Visit Family Urgent Care For Managing Asthma
More than 27 million people in the US suffer from asthma, which is a common condition in which the airways become narrow and swollen, causing difficulty in breathing.
During an asthma attack, a person mostly experiences wheezing (whistling sound from lungs), tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. If you or someone in your family has asthma, you must know the triggers and the steps you can to take to prevent asthma exacerbations in the future.
And this is where Family Urgent Care steps in as your asthma management partner! We have a team of experienced healthcare providers who diagnose, treat, and guide you through the necessary precautions you can take to reduce asthma flare-ups.
Some Common Symptoms Of Asthma
During an asthma attack, people mostly experience symptoms such as:
- Wheezing (high-pitched whistling sound from the chest during breathing)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain and discomfort
- Unable to sleep due to difficulty in breathing or chest tightness
However, the symptoms might vary from person to person, depending upon the type of asthma you have and your current medical condition.
What Are Some Common Causes Of Asthma?
Identifying the triggers is one of the most important steps in asthma control, as you can reduce asthma exacerbations by staying away and reducing the exposure to the triggers. Some of the common causes that can possibly induce an asthma attack are
Environmental factors
Most asthma attacks occur due to environmental factors. Exposure to allergens or irritants like pollen, mould, animal dander, insects, some chemicals, smoke, dust or gas can incite or trigger asthma attacks is most individuals.
Genetics and heredity
Having a family history of asthma or any other respiratory tract condition is also a common cause of developing asthma in childhood or during adult years.
Allergies
Allergies like eczema or allergic rhinitis can also cause asthma attacks in some patients due to high levels of histamine in the body. When the airways are affected, it can trigger symptoms of asthma like coughing, wheezing or difficulty breathing.
Occupational Exposures
If you have asthma, exposure to certain irritants or allergens like dust, chemicals, fumes, and allergens can trigger an asthma attack while you’re on the job.
Smoking
Cigarette smoke is the most common irritant for asthma patients as it not only increases mucus production but also causes inflammation and swelling in the airways leading to difficulty in breathing.
Common Types Of Asthma
Non-allergic Asthma
Non-allergic asthma is triggered due to cold air, exercise, stress or strong odors. This is almost the same as allergic asthma, but it lacks response to specific allergens.
Allergic Asthma
This is the most common type of asthma that is caused due to allergens like pollen, mould, dust, fumes, or pet dander, which might tighten your airways and trigger the production of antibodies. This causes the airways to swell and tighten, resulting in symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing.
Occupational Asthma
Almost 15% of cases of asthma in the US are work-related. This type of asthma is caused at work due to inhaling of the dust, fumes or other irritants. For example, veterinarians, fishermen or animal handlers can suffer from asthma attacks when exposed to allergens.
Seasonal Asthma
Some people experience asthma flare-ups at specific times of the year, like during hay fever season or cold weather, this is most commonly termed as seasonal asthma.
Exercise-induced Asthma
Exercise-induced asthma occurs due to high-intensity physical exertion or workout. It can trigger airway narrowing and asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath.
What Precautions Can You Take To Prevent Asthma Attacks?
Most health experts recommend taking precautions in order to fully control your asthma and reduce asthma exacerbations. Here are some steps you can take to reduce asthma attacks:
- Try to avoid all the possible asthma triggers like smoke, dust, pollen or animal dander.
- Ensure a clean indoor environment by reducing dust mites, pet dander and mould exposure.
- Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing, to prevent respiratory infections.
- Get flu shot vaccines if recommended by your healthcare provider.
- Take prescribed medications such as inhalers or nebulizers as recommended by your doctor.
When To Visit Family Urgent Care?
As soon as you notice any concerning symptoms, you need to contact a healthcare provider or ask a nearby person to take you to a nearby clinic. Here are some red flags to visit Family Urgent Care right away:
- You feel weak, dizzy or you have trouble doing your routine tasks.
- You experience cough, wheezing or notice any unusual breathing pattern.
- You have taken your quick-relief medicines or inhalers but your asthma symptoms don’t improve.
- Persistent shortness of breath or tightness in the chest while lying in bed.
At Family Urgent Care, we have board-certified medical experts who commit to serving patients with high-quality care. You can also visit Family Urgent Care seven days a week at your convenience in three different locations: Roger’s Park, Lincoln’s Park, and Schererville.
Just a quick note! If you experience severe asthma attacks like the inability to speak, taking more than 30 breaths every minute or the lips or nails turning blue, you need to visit an emergency care facility right away.
