Asthma Exacerbation

What Are the Treatments for Asthma?

Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma, but there are a variety of treatments, including:

• Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier
• Using air purification devices
• Keeping a home clean to avoid exposure to irritants
• Avoiding places where people smoke or wear perfume
• Using oxygen therapy at home
• Taking anti-inflammatory medications
• Using an inhaler that contains prescription medications
• Taking allergy medications

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition of the lungs that often begins during childhood. However, it is possible to develop asthma as a teenager or adult. This respiratory ailment makes it difficult to breathe because of the airways narrow, reducing the flow of air into the lungs. While having an asthma attack, your lungs may produce excessive amounts of mucus, making it more difficult to breathe. If you have a cold or influenza, then having an asthma attack as a side effect is a common occurrence. For some individuals, the exposure to airborne pollutants such as pollen, pet dander, or cigarette smoke can also lead to an asthma attack.

What Can Cause an Asthma Attack?

In addition to difficulty breathing, you may experience chest pain, intense coughing, or wheezing with an asthma attack. There are several situations where you are more likely to have problems breathing, including:

• Exposure to insect contamination or mold spores
• Engaging in strenuous activities
• Exposure to dry or cold air
• Allergies to fragrances or other substances in the air
• Exposure to dust or fumes in the workplace

A physician at WellCare Urgent Care in Grand Rapids can determine if you have asthma with a physical examination that includes listening to your lungs while you try to breathe. You may need an X-ray to determine if there is an underlying condition such as pneumonia or bronchitis in your lungs. It is important to learn what triggers your asthma to avoid attacks that can lead to emergency situations.

What Are the Different Types of Asthma?

• Occupational
• Nonallergic
• Exercise-induced
• Caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Allergy induced

Frequently Asked Questions about Asthma

Is there a cure for asthma? Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma, but there are plenty of ways to manage it. Using a humidifier and air purifier, keeping your home clean, avoiding smoky areas, taking anti-inflammatory and allergy medications, and using an inhaler can all help you manage your asthma and keep asthma attacks at bay. How can I prevent an asthma attack? Identifying and avoiding your own unique triggers, taking your medication as prescribed, and maintaining a healthy home environment are just a few ways you can prevent an asthma attack. Your healthcare provider can also help you come up with a customized treatment plan to ensure you know what to do when an asthma attack does happen. What are possible triggers for an asthma attack? Allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mold are the most common triggers for an asthma attack. Colds, flu, and sinus infections can also lead to an attack. Weather and temperature changes, exercise, and stress can also bring one on. When should I see help with an asthma attack? If, after you use your inhaler, you don’t see an improvement in your symptoms, you will likely need urgent medical care. If you are having severe shortness of breath, chest pain or tightness, rapid breathing or heart rate, and/or blue lips or fingernails, you should seek emergency medical help immediately. Can you outgrow asthma? No, you cannot outgrow asthma. While children may have fewer symptoms as they get older, the asthma doesn’t go away entirely. Asthma symptoms can come and go over your lifetime.

Come into WellCare

If you or your child has asthma, then you know what to look for to begin treatment at home right away when a breathing attack occurs. However, when an individual is experiencing severe respiratory distress, emergency interventions are necessary. To learn more about asthma and what triggers your attacks, you should have an evaluation at an WellCare Urgent Care. We accept walk-ins at our Cascade and Leonard locations, or you can schedule a same-day appointment online.