Tips for Staying Safe at the Beach This Summer

With summer right around the corner, families and friends alike are taking off to the beach for fun and relaxation.  Before loading your car with coolers, sand castle shovels, and beach balls you should take the advice of Dr. Mann, lead physician at the Medical Care San Diego, to ensure your stay healthy and safe.

Dr. Mann’s Advice for a Healthy Day at the Beach

The Sun Can Be Your Friend Or Harm You:

Not only are sunburns extremely painful but they can be a dangerous health risk.  Spending too much time under the harmful rays of the sun can lead to melanoma.  Melanoma is a very dangerous skin cancer growth on the skin caused by the sun or in tanning booths.  It normally resembles moles that are either black or brown but can also be blue, white, red, purple, or pink. An estimated 10,130 people in the United States will die from melanoma annually.  Before heading to the beach, make sure that you purchase a sunscreen lotion that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and has the highest possible SPF.  Should you suffer from allergies or various conditions caused by chemicals, purchase a PABA-free child’s sunscreen.  Melanoma is no laughing matter and all necessary steps to avoid developing it should be taken very seriously.

 

Do You And Your Children Know How To Swim?

Anyone who goes into the water should know how to swim and children should be accompanied by an adult who can swim.  According to the United States Lifesaving Association, 10 children will drown, 140 will end up in the emergency ward and at least 36 more will be hospitalized.  Dr. Mann strongly believes that children who have minimal swimming abilities should be equipped with swimming fins. It will help your children stay above the water and protect them from strong ocean currents.

 

Non-Pro Surfers Take Note:

You might be an excellent swimmer and proficient in surfing and body-boarding, but if you do not stay alert and watch out for shore breaking waves you could be dragged into the bottom of a big wave. This can be extremely life-threatening due to injuries to your head if slammed into the sand. Dr. Mann has pointed out that if you are thrown head-first into the sand you can seriously injure your neck and spine causing death or paralysis. Unless you are a pro surfer, you should stay away from areas that have larger shore breaks. If you are new to the area, find out where these areas are and stay away from them. Take it from the pros, if you start to experience a wipeout, cover your face and head with your arms, curl up into a ball, and roll along with the ocean to prevent spinal and head injury.

 

Stay Away From Piers:

When swimming, stay far away from piers where others may be fishing. If you are a swimmer, you do not want to have a fish hook penetrate into your skin or in your head. These are very serious lacerations that will end your day at the beach and instead put you in the emergency room to have it removed. Also, fishing lines are almost invisible under water, they can catch a swimmer off guard and entangle them in the line very quickly.

 

Advice Regarding Fishing from a Pier:

If you fish from a pier, you should pay attention to any possible swimmers in the area and show caution. If within earshot, advise swimmers they are roaming into a fishing area and they should move away from the piers. Also, when casting, use an underhand cast vs arching off your back.

These are just a few cautions you should take before heading to the beach. Use common sense, do not wander too far out in the ocean as the waters are very deceiving. You could end up further away from the shore than you thought you were. Lifeguards spend countless hours rescuing people from the ocean, don’t be one of them. And remember to always apply sunscreen!

If you are experiencing an injury or illness in La Jolla Village we are here to help! Medical Care San Diego is the #1 Walk-in Clinic in La Jolla! Come visit us today! No appointment necessary!

Medical Care San Diego

(858) 412-6066

7634 Girard Ave Suite C – La Jolla, CA 92037

WALK-INS ALWAYS WELCOME!!

2017 Flu Deaths in San Diego, CA Surpasses 2016

According to the latest data available, the total number of deaths caused by flu in 2017 has been 68. This includes seven deaths reported in San Diego County in the week ending on 12th March, 2017. The number of casualties in 2017 up until this March has already surpassed the total deaths caused by flu or flu related conditions in 2016. Given the fact more than six weeks remain in the flu season, even more deaths are anticipated and hence all medical administrators are urging for proactive remedial measures instead of seeking treatments after being infected. Urgent Cares are being especially bombarded with flu patients as these clinics remain the most effective centers for treating this illness. Compare this with Emergency Rooms only treating 3% of San Diego’s flu patients.

It’s important to know that there are certain groups of people who are more vulnerable to contract the flu. More evidently, of the 68 dead this year, only three had no underlying medical conditions. Most people affected were above the age of sixty-five and almost everyone was in the range of thirty one to ninety eight years of age. It is evident that middle aged adults, seniors or those with prevailing medical conditions are the most vulnerable. If you are in these target groups, it’s important to stay vigilant this flu season and invest in more medicinal therapies to help boost your immune system, including Vitamin B shots, taking vitamin pill supplements, and regular exercise.

