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What Can Digital X-Rays Diagnose?

American Family Care | Clemson (Seneca), SC — Wed, 01 Feb 2023 11:01:57 UTC

X-rays are one of the greatest medical advancements at our disposal. They are used to not only diagnose internal injuries but can also help indicate certain illnesses and conditions. By being able to get a clear picture of what is going on inside your body, you can receive a faster diagnosis and treatment plan.

When you come to our center for an X-ray, we are proud to offer our state-of-the-art digital X-ray equipment! These types of X-rays can give us a clearer image compared to a traditional X-ray and have a variety of other benefits.

Our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team explains all about digital X-rays below, so check it out.

Do Digital X-Rays Need Film?

One of the cool things about digital X-rays is that they don’t require film to develop before we see the image. Our machine is hooked up to a computer that can instantly download the image. The machine acts similarly to the camera on your cell phone!

Digital X-rays also produce an image instantly, unlike traditional X-rays that take time to develop. This can help us get to the root of your condition much faster. Since they are images on a computer versus a physical picture, we can also blow them up and zoom in on certain areas without losing the image’s quality.

Digital X-rays Can Detect Many Conditions

Fractures
Kidney stones
Chest and lung issues like pneumonia
Abnormal masses or tumors

Do You Get Radiation Exposure From Digital X-Rays?

Even though digital X-rays are a more advanced technology, they still do produce a minimal amount of radiation. However, it is much less than its traditional counterpart! The amount of radiation is about 80% less than regular X-rays.

We can offer our X-ray services to anyone 6 months and older! If you recently injured yourself or are experiencing concerning symptoms of an illness, stop by for a quick X-ray. We promise to get you in and out in no time at all.

4 Reasons Why Digital X-Rays Are Helpful

Less radiation exposure
Clearer images
Faster turnaround
Better environmental impact

Our X-ray technology can help get you back to your best. Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson for yours today.

How Can I Heal a Stress Fracture?

American Family Care | Clemson (Seneca), SC — Sun, 15 Jan 2023 11:01:32 UTC

If you are an athlete or a relatively active person, you can expect to experience a few minor injuries throughout your lifetime. Things like strains, sprains or jammed fingers are just par for the course when it comes to exercise. But when it comes certain injuries like stress fractures can cause your exercise routine to come to a grinding halt.

Stress fractures require time to heal properly in order to avoid further injury or complications later in life. Check out our latest blog all about stress fractures below and come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson if you are experiencing pain while exercising.

Are Stress Fractures the Same as Regular Fractures?

They are certainly similar, but their origin is different. Regular fractures typically appear after a singular accident or event that causes your bone to give way. Stress fractures also cause a crack in your bone, but they occur over a longer period of time due to overuse or constant strain on the bone.

Stress fractures occur when your bone can no longer support the pressure of a repeated motion, like running. Over time, the bone will begin to form small cracks that can be incredibly painful. If you start to experience pain while exercising, it is important to stop whatever activity you are doing.

Signs of a Stress Injury

Pain when exercising
Tenderness at the site
Mild swelling and redness
Pain that gets worse over time

When Can I Exercise Again After a Stress Fracture?

All injuries and people are different, so it can be hard to say for sure. This is why it is important to be evaluated by a medical professional to determine the location and severity of the injury. Come see us any day of the week for an evaluation and X-ray.

Once you fully understand your injury, you can rest and take the time you need in order to heal. It is not uncommon for stress fractures to take up to eight weeks to fully heal, but your personal recovery time may be different. Avoiding activity during this time ensures your fracture doesn’t turn into a full break.

Caring for a Stress Fracture Injury

Rest and avoid the activity that caused the fracture.
Ice and elevate the area of injury.
Compress the injury with a bandage.
Skip weight-bearing exercises for the time being.

If you suspect a stress fracture or broken bone, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson.

Am I at Risk of Pancreatitis?

American Family Care | Clemson (Seneca), SC — Sun, 01 Jan 2023 11:01:55 UTC

Our bodies are incredibly complex! Each organ in our bodies is responsible for a specific function, and they all need to work together in harmony every day. When an organ becomes inflamed, like with pancreatitis, it can be uncomfortable and even dangerous!

