Asthma Attack (Acute Asthma Exacerbation)

An asthma attack happens when the airways tighten and swell and produce extra mucus, making it hard to move air in and out. Symptoms can escalate quickly—from mild wheeze to severe breathlessness—so prompt evaluation matters. If you’re experiencing severe trouble breathing, blue lips/face, confusion, extreme fatigue, can’t speak in full sentences, ribs pulling in (retractions), or your rescue inhaler isn’t helping, call 911 immediately.

At iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco, Forney, and Fort Worth, TX, our ER-experienced clinicians diagnose and treat asthma attacks all in one location with rapid assessment, nebulized medications, oxygen, and on-site tests to keep you safe and breathing easier.

Common Signs & Symptoms of an Asthma Attack

  • Wheezing, chest tightness, or a whistling sound when breathing

  • Shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or coughing fits (often worse at night)

  • Difficulty speaking full sentences, using neck or chest muscles to breathe

  • Peak flow less than your usual/personal best, or falling quickly

  • No improvement after using a rescue inhaler

Typical Triggers for Asthma Attacks

Asthma exacerbations are often set off by:

  • Respiratory infections (colds, flu)

  • Allergens (pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold)

  • Irritants (smoke, vaping, strong odors, air pollution, chemicals)

  • Exercise or cold, dry air

  • Reflux, stress, or strong emotions

  • Medications in susceptible patients (e.g., non-selective beta-blockers, NSAIDs)

Knowing your triggers and action plan helps prevent emergencies and shorten recovery.

What to Do When an Asthma Attack Happens

  • Use your rescue inhaler with a spacer (commonly 2–4 puffs; many plans allow repeats every 20 minutes for up to 3 cycles).

  • Sit upright, focus on slow, steady breathing; avoid known triggers.

  • If you have a nebulizer, follow your action plan.

  • Check your peak flow if you have a meter. If <50% of personal best—or symptoms are severe—seek emergency care.

  • If you have signs of anaphylaxis (hives, swelling, throat tightness, dizziness), use epinephrine if prescribed and call 911.

If symptoms don’t improve after your rescue medication—or you’re worried—come to iCare ER & Urgent Care for same-day treatment.

How iCare Evaluates & Treats an Asthma Attack

When you arrive at an iCare location in Frisco, Forney, or Fort Worth, our team moves quickly:

  1. Rapid Triage & Monitoring
    We check oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, and work of breathing. A focused lung exam and peak-flow or spirometry (when feasible) help gauge severity.

  2. Nebulized Bronchodilators
    We commonly use albuterol and, for moderate–severe attacks, may add ipratropium to open airways more effectively.

  3. Anti-Inflammatory Treatment
    Systemic steroids (oral or IV, depending on severity) help reduce airway swelling and shorten the course of the attack.

  4. Oxygen & Supportive Care
    Supplemental oxygen, IV fluids if needed, and anti-nausea medication can improve comfort and safety.

  5. On-Site Diagnostics (as indicated)
    Labs (electrolytes, infection markers), chest X-ray if pneumonia or another complication is suspected, and EKGwhen chest symptoms or risk factors warrant. We tailor testing to your presentation—no unnecessary delays.

  6. Pediatric-Friendly Care
    For children, we use age-appropriate dosing, spacers/masks for inhalation therapy, and family-centered communication to keep care clear and calm.

  7. Clear After-Care & Action Plan
    You’ll leave with specific instructions: how often to use your inhaler and spacer, short steroid burst if prescribed, trigger avoidance, and warning signs that mean “come back or call 911.” We’ll coordinate follow-up with your primary care provider or a pulmonologist when appropriate.

If you require hospital observation or advanced interventions, we arrange seamless coordination with the receiving facility so your care continues without interruption.

