Asthma
If you suffer from asthma, Centric Urgent Care can help you ease the symptoms and ultimately get your condition under control. Book online today to avoid the wait and visit.
Asthma Q & A
Centric Urgent Care
What is asthma?
Asthma happens when a patient generates extra mucus, causing the airway to swell and narrow, making it difficult to breathe. This reaction can cause a patient to cough, start wheezing or experience shortness of breath. Some people only experience asthma as a minor nuisance. For others, it can be a more troublesome problem that interferes with daily activities and can even lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.
What are the symptoms?
Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma. However, doctors can help patients develop a plan to control the symptoms, so they can go about their daily activities. Because asthma can change over time, working with your doctor to keep track of developing signs and symptoms is the best way to adjust treatment as needed. Asthma symptoms will vary from person to person. It is possible to have infrequent asthma attacks, have symptoms only at certain times, or have symptoms that are persistent all the time.
Some of these symptoms include:
1. Shortness of breath
2. Pain or tightness in the chest
3. A wheezing sound during breathing
4. Trouble sleeping
5. Exacerbated coughing or wheezing symptoms due to a cold or flu
For some people, asthma signs and symptoms will flare up in certain situations such as when a patient:
1. Exercises
2. Encounters irritants at work, such as chemical fumes or dust
3. Develops allergies that trigger a respiratory response
When should I see a doctor?
If an asthma attack gets severe enough it can become life-threatening. Signs that your asthma is getting worse includes:
1.Symptoms of asthma that are bothersome and appear more frequently
2. Increasing difficulty while breathing
3. The need to use a quick-relief inhaler more often
Signs of an asthma emergency include:
1. Rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing
2. No improvement even after using a quick-relief inhaler, such as albuterol
3. Shortness of breath when you are doing minimal physical activity
If you feel you’re experiencing an emergency asthma attack, seek medical care immediately. Work with your doctor to create an asthma action plan that best addresses your signs and symptoms, what to do when symptoms worsen, and when you might need emergency treatment. Call or schedule an appointment online today to visit our expert staff at Centric Urgent Care.
