When to Seek Care for a Sore Throat

Cold and flu season is ramping up, which means you may currently be experiencing a sore throat. Although sore throats are a common irritation, they can be painful and annoying. Washing hands often and practicing good hygiene are some of the best ways to stay healthy and avoid sickness, but if you do experience a sore throat, here are some ways to beat it.

What Causes My Sore Throat?
There are a variety of things that can cause a sore throat, from a simple cold to strep throat to allergies to tonsillitis.

How Do I Care for my Sore Throat at Home?
Most sore throats can be soothed through at-home remedies.

• One of the most effective at-home remedies is gargling with warm salt water. This will decrease swelling and kill bacteria. If you have a particularly bad sore throat, try gargling hourly to help soothe your throat.
• Increase your intake of herbal tea, soup, and other warm liquids. This will help relieve your discomfort. Chamomile tea is anti-inflammatory and can be especially helpful for soothing sore throats.
• Use over-the-counter treatments, like throat lozenges or numbing sprays for an additional level of soothing.
• Add honey to your tea and other liquids, as it can help heal your sore throat.
• Avoid drinking alcohol, smoking, and consuming caffeine. These can cause dehydration and can irritate your throat.
• Use a cool-air humidifier to moisten the air or sit in a steamy bathroom. Being exposed to excessive dry air can bother your sore throat.

When Do I Head to Trusted ER for my Sore Throat?
While caring for your sore throat at home is important, it’s crucial to know when to head to the ER.

• If your sore throat has lasted for more than a couple days and is coupled with a fever of over 101 degrees, head to Trusted ER.
• If you can’t sleep at night and feel like your throat is blocked, give us a call.
• If a red rash accompanies your sore throat, head to Trusted ER. This could be a symptom of a much more serious problem.

At Trusted ER, our doctors will evaluate your sore throat to see what is causing your discomfort. If you suspect it is triggered by something more serious, come in immediately. We are here for you.

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Stomach Bug or Food Poisoning?

Do you know how to tell the difference between the stomach bug and food poisoning? Both have similar symptoms and are frustrating experiences, but there are differences between the two.

The Facts on Food Poisoning
One of the major differences between the stomach bug and food poisoning is that the stomach bug will occur one to two days after being exposed to the virus, whereas food poisoning will occur anywhere from 2-6 hours after consuming contaminated food. While the stomach bug lasts longer than food poisoning, its symptoms are usually less severe.
Food poisoning’s most common trigger is raw or undercooked meat. However, a number of other foods can trigger food poisoning, including eggs, soft cheeses, raw fish, and contaminated water.

Food Poisoning Symptoms

• Diarrhea
• Stomach Cramps
• Fever
• Body aches
• Sweating
• Headaches

Stomach Bug Symptoms

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Body aches

Stay Hydrated
One of the biggest concerns with both food poisoning and the stomach flu is dehydration. Carefully watch for signs of dehydration, which include feeling extremely thirsty, having dark urine, urinating less frequently, and feeling dizzy. Replenish your body with electrolytes to help hydrate your body. Avoid soda, caffeine, and alcoholic beverages, as these drinks will contribute to your dehydration.
When you are ready to eat again, start by introducing gentle foods like bananas, apples or applesauce, plain yogurt, or potatoes. Stay away from spicy foods – or anything else that may upset your stomach.

Prevention Methods
To help prevent the stomach bug, remember to wash your hands often and stay home if you are sick. To avoid food poisoning, thoroughly cook your meats, keep perishable items refrigerated, and clean your kitchen tools regularly. Throw away rotten or questionable food items.

Do you believe you have food poisoning? Are you concerned about the stomach flu? Come into Trusted ER immediately, and our doctors will diagnose your symptoms.

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from Trusted ER – Hurst https://hurst.trustedmedicalcenters.com/stomach-bug-or-food-poisoning/
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Congrats to our 2018 Best Doctors!

We’re proud to announce that Dr. Harvey Castro and Dr. Jessica Hernandez have been voted as D Magazine’s Best Doctors for 2018! At Trusted ER – Hurst, our goal is to provide our patients with the highest level of care, and we want to congratulate Dr. Castro and Dr. Hernandez for their exceptional emergency care.

While serving as the chief medical officer at Trusted Medical Centers, Dr. Harvey Castro has been voted one of D Magazine’s Best Doctors every year since 2014. With over 15 years of experience, he has been a pioneer in Dallas’ healthcare field, developing health-related apps for smartphones, writing medical publications, and working as a medical correspondent for local stations Univision and Telemundo to draw Hispanic and Latino audiences into conversations about healthcare.

He is certified by The American Board of Emergency Medicine and the American College of Emergency Physicians. A guest speaker for the American College of Emergency Physicians at the Scientific Assembly, he has also worked as a consultant for healthcare software businesses and has completed three phases of ACEPS Emergency Department of Directors Academy. He received both a B.S. and B.A. from Texas A&M University and his M.D. from University of Texas Medical Branch. His goal is to serve his patients with the highest level of individualized care.

Dr. Jessica Hernandez is an attending physician at Trusted Medical Centers. She was also voted one of D Magazine’s Best Doctors in 2017, an honor she received shortly after moving to Texas. With a heart for education, she is in the process of completing her master’s degree in health profession education. She finished a fellowship in Simulation Medicine in 2012, having studied the use of technology in education.

Her compassion for others has led her to become deeply involved in hurricane relief efforts. Before Trusted ER, she practiced at a Level I trauma center and recently spent time in Puerto Rico on a medical mission. She has a B.A. in Comparative Literature from New York University and received her M.D. from Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Her Emergency Medicine Residency was completed at St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York. She loves working with patients to help educate and answer questions about anxieties surrounding health and wellness.

We are proud to have Dr. Castro and Dr. Hernandez serving our patients at Trusted ER – Hurst. Visit one of our three Dallas area facilities to receive care from our incredible team of doctors.