When your child becomes ill, it is natural as a parent to worry, even if it is just mild symptoms, as a parent, you think to take your child to see a doctor in Arlington just to be safe. You must remember to not let your imagination wander and think the worst when your child is ill, but to try and remain calm in order to help keep your child calm as well.

When your child is injured or ill, you typically have a few choices as to how to go about it. You can either schedule an appointment with your pediatrician, take them to an urgent care to see a doctor right away, or, if the symptoms are severe, take them to an emergency room. The trick here is knowing which of the three to go with based on your particular situation.

Many parents unnecessarily take their child to the emergency room as they over-worry. It is important to remember that when your child is ill, try and not fear the worst but rather attempt to objectively analyze their symptoms and gage whether or not a trip to the emergency room is necessary. So, the question is, how do you know when to go to the ER or not?

Take your child to the emergency room if:

• If your child of two months old or younger has a fever (100.4 degrees or higher)
• If your child has suffered from a head injury and has symptoms of a concussion (passed out, lost consciousness, dizzy, nauseous, stumbling, or acting odd)
• If your child may have a broken bone and there is visible swelling
• If your child has a seizure
• If your child is having difficulty breathing with heavy or quick breaths, or is gasping for a breath
• If your child is experiencing signs of dehydration, isn’t urinating (for more than 12 hours), is acting lethargic or confused, has dry lips, and seems weak or dizzy
• If your child has a large open gash or cut that needs stitches

Consider taking your child to an urgent care if:

• Your child is experiencing flu-like symptoms with a fever (runny or stuffy nose, lethargy, muscle aches, chills, headache, coughing, sore throat)
• If your child has a sore throat that starts on one side and spreads to the other, with or without white patches on the tonsils
• If your child is suffering symptoms of pink eye (conjunctivitis) which can include a red, swollen, itchy eye, with or without discharge
• If you think your child may have an ear infection and they are experiencing: pulling on the ear, ear pain, fever, drainage from the ear
• If your child is experiencing mild vomiting and diarrhea (without sharp pains in the abdomen or any blood in the stool)

It can be difficult knowing the right thing to do when your child is sick, but remember to try and stay calm and objectively analyze their symptoms. If your child is able to walk and talk and interact with you, it is unlikely that it is an emergency situation.

Urgentology is an innovative and friendly urgent care in Arlington and we welcome you and your family to come visit our expert medical team for non-emergency situations. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment ahead of time, contact us today. Walk ins are of course always welcome.

Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.

There is no doubt that summer is here in Texas, and the temperatures are

peaking. With the intense

heat, your body is much more prone to dehydration. This is typical because

we sweat more from the heat and our bodies need to use more water to try

and stay cool and regulate our body temperature. This is especially prevalent

in children as they typically have a lower body mass to hold hydration

and burn through it more quickly. It is also an issue that kids don’t

realize the importance of drinking water and are too distracted by the

summer fun. So, it is very important that you not only make sure you are drinking

enough water but also that your child is.

Here are some tips to help you and your family avoid dehydration this summer:

1. Get in the habit of carrying around a reusable water bottle wherever you

   go. This is not only great for your health but for the health of the environment

   (as it creates for less plastic usage from disposable water bottles).

   You should also get your children in the habit of carrying around a reusable

   water bottle. You can encourage this habit by keeping the water bottle

   fun (let them pick it out) and to keep things interesting you can even

   try adding fresh fruit to the water to flavor it.

2. Start you and your family’s day off with a glass of water as soon

   as you get out of bed, as well as one before you go to sleep at night.

3. If you find it hard to always be drinking water, or if perhaps your kids

   don’t love the taste, you can try and keep everyone hydrated by

   snacking on foods that are high in water content. Some of these foods

   include: watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, oranges, peaches, lettuce,

   tomato, beetroot, celery, and jicama.

4. Try to limit drinks with caffeine such as; coffee, tea, and sodas, as well

   as drinks with alcohol. These drinks can have a diuretic effect which

   can lead to quicker dehydration. If you do have a caffeinated or alcoholic

   beverage, follow each with a glass of water.

5. Try and limit drinks that are high in sugar like soft drinks and fruit

   juices. These tend to slow down fluid absorption into the body. If your

   child insists on fruit juice, dilute the fruit juice with water to reduce

   the sugar consumption and keep them hydrated.

6. Seek shade and wear cool clothes to lessen sweating and body-water loss.
7. If you are engaging in outdoor activities, be sure to drink double if not

   triple your water intake to make sure you stay hydrated. Take breaks from

   the heat regularly and stay cool by using the AC or shade as well as drink

   water if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or have a headache.

Common symptoms of mild to moderate dehydration can include:

• Increased thirst
• Dry mouth
• Decrease urine and urine of dark color
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Dry skin
• Light-headedness

If you or a loved one is experiencing these symptoms or ones of more severity

you should immediately seek medical attention. If you have any questions

or would like to schedule a same day appointment, please don’t hesitate to

contact us today.

Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or

go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended

to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of

these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.

It’s summer here in Texas, and that means extremely high temperatures. With the last few weeks being as hot as they have, it’s important that you do your best to stay cool and be prepared for enduring such harsh heat. During the summer, we love spending time outside, by the pool, playing sports, or barbequing with family and friends, etc., but it is very important that when you are spending time outside in this heat that you follow the precautions necessary to avoid the effects like heat exhaustion.

Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that comes from the exposure of high temperatures, it is often associated with dehydration. There are two different kinds of heat exhaustion which include:

• Water depletion signs include intense thirst, dizziness, weakness, headache and in extreme cases a loss of consciousness.
• Salt depletion signs include dizziness, weakness, nausea and vomiting, and usually muscle cramps.

How do I know if I or someone I know is suffering from heat exhaustion?

If you think you think you may be suffering from heat exhaustion it is important that you go to an emergency doctor in Arlington as soon you can, as if it is left untreated it can lead to heat stroke which can be life-threatening. Heat exhaustion can come suddenly and unexpectedly or overtime of enduring exposure. A typical situation where heat exhaustion occurs is that of where one is working outside, playing outside, or involved in other activities that take place in high temperatures. To learn about the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, keep reading below.

• Moist skin that feels cool to the touch with goosebumps regardless of the heat
• Heavy sweating
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Faintness
• A weak and rapid pulse
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Headaches
• Low blood pressure or light-headedness when standing

What should I do if I notice someone may be suffering from heat exhaustion?

There are important steps that should be taken if you suspect a person is experiencing heat exhaustion:

#1 You should first move the person out of the heat into an air-conditioned place. If there is no air-conditioned place within reach, then try and find a cooler shaded area for the person to reside.

#2 Have the person lie down on their back with their legs and feet slightly elevated.

#3 If the person is wearing any heavy or tight clothing, remove it to lower their body temperature or aid their breathing.

#4 Have the person drink something cold, but nothing with alcohol or caffeine, water is, of course, your best option since this illness is commonly associated with dehydration.

#5 Fan the person or spray and pat them with cool water to attempt and cool them down.

#6 Monitor the person’s condition to ensure it does not worsen, in which case you should take them to see an Urgentology Care doctor located in Arlington as soon as possible.

Heat exhaustion is nothing to be taken lightly. It is very important to stay hydrated and cool in these high summer temperatures. Watch over yourself and your loved ones to ensure that this illness does not happen to them. You should constantly be close to water, carry a bottle with you, and drink more than the recommended 8 cups a day when you are spending long periods of time in the heat.

If you have more questions or think you are experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, visit Urgentology Care today.

Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.

Cold and flu season is in full swing, but there are many other common infections

that can wreak havoc on both the young and old, regardless of what time

of year it is. For infants, children, adults over the age of 65, and those

with weakened immune systems, infections can be more than just an annoyance.

In fact, the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) reports that

one-third of all deaths in seniors over 65 are from infectious diseases.

For the elderly, there are a handful of common infections that pose a threat

more than others:

• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) – According to the AAFP,

  UTIs are the most common bacterial infection in older adults. UTIs may be caused

  by the use of catheters or diabetes, which are both common among this

  older population.

• Skin Infections – As we get older, it becomes much more difficult

  for the skin to heal itself. Because of this, skin infections are much

  worse – and more common – among seniors. Some of the most

  common skin infections include:

  • Viral infections like shingles
  • Bacterial infections such as cellulitis or folliculitis
  • Drug-resistant infections
• Pneumonia – The AAFP reports that more than 60 percent of all seniors

  visit the hospital because of pneumonia. There are numerous reasons why

  those over 65 are at a higher risk of developing pneumonia. This includes

  changes in lung capacity, exposure to disease, and the prevalence of conditions

  like diabetes and cardiopulmonary disease.

• Influenza – Everyone can get the flu (influenza), but it is particularly

  dangerous amongst seniors. In fact, influenza is the sixth-leading cause

  of death in America, and 90 percent of those who die from influenza are seniors.

• Gastrointestinal Infections – Seniors are at a much higher risk of

  developing gastrointestinal infections, such as gastritis and Clostridium

  difficile, which is a common infection that causes diarrhea.

How to Treat Common Infections

Infections happen, and it is important to understand the risk factors and

what to do about it. For the young, elderly, and those with weakened immune

systems, you should never ignore your symptoms. While many common illnesses

and infections will go away on their own, higher risk groups should seek

medical attention right away. Here at Urgentology Care, we always have

trained medical staff to evaluate and treat you. If you or a loved one

are feeling ill,

bring them into Urgentology Care in Arlington today for an assessment. Your health and wellness are our

top priority and we will do everything we can to ensure you receive the

treatment you need to get better. We offer a wide range of solutions aimed

at treating the common infections listed above, as well as others.

Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or

go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended

to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of

these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.

Foreign Object Removal

A foreign object is something that becomes lodged in the body. Foreign objects can be swallowed, inhaled, or be a result of trauma.

