Helpful Health Tips and Wellness Advice

December 13 2017

Heart Attack Patients: What to Expect in the ER

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For most of us, knowing when to request medical attention at the time of emergency isn’t always clear. It is easy to analyze circumstances in case of a potentially life-threatening situation such as fainting, difficulty in breathing, or traumatic accident. However, heart attack symptoms are not as easy to detect and analyze right away. This is because its symptoms can sometimes be confused with that of heart burn, weakness or dizziness, thus, most people tend to misread them. It pays to call 911 right away if you observe anyone experiencing chest discomfort. Being prepared is the key to handling any situation with logic and a clear mind. Here is what to expect in an ER if you have experienced chest pain or a heart attack:

Things to Bring to the ER

There is a list of things that you need to bring to the ER. If a loved one suffers a heart attack, make sure that you take all the necessary files and medical history along with their insurance card. Also, bring a pen and paper to document the treatment they are receiving to keep record.

What to Expect when you Arrive at the ER

Emergency rooms operate on the basis of a system known as triage. Under this system, they treat the illness which is the most serious amongst all cases present. So if you or your loved one has had a heart attack, they will look into your case quickly. Depending upon your symptoms, you may receive the following tests and treatment:

Physical examination
An IV
Blood tests to confirm the occurrence of a heart attack
Administration of medicines such as aspirin, nitroglycerine, and clot dissolving agents
An EKG (electrocardiogram)
Administering oxygen
Opening of a blocked artery through Cardiac Catheterization if deemed necessary by a Cardiologist. This is a process where a flexible tube is inserted via the groin to extend to the block artery.

What to do During the Procedures?

The doctors and emergency staff in the ER are competent in dealing with such cases. This is why you need to trust them with the care and treatment they provide in order to steer you towards a healthier life style. If you are alone, it is best to inform a friend or family member about your condition. Victoria ER is a walk-in emergency enter with state-of-the-art facilities to cater to heart attack patients. Take action if you or anyone near you is experiencing a heart attack by visiting this dependable ER.

Nutex Health, Inc supports you and your family’s health. You can depend on Victoria ER or any one of our concierge-level, freestanding emergency facilities to deliver the emergency care you deserve, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

December 13 2017

7 Unusual Reasons for Visiting the ER

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A broken bone, a severe head injury, major accidents – while all these are among the top reasons for visiting an ER , there are some quite unexpected reasons to land in an ER. There might be cases that you go to a medical center suspicious of one thing, but the actual cause of your condition could surprise you. Here are seven such strange reasons that force an ER visit:

Barbecue Brush Bristles

Brush bristles can lead to an ER visit, seriously? The metal bristles of the brush used to clean your barbecue grill, if not used carefully, can end up in your stomach. After cleaning your equipment with metal bristles make sure to clean the grill with a towel to get rid of the hazardous metal objects.

Laundry Poisoning

Undoubtedly, the new styled laundry pods are useful and hassle-free, but they’re dangerous as well, especially for children. Brightly colored,with a shiny appearances attractive to kids. Curious as they are, your 2-year old may put it in his mouth.Containing cleaning agents, these pods are poisonous. Keep them out of reach of your children to avoid a visit to the ER.

Alcohol Poisoning

When consuming alcohol, know your limits. It’s difficult to tell how much should be consumed; but once you start losing track – things start getting worse. Symptoms like vomiting, breathlessness, seizures and elevated body temperatures indicate alcohol poisoning and require emergency medical care. Be aware of how your body metabolizes alcohol and consume only as much as your body can tolerate.

Fruits

Eating fruits could lead to an emergency – were you aware of that? You need to make sure that you wash fruits before consuming them. Pests like spiders lurk on fruits that may lead to conditions that require immediate medical attention. Pesticides may also contaminate fruit and lead to serious problems requiring emergency attention.