When to Seek Emergency Care (Call 911)

  • Severe breathlessness, blue or gray lips/skin, confusion, or fainting

  • Minimal or no relief after rescue inhaler/nebulizer

  • Peak flow <50% of personal best or rapidly dropping

  • Rib retractions, inability to speak full sentences, or exhaustion from breathing

  • Signs of anaphylaxis (hives, swelling, throat tightness, dizziness)

Prevention & Long-Term Control

  • Use controller meds exactly as prescribed (e.g., inhaled corticosteroids). Do not stop them when you feel better without medical advice.

  • Carry your rescue inhaler and a spacer; check inhaler technique regularly.

  • Avoid triggers: use dust-mite covers, wash bedding hot, run HEPA filtration if recommended, and stay smoke-free.

  • Vaccinate against flu and stay current with routine vaccines to reduce infection-related flares.

  • Keep and review a written Asthma Action Plan—know your green/yellow/red zones and steps to take.

iCare Differentiators (Asthma & Breathing Care)

  • All in one location: Evaluation, nebulizers, steroids, oxygen, and on-site diagnostics in a single visit.

  • ER-experienced providers: Skilled in assessing asthma severity, ruling out pneumonia/heart causes, and stabilizing breathing quickly.

  • On-site labs & imaging: Fast testing supports safer decisions and targeted treatment.

  • Pediatric & adult expertise: Age-appropriate dosing, devices, and education.

  • Short waits + online check-in: Walk in or reserve your spot to reduce lobby time.

  • Seamless hospital coordination: If higher-level care is needed, we expedite transfer and communicate directly with the receiving team.

  • Convenient locations in Frisco, Forney, and Fort Worth, Texas.

Struggling to breathe or worried about an asthma flare? Visit iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco, Forney, or Fort Worth today. Walk-ins welcome—or check in online to be seen quickly and breathe easier.

Animal | Human Bites

If an animal or human bite occurs, it can be hard to know if medical care is required for minor wounds. Often, the injury happens quickly and unexpectedly, so it is important that you know where to go when emergency services are required. At iCare ER and Urgent Care, our emergency room is open 24/7, providing the immediate access you need when an accident occurs.

Why Medical Care is Recommended

Unlike other scratches and bruises, it is recommended to seek medical care if a bite occurs. If these wounds are not treated immediately, then they can lead to serious infection. In some cases, an animal bite can be fatal due to rabies or venom. If you or a loved one has suffered an open wound from an animal or human bite, then the best thing you can do is seek medical attention as soon as possible. Both domestic and wild animals can bite if the animal is feeling threatened. Children have the highest risk of animal bites, especially from domestic pets.

Here are some of the reasons why medical treatment might be needed for a bite:

  • Infection: When the skin is punctured, there is a high risk of bacteria entering the wound. This exposure can lead to infection, especially when the bite is on a hand or near a joint. Antibiotics might be needed to stop the infection from spreading to other parts of the body. Additionally, managing the infection with antibiotics helps to speed up recovery and improve the overall healing of the bite wound.
  • Viral Spread: Most bite infections are caused by bacteria, which means that antibiotics can be used as mentioned above. There are times when viral infections are spread through bites, but these infections don’t respond to antibiotic medications. Your doctor can determine the proper treatment if needed.
  • Underlying Damage: Any type of animal bite can cause serious damage to the tissue. If the structure of the joint is affected or the underlying tissue has been damaged, then specialized care might be necessary to avoid long-term complications.
  • Tetanus or Rabies: There is a potential of exposure to rabies and tetanus. It is important to check your immunization records to determine if you are up-to-date on these shots. You might need a booster shot or follow-up treatments as recommended by the doctor.
  • Venom: If the bite is caused by a snake or spider, then it is possible that venom was introduced into the body. Emergency treatment should be provided immediately. The ER staff will ask descriptive questions about the type of snake. Provide as much information as possible to help with the treatment.
  • Stitches: Depending on the size of the wound, stitches might be required to close up the skin. Stitches are important to promote proper healing and minimize the risk of infection development.

