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Young woman suffering from cold

Strep Throat, Flu, COVID-19, or Allergies—Which Is It?

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Let’s face it: Being sick is never fun or convenient. However, this time of year, being sick is even more challenging because diagnosing the specific illness isn’t always easy. From Strep Throat to the Flu, to COVID-19, or just everyday allergies, knowing what is keeping you down and how to treat it properly requires assistance.

In our latest blog article, we’ve put together an insightful resource to help you become more familiar with your illness, such as determining what it is and the best way to recover from it. Take a look!

What’s Got You Down?

As mentioned above, myriad illnesses often share similar symptoms, making it difficult to determine what is causing you to suffer and how to heal from it. In particular, Strep Throat, the Flu, COVID-19, and common allergies can all appear as one another. As such, we’ve broken down each ailment to offer you a better understanding.

Signs and symptoms of Strep Throat can include:

  • Throat pain that usually comes on quickly
  • Painful swallowing
  • Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
  • Tiny red spots on the area at the back of the roof of the mouth (soft or hard palate)
  • Swollen, tender lymph nodes in your neck
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Nausea or vomiting, especially in younger children
  • Body aches

Strep Throat is treated with antibiotics and rest. 

People who have Flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

  • Fever or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)

Some people may also experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The Flu is treated with antiviral medications and supportive care. 

Possible COVID-19 symptoms include:

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.

  • Fever or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea 

Difference between Flu and COVID-19:

Influenza (Flu) and COVID-19 are both contagious respiratory illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2, and Flu is caused by infection with influenza viruses. You cannot tell the difference between Flu and COVID-19 by symptoms alone because some of the symptoms are the same. 

What are common seasonal allergy symptoms?

  • Congestion
  • Sneezing
  • Itchy eyes, nose, and throat
  • Runny nose and eyes
  • Post nasal drip (drainage in the throat)
  • Fatigue
  • Coughing

Allergies are treated with antihistamines, decongestants, and other medications. 

The only way to accurately diagnose and treat an illness is to see a healthcare provider, like Victoria ER. Our skilled, professional, and friendly team can conveniently test for Strep Throat, Flu, and COVID-19. Victoria ER 24-Hour Emergency Center is dedicated to providing our local community with access to fast and accurate testing at our facility 24/7. We offer 15 Minute Rapid COVID-19/FLU/STREP Testing and 30-minute & 2 Hour RT-PCR COVID-19 Testing with same-day results. 

GoRedforwomen

Go Red for Women

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Making Changes: You’re Worth It!
There’s nothing quite like individuals coming together for a good cause. That’s exactly what happened on Thursday, February 2nd, in Victoria, Texas. Benefiting the American Heart Association, the Queen of Hearts Fashion Show provided a wonderful night of food, fashion, and fun—what more could you want or need?

This event, Victoria Go Red for Women, held at the Victoria Community Center, was extra
special this year, as all models who participated in the fashion show were local survivors of heart disease. Our Marketing Director, Sheila Kilgore, and our Community Outreach Specialist, Hailey Hernandez, were both proudly in attendance, supporting this amazing cause.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men, women, and people of most racial and ethnic groups in the United States. Additionally, one person dies every 34 seconds in the US from cardiovascular disease. In 2020 alone, about 697,000 people died from heart disease throughout the country—that averaged out to be one in every fifth death.

However, it wasn’t a message of mourning that was delivered last week, but one of hope, strength, and perseverance. After all, with enough awareness, it’s possible to decrease heart disease in women (and others), which was—and remains to be—the ultimate goal of Victoria Go Red for Women. In fact, about 80 percent of cardiac episodes can be prevented.

Further, there are specific lifestyle changes to immediately incorporate that can effectively help keep the heart strong and healthy. These changes include the following:

Move Your Body
Did you know that the American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise a day? Before you get discouraged by this number, try to make working out fun. You can purchase new gear or create a motivating playlist—whatever it takes for you to look forward to moving your body.

Regularly Eating Healthy
We fully understand that nothing is as satisfying as a greasy cheeseburger or pepperoni pizza. Yet, it’s just not good to eat those items all of the time. Instead, consistently add colorful fruits and vegetables to your diet, as doing so will help prevent chronic illnesses. Again, don’t look at eating healthy as a type of punishment. Find nutritious foods that you enjoy consuming. Remember, it’s fine to treat yourself to “junk” food sometimes—just not all of the time.
Moderation is key here.