Secondary Drowning

If your child is involved in a water accident, monitor him closely. Even though he appears to be fine, there might be water lingering in his lungs. This can cause a pneumonia-like condition which can be fatal if not treated in time. Watch out for symptoms like lethargy, continued coughing, unusual lip color, and changes in breathing. If any of these persist, seek immediate emergency care.

Flip-Flops

Tendonitis, knee and hip problems due to flip-flops? Have you ever heard of it? Wearing slippers that do not provide enough support can cause chronic pain.Flip-flops do not offer arch support which causes discomfort, and in a few cases, leads to emergencies.

Sneezing Wrong

We don’t think about the way we sneeze. Blocking airways by covering your mouth and pinching your nose or holding a sneeze could land you in the emergency. When you block airways during a sneeze, pressure builds up in the throat which causes a punctured airway. This condition can be a fatal one. Thus, when sneezing, always make sure that you cover your mouth and nose in an unobstructed manner. Which ER should you visit when faced with any of these situations? Victoria ER is the answer.Our compassionate medical staff focuses on providing excellent patient care with the shortest wait time. Come to us if you have any medical emergencies.

December 13 2017

When Your Toothache Becomes Serious

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Experiencing pain while chewing? Tooth sensitivity to hot and cold? Well, even this mild or moderate tooth discomfort can turn into a potentially serious condition known as abscess. This is a pus-filled infection that occurs inside and around the tooth, and in some cases, between the gum and tooth. The pain is mild in the beginning; however, within a day or two, the pain can become intense. This sharp pain is the telltale sign that you’re suffering from abscess.

Symptoms

The tooth darkens in color compared to the surrounding teeth. You may even experience pain while eating or when pressing on the tooth. The abscess that spreads on the tip of the root affects the supporting structures i.e. the gum and the bone. In a number of cases, the pain intensifies to such a huge extent, that it isn’t relieved even with pain medications.A swollen face and jaw is another symptom of abscess. You may even experience pain in your jaw due to swelling. Bad taste or halitosis are less common symptoms of abscess.

Causes

Intense dental cavity (decay) is one of the most common causes of abscess. The cavity becomes so large that it reaches the pulp chamber. When this happens, an inflammatory process takes place within the tooth which is why you experience toothache. Abscess also occurs when you undergo a dental treatment such as crown, or a filling that gets too close to the pulp chamber. A blow and trauma to the tooth from grinding or clenching are other causes of abscess. The wisdom teeth are at a higher risk of developing abscess; however, any tooth can develop it. Wisdom teeth are difficult to keep clean and can develop decay that can go unnoticed. This is why they are prone to develop this complication.

Preventing Abscess

Avoiding sweet and sugar-filled drinks and foods is one of the best ways of preventing an abscess. Use fluoride toothpaste to strengthen teeth and prevent from decaying. Fluoride mouth rinse is also an effective abscess prevention technique. It prevents tooth decay and helps in strengthening the enamel.Smoking and diabetes increase the risk of dental problems. If any one of these two factors affect you, make sure that you do not skip your doctor visits. Victoria ERprovides a range of emergency services in Victoria, Texas. We emphasize excellent patient care along with quality and accessible services.

December 13 2017

Where to Go When You’re Sick

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Knowing where to go after you’ve fallen ill depends on the nature of the condition and how quickly you need care. However, you should know these options before you require treatment. There are conditions where you should immediately head out to an emergency room; whereas, others do not require immediate medical care. If you feel that you need to see a doctor immediately because the symptoms show no sign of going away, here are three places available for you to seek care:

Physician’s Office

Physician’s office should be your first choice if you aren’t suffering from an emergency medical condition. Visit your physician’s office for conditions such as sore throats, fevers, earaches, flu, etc. Also, make sure that you visit your doctor’s clinic regularly to avoid emergency situations. In emergency medical situations, don’t hesitate to contact your physician for guidance.If you do not have a personal physician, you should make it a priority to find one.