 

Human Bites

The most common cause of human bites is when a child bites another child. But there are times when adult human bite wounds need to be treated as well. Bites inflicted by a child tend to be minor or moderate because they aren’t as forceful as an adult bite. As a result, the wound usually isn’t very deep and there is a lower risk of infection and damage to the underlying tissue. There is a high risk of infection from a human bite, including the transmission of disease. Additionally, a deep bite can damage joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves, or bones. It is essential to talk to a doctor as soon as possible so medical tests can be performed. Our experienced team can use tissue cultures, blood tests, and x-rays to determine the extent of the damage.

What to Expect

When you visit iCare, our team of exceptional and experienced physicians will immediately assess your situation, employ life-saving intervention as needed and provide a physical examination.  Your care team, lead by experience ER Physicians may perform further tests, such as chest X-rays, or laboratory tests. Once you are diagnosed, a treatment plan will be provided based on the severity of your condition and symptoms. In the event that a patient requires hospitalization or other procedures that we do not offer at iCare, we are able to transfer them to a hospital for admission.

Abscess Requiring Drainage and seeking medical care

What is an abscess?

A skin abscess is a tender mass generally surrounded by a colored area from pink to deep red. Abscesses are often easy to feel by touching. The vast majority of them are caused by infections. Inside, they are full of pus, bacteria and debris. Abscesses are usually painful and warm to touch and can show up any place on your body. The most common sites on the skin in your armpits (axillae), areas around your anus and vagina, the base of your spine, around a tooth, and in your groin. Inflammation around a hair follicle can also lead to the formation of an abscess, which is called a boil (furuncle).Unlike other infections, antibiotics alone will not usually cure an abscess. In general an abscess must open and drain in order for it to improve. Sometimes draining occurs on its own, but generally it must be opened with the help of a warm compress or by a doctor in a procedure called incision and drainage.

If your wound begins to develop an infection, it is important to recognize the symptoms so they can be treated as early as possible. If redness begins to spread out from the wound, or if it begins to swell and increase in tenderness, or if you see green or yellow pus, you should seek medical attention immediately. Other signs include swollen lymph nodes, body aches, chills, or fever.

Seeking Care for Abscess Requiring Drainage + What to Expect

When you come to one of iCare Emergency Room & Urgent Care’s locations with an abscess or infection of injury site, our iCare team led by an experienced ER physician has the tools necessary to treat an abscess.  After a medical history review and exam, your care team, led by an experience ER Physician will clean and treat your wound including assessing the need for stitches or antibiotic ointments. They will then dress or bandage your wound.

After your wound is treated at iCare, the practitioner will leave you with specific instructions for caring for your wound. However, as a general guide, it is best to keep all wounds clean in order to prevent infection. Wash your wound with clean water and a mild soap per your doctor’s instructions. If provided with an antibiotic cream, apply a thin layer before dressing it. Dress or bandage your wound loosely so that blood flow is not restricted, and be sure to change the dressing daily so that an infection does not begin to grow. Refrain from scratching any itchy scabs so that they can heal properly.

Overview

Sports are a way of life in Texas, so don’t let yourself get out of the game with an injury. In a matter of seconds, an athlete can twist, turn, fall, or be tackled just the wrong way for it to lead to an injury. When you or your child has a sports-related injury (sprains, tears, concussions, fractures, and more), come into our iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco or South Fort Worth, TX. Our radiology labs and other technologies can provide you with results in a matter of minutes and lead you on the way to recovery.

Seeking Medical Care

Depending on the type of injury, signs that you should seek medical treatment at the iCare ER & Urgent Care are listed below:

Concussion
The symptoms of a concussion include a headache, confusion, memory loss, fatigue, loss of consciousness, dizziness, sensitivity to light, nausea, and vomiting after a blow to the head. While a concussion can often be treated in urgent care, our team may send you to our emergency services especially if you exhibit symptoms such as slurred speech, rapid or slowed breathing, seizures, difficulty walking, extreme confusion, vision problems, pupil size changes, nasal or ear fluid discharge, weakness, or a headache that continues to get worse.