While there has been a significant increase in flu related deaths, it has been coupled by a drop in the number of influenza cases being diagnosed and confirmed by laboratories across the county. Dr. Wilma Wooten, the county public health officer, has said that influenza activity is on the decline but the number of flu-related deaths would be reported in coming days. She has warned people not to be complacent and that everyone should get vaccinated. Dr. Wooten cautions the citizens of San Diego and surrounding areas that the flu season lasts well into April and can also stretch into May.

Going by the health data compiled from all labs across the country, there have been two hundred sixty cases of flu confirmed by the labs for the week ending on 12th of March. The week earlier there were around three hundred twenty-seven cases diagnosed and confirmed.

If you believe you have the flu it is important to get tested ASAP! At Medical Care San Diego we accept walk-ins for flu testing, no waiting around! Come visit us today, we are here to help!

MEDICAL CARE SAN DIEGO

7634 Girard Ave Suite A • La Jolla, CA 92037 • (858) 412-6066

Clinic Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM

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Spring Break is Here! Our Urgent Care is Here to Help!

Spring break is finally here folks. You’ve been waiting for what seems like a life time. You have a whole itinerary of fun and exciting things planned out for your friends. What you might not know though, is that somewhere along the way during your adventures, someone is going to get sick from eating a bad burrito, get hurt from falling off their skateboard, end up with a broken bone from hitting the rocks a little hard while surfing or fall ill due to so many other things reasons.  All of a sudden, you might have an urgent care clinic in San Diego as a stop on your itinerary.

 

What have you got planned?

You are your friends are probably desperate for some fun and relaxation in the sun. San Diego is the perfect place for that!

First, you’re all packed and you’re on your way to your hotel, friends in tow. Among your clothes you’ve packed food, alcohol, books, your guitar (everyone loves some tunes on while relaxing on the beach), and most important of all; deodorant!

You quickly check in with the hotel management and you’re off to the beach to claim a prime spot. It’s a race, the loser has to buy the first round of drinks later and that’s not going to be you.  Time for quick swim in the Pacific and a walk down the sand to check out the “scenery”, and check out some of the beach bars you are going to visit later in the night. It’s beautiful. You toss the football around, attempt to surf, and make friends with the lifeguards.

It’s time to relax back at the hotel for a few hours before the nights festivities begin, you have a laugh, drink a few beers, it’s going to be a great spring break. All your friends are here and it is looking like it is going to be a perfect vacation.

Tomorrow? Surf lessons, jet skiing, and an evening para-glide – it’s going to be INSANE!

 

What could possibly go wrong?

You were really organized on your trip, you think you packed everything you needed and had the hotel booked for weeks. But you had little consideration to the harm you could come to, on your spring break adventure…

spring break san diego urgent careIn your excitement, you forgot to pack some high SPF sunscreen and ended up getting burnt on your first day, it’s pretty bad and hurts so bad. The friend who said he could cook burgers in the microwave undercooked them and now two of your friends have food poisoning.

Along the way, many of you sustained injuries – one friend twisted his knee while playing volleyball and another smacked his head on a rock while swimming.

 

Urgent Care Clinics

The thing is, you shouldn’t have to hold back on your fun for fear of what might happen. That’s why it is important to know where your nearest San Diego urgent care clinic is located. The last thing you want to do is waste an entire day at the emergency room waiting to be looked at. For any minor illnesses or injuries sustained during your spring break vacation please visit us at Medical Care San Diego! We are here to help!

MEDICAL CARE SAN DIEGO

7634 Girard Ave Suite A • La Jolla, CA 92037 • (858) 412-6066

Clinic Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM

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Best Urgent Care Near Me in San Diego

best-urgent-care-near-meNo one expects an injury or illness to happen, but due to life’s serious of unfortunate events, it does happen. What you need to know it that in situations like this, it is not necessary for you to spend countless hours at an emergency room waiting to get attended to. On top of that, it can be very expensive going to an ER and it may cause may financial difficulties for you and your family, including long-term debt. Both of these problems can be avoided by visiting family medical care clinics like Medical Care San Diego instead of ERs. These clinics offer excellent urgent care to address many non-life threatening medical issues including treatments for the common cold and flu, infections, large lacerations, blood work, prescriptions and injections.