Walk-In Clinics

Walk-in clinics have been set up to deal with situations that aren’t serious and conditions that are not life threatening. Obviously, you’d like to get in touch with your doctor and visit his clinic when you’re sick, but what do you do when there are a few situations when the doctor isn’t present? First and foremost, seek medical advice right away and don’t wait for your doctor. You can always benefit from walk-in clinics as they’ve been established for the same purpose – to treat you when your doctor isn’t available. However, you should keep in mind that walk-in clinics will are not equipped to deal with life-threatening emergency conditions.

Emergency Room

Emergency care centers are responsible for treating life-threatening problems such as major fractures, heart attacks, and seizures. Emergency centers operate 24 hours a day, ensuring your receive the care you need right away. Before transferring you to a hospital , your condition will be monitored after immediate emergency medical assistance. People suffering from life threatening conditions are stabilized at emergency centers, then moved to hospitals for further surgery or observation. Looking for the best emergency center? We at Victoria ER offer unmatched emergency services for all, children as well as adults. Our center features knowledgeable and experienced medical staff who are compassionate and offer the best care to all patients.

December 13 2017

5 Unexpected Reasons for an ER Visit

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December 13 2017

Dehydration & the Symptoms that May Lead to an ER Visit

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If you have ever had dry mouth or a sensation that there is no noticeable moisture there, there is a chance you might be dehydrated. Mild dehydration is easily treatable upon consuming some fluids. However, if the condition is severe, causing your skin and mucous membranes to dry out and making the skin lose its elasticity and suppleness, you could probably be suffering from severe dehydration. Other symptoms associated with dehydration include reduced urination, dark-colored urine, hollowed eyes, low blood pressure and rapid breathing and heartbeat. Many times, there are other not-so-prominent, yet severe, symptoms that remain unidentified as potential causes of dehydration. Stated below are some common symptoms of dehydration that can lead to an ER visit:

Fever

The body’s common reaction to an infection or illness is fever.It is indicative of the fact that your body is working to help you fight infection or some other insult. . As a result, the tissues in the body remain deprived of fluids to remain healthy -causing dehydration. With a significantly high fever such as 103 degrees, your body dries up faster than it does during a mild fever. In many cases, this can cause diarrhea and vomiting, which advances dehydration. Follow these steps to address fever and exercise control over dehydration:

Bathe your head and upper portion of the body with cool (not too cold) water;
Drink ample amounts of fluids such as water, juice, or clear soup – no tea or coffee;
Lie down or sleep for some time to rejuvenate your body.

If the condition doesn’t improve, visit your nearest emergency room to discover the reason and obtain definitive care.

Excessive Sweating

More likely to happen during a hot season, excessive sweating arises during rigorous physical activities such as playing sports, hiking in the sun, etc. The more humid and moist the weather is, the greater the chance your body loses vital fluids and electrolytes. Typically children and teenagers are more vulnerable to fluid loss as their body weight tends to be lower with a greater surface area. . To cope with this condition, make certain that you carry a bottle of water at all times during summer outdoor activities, and drink proactively to keep the body hydrated. Make the most of every opportunity to refresh yourself under the shade or with cold water. Also, try to cover your head under the sun to lessen moisture loss via your scalp.

Vomiting and Diarrhea

Both the conditions can cause the body to lose a great deal of fluid content. However, if both the conditions attack the body simultaneously, you can dehydrate even faster. Significant vomiting and diarrhea can result from a reaction to certain foods or medication, a gastric condition, a bacterial or viral illness. It can result in an added loss of electrolytes and subsequent worsening of your dehydration. Hit by dehydration? Make sure you head to Victoria ER for excellent patient care and emergency services at accessible rates. Find answers to some of your common questions or read through some of our informative blogs.

December 13 2017

4 Simple Ways to Reduce Blood Pressure

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December 13 2017

Can Constipation Result in a Trip to the ER?