When a foreign object becomes lodged in the body, it is important to have it evaluated as soon as possible. Both adults and children can be the victim of foreign objects, but young children are at a higher risk because of their natural inclination to put things in their mouth, nose, and ears.

Contact the professionals at Urgentology Care today to learn more about foreign body removal in Arlington, TX.

Removing foreign objects depends on its location. A foreign body in the eye, ear, or soft tissue will require careful extraction but can generally be performed in a clinic setting. An ingested battery, on the other hand, is a medical emergency and will require a visit to the emergency room. In any case, if an object gets stuck somewhere in the body, it may require a doctor’s help.

What Foreign Objects Are Most Commonly Swallowed or Inserted?

Young children often place foreign objects in their ears, nose, or mouth and it can be quite dangerous if it is not removed. Some of the foreign objects most commonly found in human bodies include:

• Small toys or small toy parts
• Crayons
• Coins
• Food
• Pencil erasers
• Buttons
• Pebbles or other small rocks
• Seeds
• Marbles
• Nails
• Batteries

There are some objects on this list that can pose a more serious threat to the patient than others, such as nails and sharp items. Ingested batteries can cause devastating injuries to human bodies in a short period of time, mainly due to the release of chemicals that can cause burns.

How Are Foreign Objects Removed?

There are different methods for foreign body removal, depending on the location of the object and the type of foreign object. In some cases, we may be able to use a gentle suction or small tweezers to grasp the object, whereas other circumstances call for an irrigation wash (eyes).

The doctors and staff at Urgentology Care are often able to perform a foreign object removal right here at our clinic. However, in some more serious cases, we may need to send you to the emergency room.

Please call us or visit our urgent care today if you or your child is in need of a foreign body removal in Arlington, TX.

Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.

Different seasons of the year call for different commonly treated injuries and illnesses that doctors are treating patients for and summer is no different than the rest. In order to try and keep you and your family safe, healthy, and happy this summer, the best thing you can do is be informed about the common injuries and illnesses that occur in the summertime so that you can do your best to prevent them from happening to you or your loved ones.

#1 Heat-related conditions

Summertime usually means spending a lot of time outside in the heat. However, you and your family should take precautions when you plan to be in the heat for an extended amount of time. When you are in hot conditions your body requires much more water as you are constantly sweating and you need this hydration to stay cool. Prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to nausea, dizziness, vomiting, headaches, and confusion. Make sure you drink a lot of water and seek shade to stay well.

#2 Sunburns

Similarly related to the heat of summer, the sun is high, hot, and dangerous during this time of year. People fail to realize sometimes that they are being burned as they cannot see it immediately or they think they are protected, but many people come in for second and even third-degree burns this time of year as well as sun poisoning. Make sure you are lathering on the sunscreen every 30 minutes to an hour and make sure you are seeking shade to avoid this painful and even permanently damaging experience. If your sunburn is accompanied by nausea, dizziness, or blistering, seek medical attention immediately.

#3 Swimming-related injuries and issues

Summertime means water activates, from backyard pool fun to lake trips, but unfortunately water activities can be dangerous. Slick surfaces by the pool lead to slip and fall accidents and drowning scares are nothing to be taken lightly. Make sure take it slow around the water and keep a close eye on your young kids near the water, it only takes a minute and less than a foot of water to lose a child to drowning.

#4 Insect-related illnesses and reactions

More time spent outside means more exposure to various insects and other skin-irritants such as poison ivy, etc. Try not to itch insect bites as it can lead to breaking the skin and potentially infection which will require medical attention. If the area becomes inflamed, swollen, or forms a ring around the area then it may mean the bite is infected and you should see a doctor.

#5 Sports-related injuries

Summertime means more sports, but unfortunately, more sports often means more injuries. Twisted ankles and broken fingers are all too common of injuries during the summer time. So, make sure to be careful while engaging in such activities. If you injure yourself and have no relief by the next day, the injury could be a bad sprain or break and you will need to see a doctor.

#6 Food-poisoning

Food-poising is another commonly treated illness that occurs during the summertime. While food-poisoning occurs at all times of the year, it is a bit more common during the summer as people typically spend more time at group food gatherings such as BBQ’s, etc. Another reason for the increase in food-poising is that bacteria grows quicker on food that is left out in the heat. Be sure to keep your hands clean when preparing food and keep said food in a refrigerated area when it is not being eaten or served.

Summer is a wonderful time full of wonderful activities but is important to make sure you are taking precautions to avoid these common injuries and illnesses. If you fall ill or incur an injury and need to see a doctor quick, the best choice is to visit a trusted Arlington urgent care. Here at Urgentology, we are new and innovative urgent care that can offer you high-quality care you need for you and your family. Contact us or walk on in today!

Important: If you have a life-threatening emergency, please call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room. Information in this site is not intended to be used as a diagnosis for your symptoms. If you experience any of these symptoms, please seek medical attention or visit Urgentology Care.