Have you found yourself going onto Google to search for best urgent care near me? Here are some of the benefits you can expect to receive when you visit an urgent medical care clinic instead of going to the ER:

Looking for “Urgent Care Near Me?”

Walk-Ins Are Welcome:

You do not need an appointment. When you become unexpectedly ill or experience a minor injury you do not have to wait to get into your doctor’s office. These clinics are open for you when you need help. Most urgent care clinics will see patients on a first come first service walk-in basis. And, in most cases, the wait time is extremely minimal. At Medical Care San Diego for example, the typical patient waits no more than 15 minutes to get some face time with the doctor.

Flexible Hours:

The urgent care clinic that is located near you will probably be open when you need them. If you need medical attention after hours, your family doctor is closed or booked up, or it’s the weekend, these clinics are here to help you. Because they have flexible hours, you can go in during off hours or after you return home from work. And, as we mentioned earlier, another plus is that you will not have to wait a long period to see a doctor. Efficiency in healthcare here we come!

Affordable Costs:

Most of these clinics accept a range insurance providers. Most importantly, their costs are much, much lower than what you would get charged at an emergency room or that of your family doctor for that matter. Typical prices range from $100-200 per visit. This makes it also highly ideal for patients who do not have medical insurance or have not yet met their high deductible. Therefore, the next time you have an illness pop up from nowhere, remember, head to your nearest urgent care center!

Urgent Cares are Innovating the Medical Field

In this day and age, there are many wonderful options available for medical care. Sometimes it difficult to decide if you need immediate medical care or whether you can wait and see your own family doctor the following day.

Most medical care clinics are fully equipped to take care of all your non-life threatening medical issues. You do not have to wait for hours like an emergency room or even your doctor’s office if he or she is over-booked. You don’t need any appointment, they accept most insurance providers and are great when it’s after hours. They are superior to other medical institutions in so many ways, and that is why they are taking the medical industry by storm!

If you have ever gone to Google and searched for best urgent care near me, Medical Care San Diego is here to help!

MEDICAL CARE SAN DIEGO

7634 Girard Ave Suite A • La Jolla, CA 92037 • (858) 412-6066

Clinic Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM

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flu shot in San Diego

A Flu Vaccination Is Your Friend! Why You Should Get a Flu Shot in San Diego

In this day and age, it seems to get more difficult to tell the difference between truthful information and

what is pure publicity.  Over the past number years, the subject of the Flu Vaccine has been a concern for everyone.  There are people who really do believe that it’s simply another way for pharmaceuticals to get rich!  WRONG!  The bottom line, the Flu Vaccine really does work!  No Propaganda, No Hype, Just Factual. Get your flu shot in San Diego today! Medical Care San Diego is here to help!

flu shot in San Diego

This Is Why It Works:

When your immune system discovers the vaccine in your body, it builds up your body’s ability to fight the flu virus protecting you from becoming seriously ill or even from dying!

Recent studies have shown that the flu vaccine prevents people from landing in the hospital.  For some time now, the emphasis has always been on flu vaccines for elderly people but that’s just not the case anymore.  The flu vaccine will protect all age groups.

Flu Vaccination has reduced hospitalization for influenza in the following three age groups:

  • 50 to 64 – a reduction of 63.9%
  • 65 to 74 – a reduction of 61.0%
  • 75 and Up – a reduction of 57.3%

 

Here are several reasons why not getting a Flu Vaccination is NOT a good idea:

  • No one wants to get sick!
  • Illness impacts your life, it takes time out of your life, keeps you down for a good period of time and the flu is actually quite painful!
  • It costs money, you miss out on work, can lose income, and you must pay for medications, doctors, and in some cases hospitalization.

 

On top of the above, the flu is a contagious disease that you will spread to others.  Getting a flu shot in San Diego is actually a selfless act, it’s an act of love!  You will protect your family and friends, people you don’t even know and will spread to babies and grandparents very easily.  Just about everyone would do whatever it takes to protect their children, moms, dads, and grandparents.

Even with good health insurance, your copay is not going to be cheap and I’m sure you have better things to spend your money on!

Those who listen to propaganda are fooling themselves!  They have been led to believe a flu shot will only make you more likely to come down with the flu!  WRONG!  Don’t put yourself, your kids, your parents or grandparents in harm’s way by denying flu vaccinations.

Do yourself and everyone else a big favor – Get a flu shot in San Diego and play it safe! Visit our urgent care in San Diego today!