Dislocations, fractures, and sprains
Signs of dislocations, fractures, and sprains are very similar and difficult to tell apart. They may include intense pain, swelling, discoloration and bruising, deformity, tingling or numbness, and difficulty moving after a fall, blow, or other high-impact injuries to a joint or bone. Dislocation, fracture, and serious sprain injuries should always be treated by a medical professional immediately.

What to Expect

When you come into the iCare in either Frisco or Fort Worth, our experienced team of medical practitioners will quickly evaluate your condition to determine where you should be treated. This will depend mainly on the location and severity of your injury, along with the intensity of your pain. For sports injuries, pain management is almost always focused on and treated first. A medical history interview and physical examination will help our physicians determine how best to treat your pain. X-rays can be taken to further examine your injury for injuries such as dislocations, fractures, or sprains. CT scans may be utilized in the case of a concussion. Depending on the type and severity of your injury, our physicians may treat it with medication, splint or cast it, use a sling, use an ortho boot, or issue crutches or a cane.

While iCare is equipped with state-of-the-art tools to care for your sports injuries, some situations require further care that may include a hospital stay. In such cases, iCare has agreements set up with local facilities that will transfer you or your child to the hospital or specialist that fits the situation. Through this arrangement, you will be able to bypass the hospital ER to an inpatient hospital bed. Our team at iCare can also make referrals to specialists, such as orthopedic surgeons, ophthalmologists, neurosurgeons, or trauma surgeons, whom you may need according to the severity of the injury.

We Treat Sports Injuries

If you’ve experienced injury or trauma while playing sports, our team at iCare is trained and ready to treat you. With a 24/7 ER, cozy waiting rooms for families, onsite board-certified physicians, and a billing program that accepts most insurance policies, iCare can provide relief for concussions, dislocations, fractures, sprains, and more.

What Is Alcohol Poisoning?

Alcohol poisoning is a serious and sometimes deadly consequence of drinking large amounts of alcohol in a short period of time. Drinking too much too quickly can affect your breathing, heart rate, body temperature and gag reflex and potentially lead to a coma and death. Alcohol poisoning can also occur when adults or children accidentally or intentionally drink household products that contain alcohol.

A person with alcohol poisoning needs immediate medical attention. If you suspect someone has alcohol poisoning, call for emergency medical help right away.

Alcohol Poisoning Signs and Symptoms

Some symptoms start mild and grow worse. Signs of alcohol poisoning include smelling like alcohol, confusion or slurred speech and damp or clammy skin. Some symptoms of alcohol poisoning are more serious and can include:  

    • Poor coordination or stumblingSevere confusion
    • Trouble staying awake
    • Throwing up
    • Seizures
    • Slow breathing (fewer than eight breaths per minute)
    • Long pauses between breaths (10 seconds or more)
    • Very slow heartbeat
    • Low body temperature
    • Bluish or pale skin
    • Slow responses (such as gag reflex)

 

Alcohol Poisoning Treatment Options

In an emergency setting, they may also:
Give you fluids through an IV
Give you extra oxygen to help you breathe
Remove toxins from your blood

Seeking Immediate Care, What to Expect

When you visit one of our iCare Emergency Room & Urgent Care locations, our team of exceptional and experienced physicians will immediately assess your situation, provide life saving intervention if needed and provide a physical examination. Our medical team, led by an experienced ER physician may perform laboratory testing from our on-site lab. Once you are diagnosed, a treatment plan will be provided based on severity of your condition and symptoms. In the event that a patient requires hospitalization or other procedures that we do not offer at iCare, we are able to transfer them to a hospital for admission.

Disclaimer: If you are experiencing a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1 or go to your nearest emergency room. All website content is available for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.

