If you or a loved one has asthma, you likely have a lot of questions. Fortunately, asthma is a treatable and manageable condition that won’t impact your quality of life if you work with an experienced doctor. Here are some frequently asked questions about asthma that the providers at Cornerstone Urgent Care often discuss with patients.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a condition that causes swelling in the airways. Your airways may also narrow or excrete excessive mucus. As a result, you may experience breathing troubles. This condition may range from mild to severe. Some people barely notice they have it, while others may have life-threatening symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
What Are the Symptoms of Asthma?
If you have this condition, you may wheeze or cough. You might also have shortness of breath. Chest tightness is possible, as well. For some people, symptoms occur all the time. For others, exercise, cold air, stress, or allergies may induce attacks. Some individuals have frequent attacks, while others seldomly experience them.
What Causes Asthma?
The cause of asthma isn’t 100% known. However, research shows that environmental factors and genetics tend to play a role. Your risk is higher if you’re a smoker. Your risk is also greater if you’re overweight, exposed to second-hand smoke, frequently inhale chemicals at work, or have allergies.
Will Asthma Go Away?
Asthma is chronic, but it may improve over time in some cases. While it may not go away entirely, management techniques can help minimize the impact it has on your life. Actively employing preventive techniques can help you avoid asthma attacks for months or years at a time. It is important to routinely see a doctor to ensure you stay ahead of health problems that could exasperate asthma symptoms.
How Is Asthma Treated?
Treatment depends on the severity of your condition as well as what triggers your asthma. For instance, if you have allergy-induced asthma, the doctor will usually recommend an allergy medication along with a rescue inhaler.
On the other hand, some patients only require a rescue inhaler when attacks occur. You may be prescribed a nebulizer, which is usually used as needed.
If you have frequent symptoms or attacks, your physician may prescribe a long-term control medication, such as a corticosteroid, leukotriene modifier, or combination inhaler, in addition to a rescue inhaler.
Your doctor will also help you create an asthma action plan that’ll help you evaluate your condition and determine the appropriate course of action when you have an attack.
When Should I Go to Urgent Care for Asthma?
If you’re having mild to moderate wheezing, shortness of breath, or coughing that isn’t responding to your current asthma medication, you should visit urgent care for treatment. When you first start having asthma symptoms or are having newer or more frequent symptoms, you should also visit urgent care.
When Should I Go to the Emergency Room?
You should visit the ER if you have a severe attack that doesn’t get better with a rescue inhaler or nebulizer treatment. In the event of a serious asthma attack, you won’t be able to talk normally. You might not be able to walk normally, either. In some cases, you’ll notice your fingernails or lips are turning blue. All of these are signs of a life-threatening situation that needs immediate emergency care.
Chronic Asthma Management in Rochester, New York
At Cornerstone Urgent Care, not only do we offer chronic disease management for asthma, but we also treat allergies – a common asthma trigger. We provide urgent care in the event of an asthma attack, and we can help you manage your condition on a long-term basis. Plus, we provide on-site testing for your convenience.
Suffering from breathing difficulties? Contact Cornerstone Urgent Care, serving Rochester and the nearby region, for an appointment by calling (585) 207-0088, or fill out our online contact form. In the event of an asthma attack, no need to book an appointment, just walk in.
