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Asthma Care

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Learn about Asthma

Learn about asthma and the early warning signs before asthma gets out of control. Work with your doctor to come up with an asthma action plan that works for you.

 

What is asthma?

Asthma is a disease that causes the airways of the lungs to tighten and swell.

What is an asthma attack?

An asthma attack happens when you have asthma and your lungs aren’t getting enough air to breathe. You may cough or wheeze during an attack.
 

What causes an asthma attack?

Things that cause asthma attacks are called triggers. Triggers can be found in many places, including in the home and work environments. Pests and molds are two examples of triggers.
 
 

Asthma Warning Signs

Warning signs you noticed Warning signs you noticed or he/she looked or seemed to feel
Coughing at night or during exercise Fatigue or weakness
Wheezing or losing your breath easily Dark circles under the eyes
Tightness in the chest Feeling weak or tired
Stuffy or runny nose Headache
Feeling a tickle in the throat Pale face
Sneezing and itchy or watery eyes Restlessness

 

 

Emergency Warning Signs

There are times when you need to go to the hospital or a Crystal Run Urgent Care Center right away. Ask your doctor what emergency signs to look for to help you recognize when you’re having a medical emergency with asthma. Make an asthma action plan so you know what symptoms warrant a trip to the ER and what symptoms an Urgent Care can help with. Signs you should recognize as a medical emergency with asthma can include:

  • Rapid breathing or unusual breathing changes
  • Coughing or wheezing that won’t stop
  • Bluish fingernails or lips
  • Chest tightness or pressure
  • Tightening of the neck and chest muscles (called retractions)
  • Pale or sweaty face
  • Difficulty talking
  • Restlessness
  • Feelings of anxiety or panic

While mild asthma attacks are more common, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of a severe episode and get help right away. Getting your asthma under control can help prevent severe attacks.

The signs and symptoms of asthma in children are very similar. If your child is experiencing symptoms, contact a pediatrician right away.

 

Asthma Evaluation

Our asthma specialists will evaluate you for different types of asthma, including allergic asthma, adult-onset asthma, nonallergic asthma, and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB).

Your asthma doctor will start by taking your history and performing a physical exam. This may include a breathing test called spirometry to check your lung performance. The doctor may also do blood or allergy tests. As a coordinated approach to asthma care, your doctor may refer you to an allergist & immunologist, or pulmonologist, as needed.

 

Asthma Treatment

Asthma treatment can involve medications, lifestyle changes, and immunotherapy.

Medications come in two general types: quick relief medications for acute symptoms, and controller medications that treat lung inflammation.

Your doctor will help you identify triggers and learn how to avoid them. This is an important part of managing asthma.

Allergen immunotherapy may also help treat chronic asthma. It works by helping your body develop a tolerance to the allergen that triggers your asthma.

 

Know When to Call the Doctor

To help keep your asthma under control and reduce the frequency of asthma attacks, it’s important to know when to call your doctor. Working closely with your doctor can help address any issues you are dealing with now and decrease the risk of future asthma attacks.

Always follow-up with your doctor:

  • Right after an Emergency Room or Urgent Care visit, and/or hospitalization.
  • If you are using a rescue inhaler (i.e. Albuterol) more than every 4 hours or every 4 hours for 2 days during acute attacks.
  • If you are using a rescue inhaler on average 1-2 times/week during the day or 1-2 times month at night.

Crystal Run Healthcare has 18 convenient locations and weekend availability. Take care of your asthma today by booking an appointment online or calling (845) 703-6999.  

View our guide to Adult Asthma Care here.