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Constipation occurs when an individual has less than 3 bowel movements a week. This is the general definition for constipation, and it can happen to most people on an occasional basis. It becomes a problem when constipation is happening chronically or on a more frequent basis. As per a recent study, as many as 42 million Americans suffer from this disorder. Another concern regarding constipation is deciphering whether it is a health emergency or not. As per the latest study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, the number of constipation-related emergency room visits in the U.S between 2006 and 2011 increased by 42%. Furthermore, it also reveals that in 2011, $1.6 billion was spent on ER care related to constipation alone. If you are not sure whether your constipation problem may require a trip to the ER or not, here are some signs to help you understand your case better:

Immediately visit an ER if you are experiencing constipation along with severe abdominal pain;
When you are finding it hard to pass gas, see a doctor at an ER nearby;
If you feel constipated in addition to vomiting frequently, and,
You get a sensation of stomach bloating where you constantly feel full, tight and witness abdominal swelling

What Is Bowel Obstruction?

A bowel obstruction comes about when the small or large intestine gets blocked. A full or complete obstruction is a situation where you need emergent treatment in an ER; whereas a partial blockage, which is often caused by chronic gastrointestinal conditions, such as Chrons disease, is not as serious a problem but will still need a medical evaluation nonetheless. Sometimes partial obstruction requires admission to the hospital depending on the cause. A complete bowel obstruction can be cause by constipation particularly when dry, hard stool gets impacted in the large bowel or rectum. These cases sometimes require surgical evaluation to relieve the obstruction. The pain that arises from a blockage basically comes from the stretching of the bowels. If left untreated, complications such as a ruptured bowel can occur which is definitely a surgical emergency. The physician will many times insert a tube to help decompress the bowel which also provides the patient with significant relief. All in all, it is imperative to learn and understand that the stool is waste matter. It should not be lodged in your colon or rectum for extended periods of times even if your symptoms aren’t very serious right now, it doesn’t mean you should not take this medical condition seriously. At Victoria ER, we provide families with immediate care and attention via our 24 hour emergency care services in Victoria, Texas. Read what our patients have to say or contact us for further inquiries.

December 13 2017

3 Misleading Diet Foods & Healthier Options

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After the holidays, the New Year rings in resolutions. Some of us decide to work on our career and take the next step in the New Year, while others just want to save for trips around the world. The most common New Year’s resolution is to lose weight or eat more healthy food, which is easier said than done. Difficulty in finding the right diet comes from the endless options at the grocery store and even though a lot of packages say “fat-free” or “sugar-free”, you really need to do your research to understand what food is made of. Here’s a list of popular diet foods that have been mistaken as healthy options for your diet.

Yogurt

This creamy treat is believed to be a great snack food but it depends on what kind you buy. Plain yogurt has up to 14g of sugar in one serving and flavored yogurt has an added 15g of sugar on top of that. Even though it makes everything taste great, sugar can cause diabetes, weight gain and affect your immune system. Instead of eating these yogurts with high-sugar content, go for low-fat yogurt or, even better, fat-free Greek Yogurt and toss a teaspoon of honey or all-fruit spread to give it flavor but in your control.

Diet Drinks

Many of us are guilty of giving into soda pop cravings by grabbing the diet version of our favorite soda but, unfortunately, “diet” doesn’t mean healthy. Diet drinks are packed with artificial ingredients and are high in sodium to give it its flavor. If it seems like the craving for bubbles isn’t blowing away, choose sparkling mineral water and add lemon or lime to give flavor. You can even get a little more creative and add an array of fruits, such as orange wedges and berries.

Light Salad Dressings

Most of know that dressings such as bacon salad dressing and ranch are fattening. Therefore, we try to choose healthier options such as “light” salad dressings that are still yummy. Even though they are labeled as “light”, they are packed with fat to add flavor, preservatives to prolong shelf-life, and additives such as sodium and sugar. Instead of choosing the light salad dressings, grab some balsamic vinegar and drizzle it on your salad with some extra virgin olive oil. The vinegar and oil balance each other out and create a savory flavor with significantly less fat, sodium and sugar.

December 13 2017

5 Most Common Diabetes Related Emergencies

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