Pay Attention to Blood Pressure
Known as the “Silent Killer,” high blood pressure should not but ignored, but dealt with timely and accordingly. The higher your blood pressure, the greater your risk for future health issues, not just heart disease. Staying physically active and eating a healthy diet will help you keep your blood pressure low, as will limiting your alcohol intake, not smoking, and getting plenty of sleep.

If there’s one takeaway from this article or the Victoria Go Red for Women event, it’s that there’s no time like the present to start taking care of yourself. So, today, tomorrow, and every day commit to making healthy choices. You’re worth it!

Runner touching painful twisted or broken ankle. Athlete runner

Differentiating Sprains, Strains and Breaks: Understanding the Injuries and How to Properly Care for Them

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Sprains, strains, and breaks are all common types of injuries that can occur in the body, but they are caused by different types of trauma and have different symptoms & treatment plans. Understanding the differences between these injuries can help individuals make informed decisions about when to seek medical attention and how to properly care for the injury.

A sprain is an injury to a ligament, which is the tissue that connects bones to each other. Sprains typically occur when a joint is stretched or twisted in an abnormal way, such as when a person twists an ankle while walking on uneven ground. A sprain is characterized by pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty moving the joint. Treatment for a sprain typically includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation (the RICE method) to reduce swelling and pain, as well as physical therapy to strengthen the joint and restore range of motion.

 

A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, which is the tissue that connects muscles to bones. Strains typically occur when a muscle is stretched or torn, such as when a person lifts a heavy object or overworks a muscle during exercise. The symptoms of a strain include pain, cramping, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected muscle. Treatment for a strain typically includes rest, ice, and physical therapy to reduce pain and inflammation and to restore strength and flexibility.

 

A break, or fracture, is an injury to a bone. Breaks can occur as a result of a direct impact, such as a fall or car accident, or as a result of overuse or repetitive stress, such as in the case of a stress fracture. Symptoms of a break include severe pain, swelling, and bruising in the affected area, as well as difficulty moving the affected limb. Treatment for a break typically includes immobilization of the affected limb, such as with a cast or brace, to allow the bone to heal, as well as physical therapy to regain strength and mobility once the bone has healed.

It’s important to note that sprains and strains can be difficult to distinguish, as they can share similar symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness. However, sprains typically occur in joints and result from an abnormal twisting or stretching of the ligaments, while strains occur in muscles and result from overuse or excessive stretching. Breaks can be more easily distinguished as they result in severe pain, swelling and difficulty moving the limb.

It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a sprain, strain, or break. A doctor or emergency medical professional will be able to properly diagnose your injury and provide you with the appropriate treatment plan. In some cases, imaging such as X-rays or MRI’s may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

 

It’s also important to follow proper aftercare for the injury, including rest, ice, compression and elevation if necessary, and physical therapy. Returning to normal activities too soon can delay healing and increase the risk of re-injury. Understanding the differences between these injuries can help individuals make informed decisions about when to seek medical attention and how to properly care for the injury. It’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you have a sprain, strain, or break and follow proper aftercare to ensure a full recovery.

 

At Victoria ER, we offer comprehensive care for a variety of injuries, including strains, sprains, breaks, and other physical injuries. We have state-of-the art imaging capabilities, including X-rays, CT Scans, and Ultrasounds. Our trained medical professionals are dedicated to providing high-quality care to our patients. We also offer specialized pediatric care, ensuring that even our youngest patients receive the best possible care in a safe and welcoming environment.

Sprain vs strain anatomical comparison as medical foot injury outline diagram. Labeled educational orthopedic muscle, tendon and ligament problem description vector illustration. Painful foot twist.

Foods that boost the Immune System including fruit, vegetables and poultry.

7 Ways to Boost Your Immune System This Winter

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The cold and flu season is in full swing, but the current global pandemic has made immune system health more important than ever. This year has seen a disheartening rise of three major illnesses that have caused considerable problems for healthcare systems and patients alike. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and COVID-19 infections have all overwhelmed the nation in recent months. With this so-called “tripledemic,” it is essential to boost immune system health in order to stay healthy and protect yourself from illness.