The inflammation of the pancreas called pancreatitis can appear from a variety of causes, and if left untreated, it can lead to severe complications and even death.

We can help diagnose you if you are in pain! Check out our blog all about pancreatitis below and come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson if you are experiencing upper abdominal pain.

Where Does Pancreatitis Come From?

Your pancreas produces enzymes that help break down your food and control the hormones that help regulate the glucose levels in your body. When that process becomes disrupted, it can start to irritate your pancreas and cause swelling and inflammation.

Pancreatitis can be either acute or chronic. If you have an acute case, your symptoms usually appear very quickly and intensely. Chronic cases tend to develop over years of untreated acute cases from alcohol abuse or gallstone issues.

Signs of a Pancreatitis Flareup

Upper abdominal pain
Pain that radiates to your back
Fever
Tenderness when touching the abdomen

What Caused My Pancreatitis?

Two common causes are overuse of alcohol and the formation of gallstones. Gallstones can block the ducts in your gallbladder that connect to your pancreas and cause inflammation. Alcohol abuse is usually associated with chronic cases of pancreatitis, but acute cases can still occur after a single period of heavy alcohol use.

If you have pancreatitis and don’t seek treatment, you are at risk of developing a life-threatening infection. You could also develop kidney failure or pancreatic cancer as a result of untreated pancreatitis. This is why it is important to seek a medical opinion whenever you are experiencing abdominal pain.

Reduce Your Risk of Pancreatitis

Reduce your alcohol intake.
Quit smoking.
Manage diabetes.
Maintain a healthy lifestyle with diet and exercise.

Always take abdominal pain seriously. If your pain is radiating to your back, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson for an initial evaluation.

Can I Get the High-Dose Flu Shot This Year?

American Family Care | Clemson (Seneca), SC — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 11:01:32 UTC

Contracting influenza can be dangerous for anyone, but if you are 65 or older, your risk of experiencing a serious infection or dangerous complications is higher. Because of this possibility, there are different variations of the flu shot available to provide a wider range of protection.

Staying healthy starts with taking care of yourself throughout the season, and that includes getting your annual flu shot as soon as possible. If you want to learn more about what the higher dose version of the flu shot can do for you, our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team explains it all below.

Is the High-Dose Flu Shot New This Year?

This version of the flu shot has been around for years and can provide you with an extra layer of protection against influenza. The regular flu shot provides protection against several common strains of the flu while the high-dose version protects against four different strains.

This should be great news if you are 65 or older! As we age, our immune systems can weaken and make us more vulnerable to complications from illness. Any strain of the flu becomes more dangerous and can even be deadly. If you get the high-dose version of the shot, your body is able to create four times the amount of antibodies to fight against the flu. The more protection, the better!

What to Expect After the Flu Shot

Muscle aches
Minor discomfort at the injection site
Headache
General tiredness

Why Does the Flu Shot Produce Side Effects?

The flu shot is formulated to trigger an immune response in our bodies against the flu. When you get vaccinated, your body recognizes the invader and starts to create antibodies to fight off the illness. It is important to remember that although the flu shot has flu virus in it, the bits of virus have been deactivated, so they cannot make you sick.

Any side effects you experience are due to your body’s immune response. Since your body is working hard to create that important protection for you, it can be common to feel run down or achy for a day as the shot does its job.

Possible Flu Complications

Myocarditis (heart inflammation)
Pneumonia
Kidney failure
Bronchitis

It’s not too late to get your flu shot this year! Come see us today at AFC Urgent Care Clemson.

Is RSV More Dangerous This Year?

American Family Care | Clemson (Seneca), SC — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 11:01:59 UTC

If you are a parent or have young children in your home, chances are that you have heard that RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, is circulating earlier this year. RSV has already contributed to an uptick in the number of hospitalized children.

We want your little ones to avoid getting sick with RSV this season! Check out AFC Urgent Care Clemson’s latest blog all about the dangers of RSV below.

Will My Child Need to Be Hospitalized With RSV?

While it is true that there are more children requiring hospitalization at this point in the year than normal, it is important to remember that most cases of RSV can be managed at home. The reason that it is more prevalent right now is most likely due to the social distancing requirements and school and daycare closures over the past few years.

