River Oaks Emergency Center

Find More Health Facts at the Helpful Pages Here

Knowing the signs that you need emergency care is extremely important for your health. You can read more information about diabetes and pregnancy complications by clicking through these websites:

• What is diabetes and how does it affect your body? Check out this explanation on News-Medical.net to find out.
• Diabetic ketoacidosis can cause serious and even life-threatening complications if not treated. You can find more information about complications related to diabetic ketoacidosis on the Mayo Clinic website.
• An ectopic pregnancy is considered an emergency, as it can cause internal bleeding or shock. You can learn more about ectopic pregnancy, including its symptoms and treatments, on WebMD.com.
• Diabetics are at an increased risk for developing skin sores or infections. You can read more about skin complications due to diabetes on Diabetes.org.
• What are some common signs of a pregnancy problem that you should never ignore? Visit BabyCenter.com for a list of symptoms that should prompt you to seek medical care.

If you suspect that you need medical care, don’t wait—seek help immediately. River Oaks Emergency Center is here to provide the immediate and comprehensive care you need 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact us by calling (713) 469-3223 or click through our website for more important health information. 

Happy Nurses Week

Thank  you to all of the great nurses here at River Oaks Emergency Center. We truly wouldn't be the same without you and appreciate everything you do. Happy Nurses Week!

Understanding the Most Common Pregnancy Complications

Although many pregnancies are healthy and problem-free, complications may arise that affect your health and that of your baby. Symptoms such as bleeding and abdominal pain should never be ignored. Contact an emergency center if you are experiencing troubling or painful symptoms for an immediate diagnosis and care.

Ectopic Pregnancy

An ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg attaches to tissue outside the uterus, such as a fallopian tube. Ectopic pregnancy often causes mild to severe abdominal cramping that worsens with time. Other symptoms of ectopic pregnancy include vaginal spotting or bleeding and shoulder pain when lying down. If you suspect that you have an ectopic pregnancy, seek emergency care immediately. If the growing embryo ruptures your fallopian tube, it can cause internal bleeding, shock, and other serious complications.

Preterm Labor

Contractions and cervical dilation prior to the 37th week of pregnancy signal preterm labor. Visit the ER if you experience an increase or change in vaginal discharge, particularly if it includes mucous or blood. Menstrual-like cramps or more than four contractions per hour also signal the need for medical care to assess your condition and induce or prevent labor as needed.

Infections

Certain infections or diseases can cause serious complications for you or your baby. Illnesses that can affect your pregnancy include chicken pox, the flu, bacterial vaginosis, rubella, urinary tract infections, and many different sexually transmitted diseases. If you have a fever above 100.4 or suspect an infection, visit a physician or urgent care provider promptly for testing and treatment.

Preeclampsia

Preeclampsia causes high blood pressure and the presence of protein in your urine. High blood pressure can restrict blood flow to your uterus, endangering your baby. Severe headache, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain or tenderness, and vision disruptions may come on suddenly, signaling preeclampsia. Severe preeclampsia may require hospitalization or early induction of labor.

If you suspect a pregnancy complication, don’t hesitate to seek emergency care. River Oaks Emergency Center of Houston provides round-the-clock care and testing for illnesses and urgent medical emergencies. Call (713) 469-3223 or visit our website to learn more about us. 

How Spring Weather Can Lead to Unexpected Injuries

As the weather begins to grow warmer, the potential for outdoor injuries rises. Yard work, exercise, and play can all pose a threat to your health, especially if you’re out of shape or practice.

This video discusses the importance of starting slowly in the springtime to prevent injury during work or play. Even yard work uses muscles that may be weakened or untrained and can result in overuse injuries or sprains. Protect your body and your health by knowing your limits and taking your time.

You can receive immediate treatment for injuries at River Oaks Emergency Center in Houston. We are dedicated to providing the very best in diagnostic imaging and treatment to address injuries sustained during any activity. Visit our website or call (713) 469-3223 to review our services and find helpful outdoor safety information.

Diabetes Complications that Require Emergency Care

Diabetes is a disease which affects an individual’s ability to process glucose. In addition to glucose-related emergencies, diabetics are at risk for several serious medical conditions. Emergency care may be necessary to avoid serious complications such as loss of limb, coma, or death.

Hypoglycemia or Hyperglycemia

Too little or too much glucose in the blood (hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia) are serious hazards for diabetics. These conditions may occur if insulin is not taken or not available. Too much or too little food, stress, and other illnesses may also contribute to these conditions. Hypoglycemia causes weakness, trembling, drowsiness, headache, confusion, and convulsions. If ingested sugar or supplements have no effect, seek emergency care immediately. Hyperglycemia is characterized by excessive thirst and urination, nausea and vomiting, and rapid breathing. If this condition is left untreated, diabetic ketoacidosis and loss of consciousness or coma can follow.

Open Sores or Lacerations

Diabetics are at risk for skin complications such as sores and ulcers, particularly on the legs. A sore that is not healing or a deep cut to the skin on the legs require urgent care. A lack of proper wound treatment for a sore or laceration can allow infection to take root and spread, eventually leading to the need for amputation of the limb.  

Chest or Abdominal Pain

Diabetes also increases your risk for other serious medical conditions, including heart attack. Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath should all be brought to the attention of an emergency physician immediately. Another symptom of a potentially serious condition is severe abdominal pain, which may signify diabetic ketoacidosis or other conditions, including abdominal aortic aneurysm, bowel obstruction, and gall bladder infection.

River Oaks Emergency Center is here to help in the event of a diabetic or other medical emergency. Contact us at (713) 469-3223 to learn more about our top-quality emergency care services available 24/7 in Houston. You can also visit our website for more information about our emergency medical center.