The question of the hour is, “How do I boost my immune system in the winter?” Thankfully, there are some easy steps you can take to help your body build up its immune defenses. Here are 7 ways to boost immunity during this winter:

1. Eat a nutrient-dense diet full of fruits and vegetables. Eating a nutrient-dense diet full of fresh fruits and vegetables is one great way to help boost immunity during this winter season. Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are key when supporting immune health. Also, focus on eating an array of foods – having too much of anything can lead to a depleting immune system health. So adding brightly colored fruits and vegetables to your meals can have lasting immune benefits!

2. Exercise regularly. Physical activity can help boost immunity by stimulating the production of immune-boosting white blood cells. Moreover, regular exercise helps to rid the body of bacteria that can lead to illness and inflammation. Additionally, physical activity can stimulate immune-supporting hormones which will help protect against infection and disease. Get out there and get moving – it’s the best way to bolster your immune system!

3. Get plenty of sleep. This winter, one of the most important things you can do to boost your immune system is to make sure you are getting plenty of quality sleep. Sleep helps your immune system work more efficiently and keeps your body’s natural processes in balance, so you will be better equipped to fight off viruses and other illnesses. Scheduling out adequate quantities of rest each night is key to ensuring that your immune system has the strength it needs to protect against illness during the cold months.

4. Manage stress levels. Stress is known to weaken the immune system, making people more vulnerable to illness, so by reducing and managing your stress levels, we can help keep your immune system in top condition. There are many different methods for managing stress such as yoga, exercise, journaling or even simply taking time each day to relax and practice mindfulness. Focusing on improving your capacity to handle stress can be a great way of helping yourself stay healthy this winter season.

5. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. With colder temperatures and the prospect of the tripledemic, it is more important than ever to take steps to boost your immune system. An easy yet effective way to prevent sickness from spreading is to ensure that we thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Proper handwashing can help remove germs and bacteria, thus protecting you from illness caused by them.

6. Boost immune system health with immune-boosting supplements. To make sure that you can fight off any unwanted viruses, it’s important to supplement your immune system with immune-boosting supplements. These supplements are easy to take in either pill or liquid form and contain immune-supporting vitamins and minerals that are essential for immune health. Not only do these supplements reduce the risk of getting sick, but they also give you the energy you need to keep up with your daily routine.

7. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol. An effective way to boost your immune system is to refrain from smoking and drinking alcohol. Smoking can impair immune responses by weakening immune cell functions, as well as hinder the immune system’s ability to transport immune cells throughout the body. Alcohol slows down the immune system’s response to potential threats which in turn leaves you more vulnerable to disease.

By following these steps, you can help ensure that your immune system is in peak condition to fight off infection and stay healthy during this challenging time.

If you or your loved one are experiencing any symptoms of the tripledemic, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. At Victoria ER, we understand how important it is to stay healthy and safe in today’s environment. That’s why our facility offers an on-site laboratory for complete testing of COVID-19, FLU and RSV so that you can confidently look after your health!

sugar cubes on yellow background

What to Do if Someone is Having a Diabetic Emergency

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Anyone with a diabetic in their lives knows it’s essential to be on high alert as a symptom can become a medical emergency in no time. The Centers for Disease Control, (CDC) counts diabetes and complications from the disease as the seventh highest cause of death in the United States. 

While that number is terrifying, it’s important to remember the steps you can take to help someone get their symptoms under control and to know when to call an ambulance. It’s also a good idea to do regular checks with any diabetic kids to make sure their pumps work and that they have glucose tablets ready to grab should anything go wrong. 

When things do go bad, there’s a clear set of steps you can follow to get the situation under control. 

A diabetic emergency: What it looks like and what to do

Common diabetic emergencies include hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, hyperglycemia or high blood sugar, and Diabetic Ketoacidosis or DKA. Other problems can also arise from diabetes, but this article will focus on these key issues as they’re incredibly common. 

sick child and parentHere’s a quick breakdown of each. 

Hypoglycemia – What to look for

  • Weakness 
  • Shakiness or nervousness
  • Irritability
  • Confusion and dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Sweating and chills with pale, clammy skin
  • Tingling in and around the mouth
  • Headache
  • Seizure
  • Coma

If you see any combination of those symptoms you can help. 