Health problems that affect the heart require immediate treatment to minimize complications and save a person’s life. Our team at iCare ER and Urgent Care understands the urgency of immediate heart related conditions.

What Are Heart Palpitations?

Heart palpitations can feel like pounding, flip-flopping or the wrong amount of heartbeats. Most people get them because of anxiety. Other causes include: pregnancy, caffeine, alcohol or spicy food. Heart palpitations are common and usually aren’t dangerous.

Signs of Heart Palpitations

Some types of heart palpitations are completely normal, while others are a red flag for a serious health condition. Only an experienced medical expert can help you determine the cause of your heart palpitations and whether treatment is needed. It is important to be informed about common signs of palpitations, so you know when to visit the emergency room.

The most common description of heart palpitations is the feeling you have when your heart is pounding or racing. For example, the sensation you experience after sprinting up a flight of stairs.

If you have palpitations, then your heart might feel like it is:

  • Beating too strongly
  • Beating too quickly
  • Beating in irregular patterns
  • Skipping heartbeats
  • Fluttering rapidly
  • Flip-flopping in the chest

 

What Causes Heart Palpitations?

While a heart condition can be an underlying cause of palpitations, other unrelated health concerns can contribute to these symptoms.

Common causes of palpitations include:

  • A strong emotional response (anxiety, stress, or panic)
  • Strenuous exercise
  • Thyroid dysfunction
  • Stimulants, such as cocaine, nicotine, and caffeine
  • Medications with pseudoephedrine (often in cough or cold medications)
  • Hormonal changes
  • Abnormal heart rhythm

 

Should You Visit an ER for Heart Palpitations?

In a healthy person, the intensity of the heartbeat will subside within a minute or so after running up the stairs. But if your palpitations don’t go away quickly, then you might need to head to your local emergency room.

Pay attention to other symptoms that are accompanying heart palpitations.

If the palpitations are occurring with the following list of symptoms, then you should head to the ER without delay:

  • Fainting
  • Chest pain
  • Chest discomfort
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath

 

When the palpitations are caused by something other than a heart condition, then you have minimal risk of serious complications. But palpitations caused by a heart problem can lead to cardiac arrest, heart failure, or stroke.

ER Services for Heart Palpitations

When you visit our emergency room, we will determine the underlying cause of the palpitations. Tests might include an electrocardiogram (ECG), heart monitoring, and more. Once a diagnosis is determined, then a treatment plan can be designed to help with the underlying condition. If it is determined that heart palpitations are not caused by a heart condition, then the doctor will provide recommendations to help you avoid the triggers that led to the episode.

Seeking Medical Care

Since heart conditions can be some of the most serious health risks, we recommend seeking care if you experience the symptoms listed above. These conditions can be detrimental to your health if you are not treated quickly.

What to Expect

When you visit iCare, our medical team, led by an experienced ER physician will immediately assess your situation and determine whether you should be treated in the ER or in urgent care. In most cases, patients with heart related conditions are seen in the ER.

After a medical history interview and a physical examination, our team may perform further testing such as electrocardiogram(ECG) or blood work in our in-house laboratory.  Once you are diagnosed, you will be treated in a variety of ways depending on the type and severity of your condition.  For chest pain, irregular heartbeats, and high blood pressure, our team may prescribe varying medications and behavioral changes to manage your symptoms. In the event that a patient requires hospitalization or other procedures that we do not offer at iCare, we are able to transfer them to a hospital for admission.