While those measures were helpful in preventing the dangerous and often deadly effects of COVID-19, it means our children were not surrounded by the typical viruses they are normally exposed to during a given year. Now, kids are being exposed to these viruses all at once without the immunity they might have had otherwise. This is why it is important to watch your children for the emergence of any signs of RSV.

Beginning Signs of RSV

Congestion
Runny nose
Cough/wheezing
Sore throat

Why Do RSV and the Common Cold Seem Similar?

Because they are similar! Both the common cold and RSV can start out with very similar symptoms, making it almost impossible to tell the difference at the start. This is why we recommend a close watch on your symptomatic child! At the onset of any signs of respiratory distress, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Trouble breathing is always a medical emergency. It could look like a change in skin color from normal to blue or gray, chest retractions, or shallow breathing.

4 Things to Do to Avoid RSV

Wash your hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
Cover your cough or sneeze.
Wipe down counters, toys and high-touch areas frequently.
Don’t let others kiss your baby.

Wondering whether your child’s symptoms are RSV-related? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Clemson for a diagnosis.

What Are Some Good Ways to Stay Healthy During Winter?

American Family Care | Clemson (Seneca), SC — Tue, 15 Nov 2022 11:01:55 UTC

Practicing a healthy lifestyle should be a priority to every person in the United States. Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a balanced diet are the best things you can do to support your long-term health goals. You have to work at it every day in order to stay healthy.

When the weather starts to turn colder and the holiday season arrives, it can be even harder to stick to your goals with all of the delicious food and distractions available to us.

We can help you stay on track! Our team at AFC Urgent Care Clemson outlines a few tips below on how to stay motivated to exercise and eat well this winter season.

How Can I Stay Moving This Winter?

One of the challenging things about maintaining a healthy weight is that it is not something you can achieve and then stop working toward. It takes work every day, all year round! The CDC recommendation for adults is 150 minutes of moderate exercise every week. While that may seem like a lot, think of it like five 30-minute workouts a week.

When the temperature dips outside, it can be hard to lace up your shoes for an afternoon run or walk or get into a chilly car to drive to the gym. We are so grateful for the internet! There are many free or low-cost exercise classes or routines online that can be easy to follow. You can try yoga, cardio classes and even dance classes all from the comfort of your own home! It’s also important to note that exercise doesn’t always have to look like the traditional class or gym environment. However you move your body and increase your heart rate can be beneficial.

Cold Weather Exercise Ideas

Ice skating
Indoor rock climbing
Cross-country skiing
Indoor cycling classes
Outdoor shoveling or raking

What Are Some Good Foods to Eat During Winter?

Coming off of the bounty that is summertime produce, it can be hard to continue to pick up produce from the store if you know it’s not as fresh or grown from your own garden. We can also fall into the habit of reaching for comfort food at this time of year when it gets cold outside.

Did you know that canned and frozen fruits and vegetables are still packed with nutritional benefits? They have a great shelf life and can be easily added into a variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Root vegetables like potatoes, turnips and carrots are also in season at this time, making hearty soups a great choice as well.

Healthy Comfort Meal Ideas

Broth-based soups with a variety of vegetables
Sheet pan dinners with lean protein and vegetables
Fish like salmon
Smoothie bowls with berries, yogurt and chia seeds

Taking control of your health is crucial all year-round. If you need advice on how to incorporate these ideas in your daily life, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson.

Where Does Gallstones Hurt in Your Abdomen?

American Family Care | Clemson (Seneca), SC — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 10:01:54 UTC

Any time you start to feel pain in your abdomen or chest, it can be scary! Causes of abdominal pain can range from minor inconveniences to full emergencies, so it is important to know what is causing it.

One of the causes of your pain could be gallstones. Gallstones are formed within your gallbladder and can cause you significant pain if they are large enough. Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team shares the details about gallstones.

How Did My Body Create a Gallstone?

Your gallbladder is in charge of the specific function of storing and releasing bile to aid in digestion. Whenever that process gets disrupted and your gallbladder fails to empty completely, leftover bile can build up and create a hardened deposit.