What to do

  1. Give the person 15mg of carbohydrates – a glucose tablet, some fruit juice, a sweet, or a little bit of sugar
  2. Wait 15 minutes before testing blood levels again
  3. If blood sugar levels read below 70 mg/dl, try another 15mg of carbohydrates and another rest period before doing a second test
  4. Once blood sugar levels test above 70 mg/dl, it’s important the diabetic person eat a meal
  5. If the symptoms persist, call an ambulance

If the person is conscious but too weak to eat a meal, someone needs to stay with him or her. Place a small amount of sugar or honey in the diabetic’s cheek and have a phone nearby should you need it. If the patient faints call 911 immediately.

Hyperglycemia – what to look for

A case of high blood sugar can normally be managed at home, but extreme swings in blood sugar levels require a visit to the doctor. 

Here’s how to know if you or someone in your family has hyperglycemia:

  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Extreme thirst
  • Constant need to urinate
  • Fatigue

What to do 

For a mild case, some basic lifestyle changes can help keep hyperglycemia in check. Smaller portions at mealtime, a more vigorous exercise routine, and a checkup with the doctor to adjust insulin levels can all help the patient feel better. 

However, if the symptoms get worse or start to include dry mouth, difficulty breathing, or the person’s breath has a fruity smell, he or she needs an ambulance right away. 

DKA – what to look for

Caused by a lack of insulin in the body, DKA makes the body switch from glucose to fat as a source of fuel. That creates a threatening level of ketones and turns the blood acidic. It’s a serious problem and one you need to know how to recognize quickly. 

Here are the signs:

  • Dry mouth
  • Extreme thirst
  • Fatigue
  • Constant need to urinate
  • Dry or red skin
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Confusion
  • Shortness of breath
  • Breath smells fruity

Anyone with a combination of these symptoms needs an ambulance right away. You can keep a ketone testing kit nearby to check levels regularly so that you can be proactive. If you see that the blood tests positive for ketones and blood sugar levels are at or above 240 m/dl get them to a doctor immediately. 

Come see us at Victoria ER

The staff at Victoria ER helps diabetics manage their condition 24/7, no matter what. If you ever feel you or someone you love may be in danger, come see us for treatment. In the meantime, make sure that plenty of testing materials are available at your house and that you have supplies like glucose tablets or juice nearby to help diabetics in your house stay safe.

thanksgiving dinner table

Food Safety Tips for the Holidays

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year: the holidays! It’s safe to say that no one wants to spend the holidays sick. While some illnesses are simply out of our control, there are many others that we can avoid, including food poisoning.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, C. perfringens is a strain of bacteria associated with cooked foods left out at room temperature and is to blame for nearly a million cases of foodborne illnesses in the United States each year. Outbreaks are commonly seen in November and December, right around the holidays.

As such, at Victoria ER, we’ve put together a list of safety tips for you to consider to help prevent food poisoning and illness this holiday season.

First and foremost, make sure to consistently wash your hands (whether you’re cooking or not). You’ve undoubtedly heard it many times over the past couple of years, but it’s true: Keeping your hands clean is a great way to stay safe and healthy. Additionally, you’ll need to keep all cooking surfaces clean to stop cross-contamination. 

Further, you’ll want to:

  • Thaw turkey/ham/all meats in the refrigerator, in a sink of cold water, or the microwave
  • Keep all foods separated before and during cooking (juices can drip onto other foods)
  • Do not consume raw dough or batter
  • Cook food thoroughly and use a food thermometer
  • Use pasteurized eggs instead of raw eggs

If you do happen to experience any sort of issue, illness, or injury, Victoria ER is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week—even on holidays and weekends. We conveniently and effectively offer a comprehensive range of emergency medical treatments, including clinical services, imaging and laboratory, occupational medicine, pediatric care, and more.

The entire team at Victoria ER wishes you and your family a safe and happy holiday. Remember, we’re here if you need us! 

child laying in crib

Understanding SIDS

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SIDS, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, refers to the sudden, unexpected, and unexplained death of a healthy baby. The following article isn’t meant to frighten or disturb you, but to supply you with the necessary information needed to help keep your child safe.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, each year, about 3,400 sudden and unexpected infant deaths occur in the United States. SIDS deaths frequently take place in the winter months, and boys are more likely to die from the syndrome than girls.

Unfortunately, there are no symptoms or warning signs. Yet, it is comforting to know that SIDS rates declined considerably from 130.0 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 33.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2019.