MEDICAL CARE SAN DIEGO

7634 Girard Ave Suite A • La Jolla, CA 92037 • (858) 412-6066

Clinic Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM

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Walk-In Clinic in San Diego vs Emergency Rooms

Are you looking for a walk-in clinic in San Diego? On a daily basis, during the day or night, emergency rooms are crowded with life-threatening as well as non-life threatening patients. Walk-in clinics play a very important role for taking non-life threatening illnesses or accidents, thereby easing up the number of patients going to the ER. Walk-in clinics offer quality care for patients so the staff members at emergency rooms can deal with serious conditions as was intended.

Should I Go To A Walk-in Clinic in San Diego?

If patients have medical conditions that are not life-threatening but need immediate attention, are the best choices.  Life-threatening conditions would include strokes, heart attacks and other conditions that need immediate, intensive care at an emergency room.

Urgent care facilities usually have the same equipment you would expect to find at your doctor’s office.  Some of these facilities also have x-ray equipment to examine fractures the same way as an emergency room.  The leading advantage for choosing a walk-in clinic, most of these facilities are open during the night, on weekends, and holidays.

Will I Have To Wait For Hours To Get Medical Assistance?

These facilities make it so much easier for someone to get the medical attention they require without waiting in long lines like an emergency room.  Emergency rooms have a chaotic atmosphere due to the level of life-threatening conditions where facilities are not quite so manic.

What If I Do Not Have Medical Insurance?

Walk-in clinics also provide care for patients who do not have insurance but are in dire need of medical attention.  Many of these facilities have payment plans in place to help the patient pay for the facility’s treatment.

How Our Facilities Are Different:

walk-in clinic in San DiegoThere are certain elements that separate walk-in and urgent care facilities from your doctor’s office or the ER.  A doctor’s office usually has set hours and you have to make an appointment.  If you need immediate care, some doctors will squeeze you in but you will still have a wait time or your will have to go to an emergency room.  Most urgent care facilities will give you the medical care you need right away and usually without an appointment.

In comparison to an emergency room, is the seriousness of the injury or illness.  Emergency rooms are set up to handle very serious conditions and operate on what is known as triage. Triage is a system where the most critical and serious conditions are treated first, then second, and third, etc.  If your condition is not life-threatening you will probably experience a very long wait before seeing a doctor.  Weekends are even more critical as the number of life-threatening situations seem to increase. If you are looking for a walk-in clinic in San Diego, MCSD is your number one choice! Visit us today!

MEDICAL CARE SAN DIEGO

7634 Girard Ave Suite A • La Jolla, CA 92037 • (858) 412-6066

Clinic Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM

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Fall Allergies in San Diego DO Exist

allergies in San DiegoTo many, Fall is the time for beautiful colored leaves on trees, clean, crisp air and the gateway to Winter.  To others, it’s the time of year for catching colds or the flu.  These people are gearing up by safeguarding themselves from bacteria, viruses and germs and getting flu shots. Allergies in San Diego DO exist!

Although it is considered a myth that cold weather leads to colds, it does lead to allergies.  You would think colder whether would mean fewer allergens such as pollen but that’s just not the case.  The facts are cold and flu symptoms can make it harder to detect allergies and not be able to treat as quickly.

How To Detect Allergies in San Diego:

Approximately 35 million people in the United States suffer from pollen allergies or hay fever.  Being difficult to detect is caused by the fact that allergies, flu viruses and colds offer the same symptoms such as sneezing, runny noses, coughing or an itchy nose and throat.  Some people will also develop dark circles under their eyes.

Is There A Way To Tell The Difference?

The symptoms of the flu or colds usually appear and disappear within a matter of days.  Allergies, on the other hand, appear immediately and can last for a very long time.  In some cases, the allergens stay with people throughout the entire year due to constant exposure.  Another difference, if you are running a fever you have a cold or the flu.

Treatments:

Allergies in San Diego treated with the proper medications.  It’s knowing how to identify where your symptoms are stemming from in order to make proper treatments.  Everyone gears up to prevent the flu or colds by taking proper measures ahead of time.  The same can be done to combat allergies.  In order to do so, you have to understand Fall allergens.

Protecting Yourself From Fall Allergens:

Outdoors:

Certain outdoor allergens such as Ragweed are very prevalent in the fall and will send their pollen into the air continually.  Statistics show that one billion pollen spores are released into the air by one single plant.  That equals a huge 75% of reactions in people with allergies. Another outdoor enemy during the Fall is mold!  Mold can be found in corn maze, bales of hay and those beautiful piles of colored leaves.