One of the most important tools to help you get back to health is a proper diagnosis. At the iCare ER & Urgent Care Center in Frisco and Fort Worth, TX, we are equipped with a comprehensive radiology suite that is located onsite and contains contemporary diagnostic/testing equipment. With a licensed and certified radiologist available on staff, imaging results are returned quickly so you don’t have to endure long wait times and can begin treatment faster. Our radiology suite contains the Siemens Somatom Scope CT, the Acuson X300 PE Ultrasound, and the AXIOM Multix MT Digital X-ray. This gives us the flexibility to diagnose and treat our patients in many different medical situations.
ABOUT OUR EQUIPMENT
Our equipment in our radiology suite can provide quality diagnostic services for a vast number of conditions at iCare, such as:

SIEMENS SOMATOM SCOPE CT

iCare uses the Siemens Somatom Scope CT to provide CT imaging in a time-efficient manner and is an uncomplicated procedure for the patient. The Somatom Scope features UFCTM (Ultra Fast Ceramics) detector materials that create brighter images, the SureViewTM reconstruction algorithm for faster scan times, and the Iterative Reconstruction in Image Space (IRIS) for reduced image noise.

ACUSON X300 PE

We have the Acuson X300 PE (Premium Addition) Ultrasound System, which provides high-quality imaging solutions for our patients. This mobile system is convenient, lightweight, and can be used for immediate results.

AXIOM MULTIX MT DIGITAL X-RAY

The AXIOM Multix MT Digital X-ray is set up with a floating tabletop to ensure convenient and accessible X-rays. With the ability to scan virtually any part of the body, this ultra-modern X-ray system provides fine-tuned and extremely detailed images.

SEEKING MEDICAL TESTING

Our radiologists are certified by the state of Texas. They have also taken the ImageWisely® pledge to only offer imaging when necessary to reduce the level of radiation emitted by the equipment for everyone’s safety. We are dedicated to your safety and comfort at iCare.

WHAT TO EXPECT

When you visit iCare for diagnostic or imaging purposes, our experienced team of physicians and radiologists will educate you and direct you through the process if you are new to the testing.

If a CT scan is necessary, you may be instructed to not eat or drink anything for the next a few hours before your scan, or to take certain medications 12 hours before the scan if you have certain allergies. Jewelry should be taken off and you may need to wear a gown. Once prepared, you will lie on a narrow table that will slide you into the scanner. Detectors and the X-ray tube will rotate around you, taking several images simultaneously. You will be able to communicate with the technician during the process through an intercom system.

If you are coming in for an ultrasound, our physicians may ask you to avoid food for 8 – 12 hours beforehand, since food can block views or distort the images. While wearing a gown, you will be asked to lie down on the exam table while our technician applies a lubricating jelly to your skin. The technician will then rub the ultrasound transducer across your skin, sending high-frequency sound waves through your body to create an image that the physician will then interpret.

If you are at iCare for an X-ray, you will be asked to remove any jewelry and possibly wear a lead apron to protect the other parts of your body. The technician will then go behind a barrier and direct the radiation beam through your body to generate images of your bones and tissues.

After any of the diagnostic procedures, you should be able to resume your day-to-day activities.

What is a stroke?

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients

What are stroke-like symptoms?

Symptoms of strokes often include a sudden and severe headache, numbness or weakness in the face, leg, or arm on one or both sides, full or partial paralysis of the face, leg, or arm on one or both sides, blurred or diminished vision in one or both eyes, trouble swallowing, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, and general confusion.

Treatment for stroke-like symptoms:

  • Emergency IV medication
  • Emergency endovascular procedures
    • Medications delivered directly to the brain
    • Removing the clot with a stent retriever
  • Surgical clipping
  • Coiling
  • Surgical AVM removal
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery

Seeking Treatment + What to Expect

When you visit one of our iCare Emergency Room & Urgent Care locations, our medical team, led by an experienced ER physician will immediately assess your situation, employ life saving intervention as needed or review medical history interview and a physical examination.  Our team may perform further tests, such as chest X-rays, or blood tests. Once you are diagnosed, you will be treated in a variety of ways depending on the type and severity of your condition.  In the event of a stroke, the patient would require hospitalization or other procedures that we do not offer at iCare, we are able to transfer them to a hospital for admission.