If your gallstone becomes large enough, it can start to be painful. Gallstone pain is usually felt beneath your breastbone or right under your ribcage. It can travel to your upper right abdomen and even into your shoulder blade.

Additional Signs of a Gallstone

Sudden or intense pain in the middle of your chest
Back pain between your shoulder blades
Nausea/vomiting
Pain radiating through right shoulder

Do Gallstones Require Surgery?

Not every gallstone requires surgery for removal, but since gallstones are so common, gallbladder removal surgery is also common. Gallbladders are not a vital organ, so removal is sometimes the easiest course of action if you are in significant pain.

Surgery might also become an option if you are experiencing chronic issues with recurrent gallstones or if your stone is big enough to start blocking your bile or pancreatic ducts. These blockages can lead to further complications, so intervention is usually always necessary at this point.

How to Avoid Gallstones

Keep a healthy weight.
Eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet.
Stay hydrated.
Have a consistent exercise routine.

Pain from a gallstone can be intense! If you are experiencing upper abdomen or back pain, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson.

How Do I Know If It’s Just a Cold?

American Family Care | Clemson (Seneca), SC — Sat, 15 Oct 2022 10:01:37 UTC

Getting sick is never fun, especially when your symptoms just start to appear. It always seems to be a waiting game to see if your symptoms will stay mild or progress into something more serious!

During the fall and winter seasons, common colds are all around us. It is the most common illness that is circulating in the United States at this time!

Even though they are so prevalent, it is still important to distinguish cold symptoms from another potential diagnosis. Read on as our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team takes us through the details regarding a common cold below.

What Makes Up a Cold?

When you come down with a cold, you are actually experiencing a viral infection inside your nose or throat! Many different variations of viruses can cause cold symptoms. If you have two to three colds a year, each one may be caused by a different coronavirus!

The good news is that most colds are just annoying. They typically don’t produce severe symptoms or require an office visit and they will resolve within 10 days on their own. The symptoms outlined below are classic signs of a cold.

Most Common Cold Symptoms

Runny or stuffy nose
Sore throat
Cough
Mild headache/body aches

How Can I Tell If It’s More Than a Cold?

A typical cold will follow the same pattern and trajectory. A gradual emergence of symptoms, a peak after a few days, and then slowly fading away. If your symptoms are still strong or getting worse after two weeks, that may warrant an office visit to seek an alternative diagnosis.

Another potential sign of a different illness is if you have a persistent fever. It is not a typical symptom in adults (it can be in children, though) during a simple cold, so if you have a fever that just won’t quit, a different illness may be to blame!

Alternate Diagnoses With Similar Symptoms

COVID-19
Allergies
Pneumonia
Influenza

Feeling unwell is never fun! If you are concerned about any worsening or lingering symptoms from your recent illness, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson today.

Can You Tell the Difference Between Bacterial and Viral Pink Eye?

American Family Care | Clemson (Seneca), SC — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 10:01:55 UTC

Did you know that there is more than one cause for pink eye? Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, can come from a variety of different factors, but each case can be frustrating to deal with until it is resolved.

Pink eye is the result of an irritation to the sensitive membranes around the whites of your eyes. When they are irritated by some sort of external hazard, the blood vessels become inflamed and turn red.

That’s where that pinkish color (and its namesake) comes from. Read on to get other facts about pink eye from our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team.

Do I Have Viral Pink Eye?

Viral pink eye is caused by some type of virus, like an adenovirus. This type of virus is the same illness that causes the common cold, so pink eye can often accompany colds.

Viral pink eye is contagious while you are symptomatic, so it is important to stay home and avoid contact with people until your case clears up. If you have a viral case, any discharge from your eyes is usually more watery and your eyes aren’t as bright red as a bacterial case. It may take up to a week for viral cases to fully resolve on their own.

Bacterial and Viral Pink Eye Symptoms

Redness in one or both eyes
Eye itchiness
A gritty feeling in your eye
Waking up with a crusty film over your eye

Do I Have Bacterial Pink Eye?

If you have a bacterial case of pink eye, you were exposed to some type of bacteria, like streptococcus pneumonia. Bacterial cases also tend to resolve within a week, but these cases can be treated with a round of antibiotics! Keep in mind that antibiotics only work on bacterial infections, NOT viral infections.

