & Urgent Care, our board-certified physicians have years of experience in diagnosing both common and uncommon conditions in our youngest patients. With a range of diagnostic tools available in-house, we’re ready to go to work finding out just what is going on with the health of your little one.
Here are 4 steps we take in diagnostics:
1. Medical History
A careful medical history—including the child’s family health history—will be compiled upon your arrival. You will be asked about allergies, a history of chronic conditions, medications and past illnesses. It may be helpful to have a list of information and medications prepared in advance.
2. Physical Information
Your physician will careful examine your son or daughter and will note any information you relay about duration, behavior, fever, pain, sleep disruption and more. You will likely be asked several questions as the exam progresses. “Our physicians are good with kids,” said Dr. Vora. “We establish a rapport with your child and work together to get the needed information about how he or she is feeling.”
3. Rapid Results Labs
If appropriate, your physician may need to run some lab tests to aid in diagnosis. The doctor may require a strep, flu, virus, blood or urine test. Our in-house access to these labs ensures that the results will come in as quickly as possible.
4. Imaging Exams
Your physician may require an advanced diagnostic such as an x-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or EKG. These individualized diagnostic tools are also available in-house so you can have easy access to a range of quality services in one convenient location.
Specialized Treatments
Now that the health concern has been pinpointed by your physician, a personalized treatment plan can be designed especially with your son or daughter in mind.
We offer specialized treatments for everything from:
- Asthma
- Orthopedics
- Breathing difficulty
- Allergies
- Lacerations or cuts
- Fracture
- Concussion
- Headaches
- Sprain and strain
- Strep
- Flu and virus
- Unexplained fever
- Infections
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Blood sugar
- Rash or skin condition
- Digestive issues
- Seizures
- Bites
- Burns
- Dehydration
Where can I find medical help for my infant or child?
For fast medical help, Medco ER & Urgent Care is on standby, day or night. Our Plano location is easy to access and is open 24/7. Our physicians, experienced in pediatric emergency medicine, are ready to help when you need us.
Our kid-friendly exam rooms, child-sized equipment, no wait access and concierge service will help to ensure a smooth visit so your child feels comfortable and safe while receiving top quality healthcare.
- Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road.
Call us @ 469-392-4000.

3 Things Parents Need to Look for in Top Pediatric Care

The health and wellness of your children is the #1 concern for parents. When they get sick or injured, it’s only natural that you want to take them to the best quality doctors available. At Medco ER & Urgent Care, we are focused on providing the best pediatric healthcare in North Texas.
Babies and children require specialized care, and that’s exactly what we aim to provide. From the time you and your little ones enter our facility until the time you leave, rest assured that you are receiving top-quality pediatric healthcare services from a caring and engaged team of professionals.
We have focused on these top 3 pediatric care services that every parent deserves to have for their children:
1. Board-Certified Physicians
Seeing an advanced provider such as a Physician Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner may be ok at times, but when your child is sick or injured, it’s comforting to know that your doctor is a board-certified physician with years of experience in Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine. “Our physicians are fully capable of treating children with various injuries and ailments,” said Medco ER & Urgent Care’s Regional Medical Director, Dr. Tariq Vora. “And they truly enjoy working with children.”
2. Kid-Friendly Environment
We realize that kids don’t like to wait. Truth be told, adults are not a big fan of waiting either. That is why we have perfected the little-to-no-wait & fast access to service. Within minutes of checking in, your child will be taken to a fun, space themed & kid-friendly exam room that has colorfully decorated walls and interesting things to do. Our concierge service offers a lot of welcoming opportunities and, before the kids realize it, the visit seems to be conveniently over! Now that‘s what we call quality service.
3. The right equipment and labs
Kids are not just small adults, they are unique. That’s why we make sure our face masks are the proper size and are decorated with fun designs suitable for children. We also have a stock of child-friendly equipment that makes it easy to smoothly deliver the necessary diagnostic tests and treatments.
Waiting for a medical diagnosis can be sometimes scary for both you and your children. That is why we offer rapid access to labs such as strep, flu, blood tests and even x-rays right on site. The test results are quickly available for a fast and efficient service. “We have prioritized access to rapid delivery of services to ensure that we can offer some of the best care possible to the children and their parents,” said Dr. Vora.
Where can I find pediatric emergency care?
If your child is sick or injured, don’t worry! Medco ER & Urgent Care is conveniently located close to your home. Injuries and sicknesses can occur anytime, and that’s why we are open—24/7— even on weekends and holidays. We are here and ready to serve you when you need us, with the excellent pediatric care that can help your little one feel all better again.
- 3960 Legacy Drive (corner of Legacy and Coit Road), Plano, TX
Feel free to call us anytime @ 469-392-4000.