You’re coughing more than usual. Breathing feels heavier than it should. Perhaps your chest feels tight after a short walk, or your inhaler isn’t working as well as it used to.
So now you’re wondering: Can urgent care help with asthma?
The short answer? Yes, but only if you know when to go, what to expect, and what urgent care can (and can’t) do for you.
In this guide, we’ll break it down simply and without the medical fluff. Whether it’s your first time experiencing symptoms or you’ve had asthma for years but need quick relief, here’s everything you need to know.
How Does An Urgent Care Provider Diagnose Asthma?
“If you’ve been coughing, wheezing, or getting out of breath more than usual, especially at night or after exercise, it could be asthma”, says Dr. Asrar Sheikh, lead provider at Family Urgent Care.
Here’s how they typically diagnose asthma:
- First, they’ll ask about your symptoms. When they started, what made them worse, and if anything helps.
- Then they’ll listen to your lungs for wheezing or tightness, which may indicate that your airways are inflamed.
- A quick fingertip test may be used to check your oxygen levels.
- If needed, the provider may perform a spirometry test, where you blow into a tube to measure how well your lungs are working.
- In some cases, you’ll be given a quick-relief inhaler during the test to see if your breathing improves, which helps confirm an asthma diagnosis.
If you’re in Indiana or Illinois and noticing the symptoms for the first time, you don’t have to wait it out. Just drop by one of our nearby clinics for same-day testing and diagnosis.
Should You Go To Urgent Care Or An ER For An Asthma Attack?
Not every asthma flare means rushing to the ER. But some do. So, how do you know when to go to the ER or urgent asthma care?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Urgent Care can help if: | Emergency Care is for you if: |
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In simple words, urgent care is best for asthma that’s acting up but hasn’t completely taken over. If it’s a bad flare-up but not an emergency, we can handle it quickly.
However, if your symptoms are severe and you can’t breathe properly, call 911 and head over to an emergency care facility.
What Asthma Treatments Can I Get at Urgent Care?
Asthma symptoms can hit out of nowhere, and when they do, urgent care can help manage them quickly.
Most urgent care clinics offer:
- Nebulizer treatments open up the airways and ease breathing.
- Short-acting inhalers for fast relief (if needed).
- Steroids, either pills or injections, are used to reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms from getting worse
- Oxygen monitoring and a quick check of how well the lungs are working.
- Medication refills if you’re running low or need a new prescription.
If it’s the first time experiencing symptoms, a provider can also help identify possible triggers and suggest what to watch for moving forward.
It’s fast, straightforward care without the long wait of an ER or the delay of a specialist appointment.
Can I Get Asthma Medicine From Urgent Care?
Yes. Urgent care providers can prescribe asthma medications the same day.
That includes:
- Rescue inhalers
- Oral steroids for flare-ups
- Refills for existing prescriptions
- First-time prescriptions if you’re just getting diagnosed
If you’re running low on meds or need a new prescription, urgent care is often faster than waiting for a primary care appointment.
Walk-in, Fast Asthma Relief At Family Urgent Care
If you’re in Indiana or Illinois and you’re experiencing breathing difficulties, you don’t have to wait days for an appointment. Same-day asthma care is available at Family Urgent Care.
Whether it’s a mild flare-up, a refill you forgot to grab, or symptoms you’re not quite sure about, you’ll get help fast.
Find us at our locations across Indiana and Illinois. We’re nearby, and we’re ready when you need us.
FAQs
Will urgent care treat asthma?
Yes, urgent care can treat asthma. If you’re having trouble breathing or need quick help, they can give you medicine, inhalers, or a breathing treatment right away.
How long do asthma attacks last?
An asthma attack can last from a few minutes to a few hours. It depends on how bad it is and if you get the right treatment in time.
Can urgent care give steroid shots for asthma?
Yes, many urgent care clinics can give steroid shots or pills to help reduce swelling in your airways and make it easier to breathe.
Can you get an inhaler without seeing a specialist?
Yes, you can get an inhaler from a regular doctor or an urgent care provider. You don’t always need to see a specialist for that.