Bacterial infections typically cause yellow or green discharge from your eye, and you have a higher chance of having the infection in both eyes at the same time. They also might have a brighter reddish hue to them. Stay home and rest, and if you have an antibiotic prescription, use your medication as directed.

Stop the Spread of Pink Eye

Wash your hands often.
Don’t touch your eyes.
Avoid sharing towels or washcloths.
Get new eye makeup and mascara after pink eye.

If you are concerned that your recent eye irritation may be related to pink eye, we can help! Come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson.

How Does Alzheimer’s Affect the Brain?

American Family Care | Clemson (Seneca), SC — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 10:01:37 UTC

Alzheimer’s disease can be incredibly difficult to live with. The memory issues and loss of independence is hard on the sufferer, and watching your loved ones lose their ability to connect with the world can also be hard and isolating as a family member or friend.

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are very common across the world, affecting around 55 million people. That number is expected to grow in the years to come.

As you age, you may begin to experience simple memory troubles like losing your keys or forgetting someone’s name. This is a normal part of aging, whereas Alzheimer’s is not.

Multiple factors like age, genetics and lifestyle choices increase your risk of developing a memory-related disease. Our team at AFC Urgent Care Clemson explains the details behind Alzheimer’s below.

Do You Lose All of Your Memory If You Have Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s and dementia slowly damage the brain cells that impact your memory and critical thinking. When your brain begins to lose those connections, it is not possible to regain those memories. Eventually it can lead to a complete loss of certain memories or bodily functions like swallowing.

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s, so once you develop it, you will have it for life. It is also progressive, so it will only get worse as you age. It may start small with minor troubles and progress all the way to losing the ability to perform self care tasks and remember important people. Other common symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia are outlined below.

Dementia Symptoms

Forgetfulness about place and time
Deepening confusion of events and people
Mood and behavior changes
Difficulty speaking, walking or swallowing

What Are the Dangers Of Alzheimer’s?

In addition to memory loss and personality changes, having Alzheimer’s can make it hard to live independently because of the person’s inability to care for his or herself. Having poor nutrition, being unable to perform self-care tasks like brushing your teeth or showering, and the personal safety issues of driving or walking alone are all secondary dangers to having Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Since there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, the focus of treatment is on symptom management and slowing the progression. Certain medications and cognitive therapies are the best tools to help support Alzheimer’s disease.

Lowering Your Risk of Dementia

Consistent exercise throughout life
Social engagement with peers and family
Healthy diet
Stress management throughout life

Wondering whether your memory loss is normal or something more serious? Come to AFC Urgent Care Clemson to meet with our care team.

When Does Snoring Indicate a Problem?

American Family Care | Clemson (Seneca), SC — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 10:02:36 UTC

Snoring is an incredibly common sleep issue, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating or annoying when it happens! In addition to possibly being indicative of a sleep disorder, it can also be hard on a marriage or relationship if your snoring keeps everyone awake all night.

Half of Americans report occasional snoring, and it is usually not a problem. Snoring is the vibrating sound of extra tissue in your nose and throat when air attempts to move through your throat passage.

The sound itself is not dangerous, but when your snoring is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to get evaluated to rule out a sleep apnea diagnosis. Our staff at AFC Urgent Care Clemson digs into the details of snoring below.

Am I More Prone to Snoring?

If you have more throat and nasal tissue than a typical person, you are more prone to snoring while you sleep. Most people don’t know they have this excess tissue until someone alerts them to their snoring! Other contributing factors like smoking, being overweight, consuming alcohol before bed and sleeping only on your back can make your snoring problem even worse.

While many minor snoring cases aren’t a problem (simply a nuisance), sometimes it means you have developed obstructive sleep apnea. If you have sleep apnea, your breathing is stopped, disrupted or sporadic all night long. Breathing episodes can be anywhere from 10 seconds to two minutes long. If you snore and also have some of these symptoms below, get checked out quickly by a medical professional.

