Urgent Care for Asthma in San Antonio, TX

What Is Asthma?

Asthma impacts nearly 25 million Americans and is responsible for about two million ER visits each year. It is a common respiratory condition that narrows your airways and makes breathing difficult.

For some people, it causes only minor irritations. However, it can cause life-threatening symptoms in others that require immediate medical intervention. 

Unfortunately, asthma has no known cure, but its symptoms can be managed, allowing you to live a long and enjoyable life.

Common Causes of Asthma

Sadly enough, we still do not know the exact cause of asthma. However, an often overlooked culprit of asthma is a common cold or flu. 

No one wants to catch a cold or the flu, so most people go out of their way to prevent it. This is especially true of anyone who experiences allergies or other breathing problems. 

If you have a cold, avoid close contact with people with asthma, as catching a cold can make their asthma symptoms worse.

Asthma is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain triggers can cause allergies and exacerbate asthma symptoms. Common triggers include:

• Physical activity
• Airborne allergens like dust mites, spores, mold, pollen, cockroach waste or pet dander
• Cold air
• Respiratory infections like the common cold
• Air irritants and pollutants like smoke
• Strong stress and emotions
• GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
• Certain medications like beta-blockers

Recognizing Asthma Symptoms

Warning signs typically appear a few moments before or at the beginning of an asthma attack, indicating your asthma is worsening. Sometimes, these may be severe enough to interrupt your daily activities. 

Recognizing early asthma symptoms may help you prevent or stop an attack. They include:

• Shortness of breath or easily losing your breath
• Frequent cough, mostly at night
• Coughing or wheezing after exercise
• Trouble sleeping
• Signs of allergies or cold, like sore throat, headache, runny nose, sneezing, and nasal congestion
• Feeling tired, irritable, easily upset, or moody
• Feeling weak or tired when sleeping

If you have not been diagnosed with asthma but experience the above symptoms, ask your primary care doctor if asthma treatment is right for you.

When To Go to Urgent Care for Asthma

When exposed to certain triggers, you may have an asthma attack. This is when the muscles surrounding your airways tighten. Then, the lining of the airways starts swelling. 

When this happens, you might wonder, “Should I go to urgent care for asthma, or would an ER be better?” Visit Alamo City Urgent Care if you experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Coughing that won’t stop
• Very fast breathing
• Severe wheezing when you breathe
• Chest pressure or pain
• Difficulty talking
• Blue lips or fingernails
• Feelings of panic or anxiety
• Tightened chest and neck muscles

Go directly to your nearest hospital emergency room (ER) if you experience the following severe asthma symptoms:

• Gasping
• Straining chest muscles
• Intense shortness of breath
• Difficulty speaking
• Collapsing or fainting
• Confusion
• Exhaustion
• Very rapid breathing

Knowing when to go to urgent care or ER for an asthma attack could make all the difference. 

Recognizing Asthma Symptoms in Children

It is also essential to note asthma symptoms in children because they can develop asthma as early as five years. 

Watch for the following symptoms:

• Shallow or fast breathing
• Coughing when playing, laughing, or at night
• Wheezing when breathing
• Fatigue
• Seesaw movement on their chest because of breathing difficulty
• Pausing to catch their breath or less energy when playing

At times, the only symptom that can show will be chronic coughing, so it is best to contact the doctors at Alamo City Urgent Care in Shaenfield when you notice any of the above symptoms of an asthma attack.

What Is an Asthma Attack?

An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms that make it harder to breathe. During an asthma attack, the airways in the lungs narrow due to swelling and inflammation. Asthma attacks can come on quickly or gradually and, in some cases, can be life-threatening.

If you experience asthma attack symptoms, call the healthcare professionals at Alamo City Urgent Care in San Antonio, TX, or visit a location near you.

Urgent Care Treatment for an Asthma Attack

Short-acting bronchodilators like Albuterol are a standard first treatment for asthma attacks. They help relax chest muscles, relieving symptoms of an attack, like wheezing, coughing, and tightness. If you try this and there is still shortness of breath, you must visit your nearest urgent care for asthma treatment.

The medical doctors at Alamo City Urgent Care are skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of severe asthma attacks. Treatments focus on stabilizing your breathing and relieving symptoms quickly. Here is what you can expect:

Assessment and Diagnosis

• Symptom evaluation
• Lung function tests (e.g., spirometry, pulse oximetry, nitric oxide measurement, and pea flow)

Quick-Relief Medications and Oxygen Therapy

• Short-acting beta-agonists or bronchodilators (e.g., Albuterol or levalbuterol)
• Supplemental oxygen (mask or nasal cannula)
• Intubation to aid in breathing

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

• Oral corticosteroids

After initial treatment, your urgent care doctor will monitor your condition to ensure that your symptoms are improving. They will also provide aftercare instructions, including scheduling an appointment with a primary care provider to adjust your long-term asthma management plan and medications.

Expert Asthma Treatment at Urgent Care in San Antonio, TX

If you or a loved one has an asthma attack, visit Alamo City Urgent Care for prompt urgent care treatment. Our professional medical staff will quickly assess your symptoms and begin the appropriate treatment.

You can book ahead to save time or simply walk in. Our skilled medical professionals are ready to help you feel better fast with expert urgent care for asthma.