Because there are no symptoms or warning signs, there is no guaranteed way to prevent SIDS, yet it is possible to keep your baby safer during sleep by following these tips:

  • Place your baby to sleep on his or her back
  • Keep the crib as bare as possible, avoiding excess blankets, pillows, and toys
  • Don’t overheat your baby  
  • Consider having your baby sleep in your room

Additionally, it’s comforting to know that at Victoria ER, our skilled, trained, and board-certified physicians provide the ultimate pediatric care for you and your family. We’re available 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing the care you need and deserve.

We offer a warm, inviting environment for your child, including a special exam room decorated with calm, peaceful colors to further ensure your little one feels happy and secure during his or her visit.

After all, when your child feels sick or gets injured, you should have a caring, professional team by your side to give you answers and relief—that’s what you’ll find at Victoria ER.

young child wearing mask

When is an Allergic Reaction an Emergency?

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Today more than ever, allergies affect our kids’ health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) counts over 5.6 million kids as allergic to pollen and more than 4.8 million with food allergies. 

As parents, it’s up to us to be vigilant and keep our kids safe from anything that might cause a severe allergic reaction. More and more kids travel with an epinephrine auto-injector, or EpiPen, to keep a reaction under control. 

However, some reactions require much stronger treatments. Your child may need medical intervention if his or her allergy is too intense and triggers a life-threatening case of anaphylaxis, essentially a hypersensitivity reaction.

Common Allergens

wheat

One of the most common allergens is pollen. Also known as Hay Fever, this looks like a sneezing fit combined with an asthma attack. The floating spores make kids wheeze, itch, or experience some swelling in their mouth and throat, and possibly break out into a rash. 

The ragweed plant and its relatives, like chamomile, can also trigger intense allergic reactions. Pay attention to any plants that produce high amounts of pollen, have toxic leaves or flowers, or kill surrounding plants, as they tend to trigger reactions in kids sensitive to pollen. 

Wheat, dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, and tree nuts can all trigger reactions after they’re eaten. Anything from an itchy throat to diarrhea and vomiting can be a sign that a child is allergic to a specific food.

You’ve likely heard horror stories about people who have allergies to bee stings, (about five percent of the population have abee deadly allergy to bee stings), but what about cockroaches? This common pest can cause asthma attacks. Dust mites, mosquitoes, bed bugs, and other common bugs can also cause redness, itchiness, and swelling.

When to see a doctor

Be aware of any symptoms in your child the moment he or she reports feeling ill. Your child may wheeze, feel an itchy mouth or throat, or develop a rash. Normally, you can treat these symptoms with over-the-counter medication. If symptoms don’t die down or appear to get worse after your child takes treatment, it’s time to go to the hospital. 

Extreme reactions may include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea 
  • Chest pain
  • Heart palpitations
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Extreme swelling in the face or throat

Tell your doctor about anything your child ate or may have touched before the reaction occurred. Also, let your doctor know if you have already tried an EpiPen or other medications. 

The staff at Victoria ER helps children manage allergic reactions 24/7, no matter what. If you ever feel your child may be in danger, come and see for assistance. In the meantime, have your child tested for any potential allergies and learn more about how to manage them from your pediatrician. 

baby swallow pill

If Your Baby Swallows a Pill, Do This!

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Teddy Bear wearing stethoscopeBeing a parent is hard, right? Let’s admit that and get it out of the way now. Regardless of age—infant, toddler, preschooler, teen, young adult—you never stop worrying about your child. That being said, it’s possible that the younger years are the most difficult. When you have a baby on your hands, you want to bubble wrap them, ensuring nothing bad happens.

Unfortunately, accidents still unfold, accidents that include swallowing pills or tablets. In fact, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that roughly 60,000 young children under the age of five are taken to the emergency room each year because they swallowed a pill of some kind.

The skilled, professional, and friendly staff at Victoria ER, a 24-Hour Emergency Center, is here to help you when an accident like this takes place.

Of course, to prevent your baby from swallowing something he or she shouldn’t swallow, keep it—whatever “it” is—locked up. For example, always store medications, pills, and tablets out of reach, either in medicine cabinets or on high shelves. Additionally, make sure all of your medication bottles are locked and protected with childproof caps.

Open pill bottle and pills spilling outThat being said, again, accidents can and do occur, so it’s necessary to be prepared.