Symptoms Associated With Sleep Apnea

Being excessively sleepy all day long
Having memory loss/attention issues
Snoring loudly enough to wake your partner
Gasping or choking yourself awake

Do I Need to Go Get a Sleep Study Done?

Sleep studies are a great way to help diagnose any sleep disorders. You are monitored while you sleep to catch any breathing changes, dropping oxygen levels or heart rate issues.

If it is determined that you are suffering from sleep apnea, you will most likely be given a prescription for a CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machine and will be encouraged to make lifestyle changes to reduce the severity of your symptoms.

Lowering the Severity of Snoring

Sleep on your side and avoid your back.
Limit alcohol use before bed.
Lose weight.
Change your pillow often.

Make your sleep health a priority! If you are concerned with the frequency of your snoring, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson.

Do I Need Antibiotics for My Infection?

American Family Care | Clemson (Seneca), SC — Mon, 15 Aug 2022 10:01:49 UTC

Well, that depends on the type of infection you have. Viral infections are not treated with antibiotics, but bacterial infections are.

Before antibiotics were invented, bacterial infections were deadly for Americans. Around 30% of all recorded deaths were actually due to bacterial infections back then!

Thankfully, that number is not nearly as high today. Antibiotics are a wonderful and effective tool in combating infections and preventing severe symptoms. Our staff at AFC Urgent Care Clemson commonly treats infections and offers some advice on using antibiotics below.

Do Antibiotics Work Immediately?

If you are prescribed antibiotics for your infection, they will start to work immediately in your body. Antibiotics work by killing off the bacteria or stalling its growth, allowing you to feel better quickly.

It can take a day or two to feel the effects, but typically there is a quick turnaround. A typical round of antibiotics is seven to 14 days, and needs to be taken in its entirety. Below are some infections that typically require an antibiotic prescription.

Common Infections

UTI (urinary tract infection)
Strep throat
Ear or sinus infections
Bacterial pneumonias

Should I Worry About Antibiotic Resistance?

Ever since antibiotics became a common cure for infections, certain infections have become more resistant to treatment over time. This has occurred because any bacteria that is left over after the course of antibiotics adapts and becomes more resistant to treatment.

When it is passed from person to person, the same antibiotic treatment becomes less effective. Abusing antibiotic use is one of the main reasons for this, so using them responsibly is incredibly important.

Using Antibiotics Responsibly

Use them only on bacterial infections as prescribed.
Only take them if they are prescribed for YOU.
Never take someone else’s prescription.
Take the entire course of antibiotics, even when you start to feel better.

Antibiotics are a great tool when used appropriately! If you think you need a prescription for an infection you have, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson.

Are Sports Safe For My Asthmatic Child?

American Family Care | Clemson (Seneca), SC — Mon, 01 Aug 2022 10:02:38 UTC

Having children who have asthma and who also love sports can be exciting but also worrisome! Constantly worrying if doing what they love will trigger an attack can be all-consuming. Protecting your children should always be your priority, so finding the right balance between protection and encouragement is necessary.

Our goal is to support your children safely through whatever they choose to do! Our staff at AFC Urgent Care Clemson treats children who have asthma often, and we provide some guidance on how to support your child below.

Are Sports Even Safe for My Child With Asthma?

Typically, yes. As long as his or her asthma is under control and can be managed by medication, you can encourage sports or other activities.

In fact, physical activity is good for children with asthma. Athletics and sports can support a healthy weight, body confidence and social skills, so encouraging that whenever possible is important for development. If you want to suggest a lower-intensity sport to start with, we’ve listed some great options below.

Lower-Intensity Sports

Golf
Baseball
Biking
Short-distance track and field events

Are There Any Sports to Avoid If You Have Asthma?

There are some sports that can be more difficult to manage with an asthma diagnosis. Any endurance sports like soccer or cross country can be hard to handle due to their minimal rest time. When it gets colder, any outdoor sports can become more difficult as well because the air gets thinner.

However, that doesn’t mean that your child is not allowed to play these sports. With a little preparation through proper training, easily accessible medication and the support of family, your children should be able to enjoy whatever sports they are passionate about.

Asthma Tips

Breathe through a scarf when it is cold outside.
Carry a current inhaler prescription.
Avoid the outdoors during any high pollen count days.
Warm up and cool down appropriately.