Sources: Mayo Clinic

 

A foreign body is anything that doesn’t belong in the body—like a splinter in the skin, a bead in the nose, an insect in the ear, a fishhook in a finger, or a swallowed coin. Some foreign bodies are merely uncomfortable; others can be dangerous or time-sensitive (e.g., button batteries, magnets, sharp objects, airway/eye involvement). At iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco, Forney, and Fort Worth, TX, our ER-experienced providers evaluate and remove foreign bodies all in one location, using safe techniques, on-site imaging, and appropriate pain control to protect you or your child from complications.

Foreign Body Symptoms & Red Flags

Symptoms vary by location, but common clues include:

  • Skin/soft tissue: puncture wound, visible object (splinter, glass, fishhook), pain, swelling, redness, drainage

  • Ear: pain, fullness, ringing, decreased hearing, drainage, or insect buzzing sensation

  • Nose: one-sided foul discharge, bleeding, congestion, difficulty breathing through the nostril

  • Eye: pain, tearing, light sensitivity, “something in the eye,” blurred vision (see our Eye Injuries page)

  • Throat/esophagus/stomach: drooling, pain with swallowing, chest discomfort, persistent vomiting

  • Airway: coughing, choking, wheezing, noisy/stridorous breathing—emergency

Danger signs requiring immediate ER/911: suspected airway obstruction, button battery in nose/ear or swallowed, multiple magnets swallowed, sharp/large objects, severe pain, persistent vomiting, bloody secretions, or sudden vision changes.

Foreign Object Removal First Aid—What (Not) to Do

  • Do NOT use cotton swabs, tweezers, or glue inside the ear, nose, or eye—you may push the object deeper or cause injury.

  • Do NOT induce vomiting for swallowed objects.

  • Do NOT attempt to remove an embedded fishhook without guidance—barbs tear tissue.

  • Do rinse the eye with clean water/saline for loose dust (avoid rubbing).

  • Do keep the area still; for a protruding object, stabilize rather than pull.

  • Do bring the object/packaging (especially for batteries, magnets, chemicals) to your visit.

Common Foreign Bodies We Treat

  • Skin/soft tissue: wood splinters, metal shards, glass, thorns, fishhooks

  • Ear: beads, insects, cotton tip remnants, small toys

  • Nose: beads, paper, food, small toys (children)

  • Eye surface: dust/particulate (evaluation and care; penetrating/globe injuries are emergent)

  • Throat/esophagus/stomach: coins, small toys, food bolus (initial evaluation, stabilization, and transfer coordination when endoscopy is required)

  • Wounds after accidents/yardwork: gravel, metal, paint chips

How iCare Removes Foreign Bodies (Frisco, Forney & Fort Worth)

When you arrive, we focus on safety, comfort, and complete removal:

  1. Rapid Triage & Assessment
    We review what happened, the object type/size, symptoms, and time since exposure. We check vital signs and screen for emergencies (airway compromise, button battery, multiple magnets).

  2. Pain Control & Preparation
    Depending on location and depth, we use topical anesthetics, local nerve blocks, child-friendly positioning, and calming techniques. For certain cases, we may use procedural sedation when appropriate and safe.

  3. On-Site Imaging (as indicated)
    Digital X-ray can identify many metals, coins, and some glass; ultrasound helps locate radiolucent materials (wood/thorns) in soft tissue; additional imaging is arranged if needed.

  4. Removal Techniques

    • Skin/soft tissue: sterile exploration, irrigation, fine instruments, fishhook string-yank or advance-and-cut techniques, wound cleansing, and closure when appropriate.

    • Ear/nose: specialized tools (curettes, alligator forceps, suction, hooks) or gentle irrigation for select ear objects (never for batteries/organic materials that swell).

    • Eye surface: slit-lamp evaluation, fluorescein staining, careful removal of superficial particulates, irrigation, and protective care (penetrating injuries are stabilized and transferred emergently).