Indoors:

If you believe you can avoid allergies in San Diego by staying indoors, you’re wrong!  An independent study revealed that indoor air is ten times more polluted than outdoor air!  There are many culprits indoors that people overlook.  Pet dander, dust mites and outdoor allergens that get in your hair and on your clothing.  Dirty air vents, other sources of dust, etc.

Allergens That Are Airborne:

It is common practice when the weather becomes cooler everyone opens their windows for that cool, fresh air.  Unfortunately, if you suffer from allergies you are letting Ragweed and other outdoor allergens directly into your home.  If you want to open your windows there are two approaches you can take.  Consider downloading an app to your devices or go to the Weather Channel’s website to get updates on allergy tracking and monitor the level of allergens.  The other, get with your doctor for their advice on allergy treatments.  There are many treatments that are over-the-counter that work very well.

Fall is a time of year that everyone wants to enjoy.  From watching leaves turn into glorious colors to looking forward to Halloween and Thanksgiving, you can enjoy all of these without suffering.  Find treatments that will keep your allergies at bay and learn the difference between the common cold and flu vs allergies. If you have any questions about allergies in San Diego, please visit our urgent care in San Diego today!

MEDICAL CARE SAN DIEGO

7634 Girard Ave Suite A • La Jolla, CA 92037 • (858) 412-6066

Clinic Hours: Monday – Friday: 9 AM – 6 PM | Saturday: 10 AM – 4 PM

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zika virus in San Diego

Oh No, Zika Virus in the News Again

zika virus in San DiegoAlthough Zika virus has been in the news for some time now, it has jumped to the front of news desks with new outbreaks that have taken place in Brazil and most recently found in Florida.  Many unanswered questions are swirling through the media, prime time specials and news room around the world.

The Zika virus is much more than a medical situation, it’s taken on its own identity through politics and the economic stage.  The 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Olympics have many Brazilian officials concerned about a low turnout of fans and athletes.  It’s also only one of very few health issues that have made it to the desks of Congress for billions of dollars to fight it.

As of February, 2016, the World Health Organization has declared Zika as a public health emergency, internationally.

So what are the real concerns from this virus and how can it be fought?  How contagious is it and who should be the most concerned about contracting it?

How Zika Is Transmitted:

Mosquito bites from the Aedes species

Transmitted from a pregnant mother to her unborn child

Sexual intercourse with an infected male from infected counties.

Due to increased blood transfusions in Brazil, it’s believed that this might be increasing a pathway for the virus to spread.  The medical community in Brazil is further testing to confirm or not confirm this to be the case.

The Common Symptoms:

The most common symptoms include red eyes, fatigue, headache, fever, inflammation of joints and rashes.  These symptoms, in general, are very mild.

The most serious concerns are through transmissions from a mother to her unborn baby.  Zika causes a serious birth defect known as microcephaly.  This causes an under developed brain and a smaller head.

Cases Within The United States:

There are approximately 1,660 cases within the U.S and all were from people traveling outside the country.  With the latest finding in Florida, health officials have stated that the cases were not from traveling overseas but transmitted by mosquitoes within the U.S.  Although all captured mosquitoes that were tested did not show the virus, it’s still believed this is how the virus effected the Florida cases.  Most of the northern areas of the U.S. will probably not experience the spread through mosquitoes due to colder temperatures and drier conditions.

Women in Dade County, Florida have been warned to stay out of certain neighborhoods where the virus has been detected.  Unlike Brazil, the advantage within the U.S. lies in cleaner, healthier water.

Is There A Vaccine?

At present, there are two tests being run for a vaccine that were successful in monkeys.  They are now attempting to test with humans but still have a way to go before a vaccine can be confirmed.

As the World Health Organization is staying on top of the issue, pregnant women are the highest concern for this virus.  Most people who might contract the virus will probably never know they have it.  Those highest at risk are the unborn babies of women who have the virus.  As the medical world is continually working on finding a cure, through a vaccine, more news will continue to circulate throughout news rooms and media.

What to Do Next?

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above and have traveled out of the country recently, we recommend visiting our facility for urgent care in San Diego immediately! Contact us today.

Burns – An All Too Common Injury:

Burns are extremely painful. The sooner the treatment initiated, the better the results will be. This minimizes the chance of scarring and chronic pain. There are three types of burn injuries.