Please understand that while all types of medications can be dangerous to children, the most toxic ones are:

  • Heart Medications
  • Antidepressants
  • Pain Relievers
  • Prescriptions Drugs
  • Over-the-Counter Medications

If you suspect your baby has swallowed a pill or tablet listed above—or, for that matter, any pill or table that wasn’t meant for them—there are warning signs to be aware of, such as:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy
  • Unusual Sleeping
  • Abnormal Drooling
  • Seizure

Baby getting a check-up from DoctorIf your baby starts to demonstrate any of these signs, especially if he or she goes into a seizure, take action right away—without hesitation. Remember, safety comes first! As such, either drive your child to the nearest emergency room or call 9-1-1. If you can, bring the medication your baby swallowed to the hospital, as this will allow the doctors to better assess the situation and establish an accurate treatment plan for your child.

Even if your baby doesn’t show signs of sickness, it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you know he or she swallowed a pill, consider calling poison control, your family doctor, or get to the local ER. We’ll say it again because it matters: safety comes first! Don’t risk your child’s health.

Though it’s easier said than done, don’t panic. Further, don’t blame yourself. Once the accident has taken place, the only course of action to take is to move forward—and our team will help you do that.

You and your family can rely on our top-notch pediatric care. Our physicians are board-certified and trained to treat special pediatric ER cases. Better yet, we’re prepared to make your child’s visit quick and comfortable. We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year—including holidays.

Yes, being a parent is hard, particularly when your child is sick—but with Victoria ER by your side, you don’t have to face the challenge alone.

Doctor looking at imaging

The Best Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Services for You

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You may not know this, but at Victoria ER, our 24-Hour Emergency Center offers state-of-the-art imaging and lab capabilities. Specifically, our services include—but are not limited to—X-Rays, CT Scans, and bedside Ultrasounds, all available to give you the fast results you want, need, and deserve.

In this article, we detail components of our imaging and laboratory services, with a focus on X-Rays, CT Scans, and bedside Ultrasounds, to show that our team of experienced physicians provides nothing but quality and precise medical care.

X-Ray

Doctor holding up X-rayFor X-Rays, we currently use the Del Medical brand and SHF-535 model.

X-Rays are beneficial to examine most areas of the body, particularly bones and joints. However, an X-Ray can also detect issues affecting soft tissue.

X-Rays allow our medical team to view what is happening inside your body without making an incision. Then, we can effectively diagnose, monitor, and treat the medical condition we discover. Of course, different types of X-Rays are necessary for different purposes.

There are myriad reasons why you could require an X-Ray, such as:

  • Checking for a broken bone
  • Looking for foreign objects in the body
  • Routine screenings for cancer and/or other diseases
  • Identifying the cause of symptoms—i.e. pain or swelling

X-Rays are commonly used to examine bones, teeth, as well as the chest, and abdomen.

CT Scan

Women laying in CT Scan MachineFor CT Scans, we currently use the 16 Slice brand and 2269165-3 model.

Specifically, a CT Scan is a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses both X-Rays and computer technology to produce images of the inside of the body. A low dose of radiation is present in CT Scans, but no long-term damage has been known to occur. In fact, the numerous benefits of a CT Scan greatly outweigh any potential risk.

This tool can show us detailed images of any part of the body, such as the following:

  • Bones
  • Muscles
  • Fat
  • Organs
  • Blood Vessels

CT Scans are more detailed than X-Rays and can detect a wide range of ailments, including certain types of cancer, fractures, heart disease, blood clots, bowel disorders, and more.

A CT Scan generally lasts about 10 to 15 minutes—from start to finish.

Bedside Ultrasound

Doctor doing Ultrasound on women's stomachFor bedside Ultrasounds, we currently use the Mindray brand and UMT-300 model.

This is a very particular type of Ultrasound Scan that we perform to answer questions in real time about your body. Ultrasounds are accurate, non-invasive, and require no radiation. They use sound waves to produce images of structures within the body. These images can—and do—provide the information needed to diagnose and treat various diseases and medical conditions. Better yet, bedside Ultrasounds can work faster than a CT Scan.

Bedside Ultrasounds are often used to:

  • Monitor babies, measuring the size of the fetus to estimate the due date
  • Detect cancer in the breasts and testicles
  • Scope out muscle, joint, and abdominal pain

An Ultrasound exam takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes to complete. The doctor will receive a written report of the images within approximately 30 minutes or so.

Regardless of the type of care you require, you can always depend on the skilled and professional team at Victoria ER. Our imaging and laboratory services are top-notch—you have nothing to lose when you choose to work with us. We guarantee you’re in good hands.

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