    • Swallowed objects/food impaction: airway/aspiration assessment, supportive care, and urgent GI or ENT coordination if endoscopy is required.

  5. Infection Prevention & Wound Care
    We cleanse and dress wounds, update tetanus, prescribe antibiotics when indicated (e.g., bites, contaminated wounds, cartilage involvement), and provide pain management.

  6. Clear After-Care & Follow-Up
    You’ll receive written instructions for wound care, activity restrictions, red-flag symptoms, and referrals (ENT, GI, ophthalmology, hand surgery) if needed. We also guide safe return to school, work, or sports.

If your case requires advanced procedures or hospital observation, we arrange seamless coordination with the appropriate specialist or hospital and communicate directly so your care continues without delay.

When to Seek Emergency Care for Foreign Bodies

  • Airway compromise: choking, blue lips/skin, severe breathing difficulty—call 911

  • Button battery in nose/ear or swallowed—emergency (tissue damage can occur within hours)

  • Multiple magnets swallowed—emergency (risk of bowel perforation)

  • Sharp/large objects, persistent chest/abdominal pain, or ongoing vomiting after ingestion

  • Eye penetration, sudden vision loss, or chemical burns

  • Uncontrolled bleeding, severe pain, fever, spreading redness, or pus

Prevention Tips

  • Keep button batteries, magnets, beads, and small toys away from young children; follow age labels.

  • Use protective eyewear and gloves for yardwork, grinding, and DIY projects.

  • Store chemicals and hardware securely; supervise children during crafts.

  • Cut food into small pieces; avoid nuts/hard candies for toddlers.

  • Teach children not to put objects in their nose, ears, or mouth.

iCare Differentiators—Foreign Body Removal, All in One Location

  • All in one location: Evaluation, imaging (X-ray/ultrasound), anesthesia/sedation when appropriate, and foreign body removal in a single visit.

  • ER-experienced providers: Skilled with pediatric and adult removals, fishhook techniques, ear/nose tools, and complex wound management.

  • On-site labs & imaging: Faster answers and safer decisions—no extra stops.

  • Pediatric-friendly care: Age-appropriate dosing, positioning, and communication.

  • Short waits + online check-in: Walk in or reserve your spot for quicker service.

  • Seamless specialist coordination: Rapid ENT, GI, ophthalmology, or surgery referral/transfer when required.

  • Convenient North Texas locations: Frisco, Forney, and Fort Worth.

Foreign object stuck—or worried something was swallowed? Visit iCare ER & Urgent Care in Frisco, Forney, or Fort Worth, TX for safe, efficient foreign body removal. Walk-ins welcome—or check in online for prompt, professional care.

What are migraines and severe headaches?

Severe headaches can happen due to injury. They can also happen spontaneously, with no known cause. In this case, headaches can occur due to overexertion of nerve endings in the brain. Migraines (painful, throbbing headaches) can last for hours or days with symptoms that may include sensitivities to light/smell/sound, blurred vision, nausea/vomiting, weakness, and more.

What are symptoms of migraines and severe headaches?

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sensitivity to light and sound
  • Neck pain
  • Visual impairment
  • Neurological abnormalities such as confusion
  • Runny nose or tearing of the eye
  • Worsening headache when standing up or when lying down

 

Treatment of migraines and severe headaches:

  • Daily medications
  • Referral to a specialized physician
  • Finding out underlying conditions and treating those
  • Stopping pain medication that could be affecting the migraines.

 

What To Expect

When you visit the iCare, our team is lead by experienced ER physicians that will immediately assess your situation, review medical history interview and a physical examination. The iCare team may perform further testing to include lab-work and/or a head CT. Once you are diagnosed, you will be treated in a variety of ways depending on the type and severity of your symptoms including administration of pain relievers and or fluids to get you feeling better as soon as possible. Check out one of our metroplex locations HERE.

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