If you think your child’s asthma is getting worse or you need help managing it, come see us at AFC Urgent Care Clemson!

How Serious Is Ventricular Tachycardia?

American Family Care | Clemson (Seneca), SC — Fri, 15 Jul 2022 10:01:44 UTC

Have you heard of ventricular tachycardia before but you don’t know what it is? If so, you’re certainly not alone.

As opposed to bradycardia, another common heart condition, ventricular tachycardia is when blood is pumped too fast, rather than too slow. Our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team provides other helpful info about it below, so keep reading.

What Is Ventricular Tachycardia?

Ventricular tachycardia (VT or V-tach) is a type of abnormal heart rhythm, and it occurs when the lower two chambers of the heart—the ventricles—beat too quickly yet don’t supply the body with enough oxygenated blood.

VT can last for just a few seconds and not cause any real problems, or it can reoccur and increase the risk of heart failure and other serious complications. We’ve listed the most common symptoms of VT below.

Common Ventricular Tachycardia Symptoms

Chest pain
Dizziness
Pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
Lightheadedness
Shortness of breath

Is Ventricular Tachycardia Serious?

It is. Even though VT may not cause any real damage in some instances, it can be terminal in others. Basically, the heart isn’t supposed to act the way it does when it is affected by VT.

Sustained ventricular tachycardia is what really needs to be taken seriously (sustained V-tach, for short). This occurs when VT occurs frequently and or for an extended period of time. In its mildest forms, VT can result in syncope (fainting), lightheadedness or both, and in its most severe forms, ventricular fibrillation (a potentially fatal arrhythmia) and cardiac arrest. If you’re concerned about having to deal with VT, follow the preventive advice we’ve provided below!

Ways to Prevent VT

Exercise often. This means getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week, according to the CDC.
Maintain a healthy diet. A diet low in saturated and trans fats and rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains helps keep the heart healthy.
Control stress. High stress levels cause a high BPM, which puts more stress on the heart.
Don’t use illegal drugs. Stimulants, such as cocaine and meth, cause lots of damage to the heart.

Our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team can provide the care you need for all of your non-emergency issues. Visit us today!

What Is Mesenteric Adenitis?

American Family Care | Clemson (Seneca), SC — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 10:02:35 UTC

Although it’s not the most common type of stomach condition among adults, mesenteric adenitis is fairly common among children under the age of 16.

Never heard of it? Don’t worry—our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team is here to help you feel more informed about it. Keep reading.

What Is Mesenteric Adenitis?

Mesenteric adenitis (also known as mesenteric lymphadenitis) is the swelling of the lymph nodes in the abdomen. Although technically anyone at any age can get it, it’s rare among adults, as we said earlier.

Mesenteric adenitis is most often caused by a viral or bacterial intestinal infection. When the intestines become infected, the body’s lymph nodes become swollen as they work to prevent the infection from spreading to the rest of the body. Although adenitis can be painful, it doesn’t cause any lasting medical issues and will usually clear up on its own after between one and four weeks.

Common Mesenteric Adenitis Symptoms

Pain in the abdomen, often on the lower right side
Abdominal tenderness
Fever
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea

How Is Mesenteric Adenitis Diagnosed?

We’ve laid out the typical diagnosis steps in the section below.

Adults can get mesenteric adenitis, too, despite it being most common among children and young teens. So, if you experience the symptoms that we’ve listed earlier, don’t hesitate to visit our AFC center. We will confirm the diagnosis and put you on a treatment plan.

Ways Mesenteric Adenitis Is Diagnosed

Doctor will examine a person and look at his or her medical history.
Imaging studies, such as an abdominal ultrasound or a CTG scan of the abdomen, will reveal whether the person has mesenteric adenitis or appendicitis.
A scan may show that the lymph nodes are enlarged, or that the wall of the intestine is thickened.
Blood sample could be taken for a laboratory test. This will reveal if an infection is present, and if there is one, which type it is. The bacteria most likely to cause mesenteric adenitis is Yersinia enterocolitia.

We can provide diagnosis and treatment for all kinds of non-emergency medical issues! Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Clemson team today.