First degree burns:

This is a result of only the outer layer of the skin being affected. An example of this type of burn would be sunburn. Usually these are painful with redness and minimal swelling. Typically you need no treatment except for Aloe Vera gel, Motrin or Tylenol. These injuries heal within a few days with no complications.

Second degree burn:

These are injuries that cause more redness, pain, swelling and in addition blistering of the skin. These are a result of the outer and the middle layers of the skin being affected. These injuries require medical attention. If not treated appropriately they end up with infection, scarring and prolonged healing periods. Here at our clinic, our trained staff will help clean the burns, apply antibiotic ointment or cream and dress up the wounds. A Tetanus shot will be given if immunization is not up to date. A prescription might also be given for pain relief. Follow up of these wounds is very important, as they do require frequent dressing changes. These also avoid the potential for complications, as our staff is always on the lookout for them and are well versed in these injuries.

Third degree burns:

The full thickness of the skin is affected and might in addition include the deeper layers such as, the fatty layer, muscle and even bone. If only a small area is involved then these can be treated at an urgent care facility or a doctor’s office. If not, these are best treated at a specialized burn center. These injuries are severe and need immediate medical attention, especially if they cover a large area. Pain is usually severe and the skin generally looks white or charred in color. These injuries may require prolonged treatment and even skin grafting. The potential for infection, scarring and other complications is great. If not sure where to take the patient after such injury, one should immediately call a medical facility, describe the burn injury and get instructions.

The most important thing to know is that large second degree burns and usually all third degree burns need immediate medical treatment. Our clinic is ready to help you with injuries that can be treated at a medical clinic.

Here at Medical Care San Diego we are happy to answer any of your questions. Dr. Mann is well versed in burn wound care and has gone through extensive training in burn injuries and management.

Oh That Terrible Headache Again:

Headaches are a common phenomenon. Everyone encounters a headache at some time or the other. Some individuals get them occasionally and others frequently. Then, there are those who are debilitated by them. Summertime seems to bring them on more frequently. Women are affected twice as frequently as men. Imagine a jackhammer drilling through your brain causing an unrelenting severe throbbing pain. That’s the most common way patients describe a headache. Can we do something about them; yes we can.

Tension Headaches: This is the most common type of headache that most individuals experience. You can blame stress or fatigue which causes stiffness in the muscles of the shoulders, face, neck, forehead and/or scalp. This then in turn irritates the nerve endings in the brain which initiates the headache. Tension headaches are easy to treat; generally three to four Motrin tablets combined with two extra strength Tylenol tablets is effective. Individuals rarely need a prescription. Sometimes a relaxing massage or acupuncture helps treat the tension. Preventing this type of headache is the main goal. Exercising regularly and meditation are two of the best solutions.

Sinus Headaches: When an individual has a sinus infection, the sinuses get so inflamed that the pressure in them feels like an exploding balloon. These cause an intense pain in the brow area causing the patient to feel miserable. It can often lead to dizziness and doing your daily routine feels like a drag. Motrin and Tylenol with over the counter nasal decongestants may relieve the discomfort. Most patients with severe symptoms however, end up in their doctor’s office. The patient will likely receive a prescription for an antibiotic to control the sinus infection, a nasal steroid decongestant and/or prednisone tablets for the inflammation. Patients who are prone to chronic sinus infections should try using a neti pot to irrigate the sinuses and change the hepa filters frequently on their air conditioners.

Migraines: This is the worst kind of headache. They are quite debilitating in some, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Most patients experience severe nausea and vomiting. These patients are usually unable to carry on their daily routine and end up lying in bed with the lights off. Light is a sensitive trigger. A variety of etiologies come into play from hormonal changes, stress, lack of sleep, dehydration, and hunger. Women usually suffer from migraines and there has been a genetic theory proposed. At this time, forget taking over the counter medication as they rarely help. Most patients have their prescription medication with them or end up in the E.R., or their doctor’s office. There are a number of different medications available and they have to be titrated to see which works best for that individual. Medication should be taken by mouth early on to work effectively, otherwise patients end up in the doctor’s office getting I.V. fluids and IV medications as their condition has deteriorated from the persistent nausea, vomiting and intractable pain.

Other remedies that one may try are Acupuncture and Botox. Lately there have been a number of studies showing Botox to be quite effective in decreasing the intensity and frequency of migraine attacks. Here at Medical Care San Diego we have a dedicated recovery room for IV fluids and IV medications, where the patient can be monitored and treated effectively to alleviate these terrible symptoms.