Asthma Exacerbation

There are many treatments for Asthma including: Adding moisture to the air with a humidifier, using air purification devices, and keeping a home clean.


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

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.

Should I visit Urgent Care or Emergency Room?

Urgent Care

When you have any medical condition that is non-life threatening or have general medical needs, then an Urgent Care center can take care of these. WellCare Urgent Care takes care of a variety of medical concerns such as the flu, vaccinations, physicals, allergy symptoms, and more.

WellCare Urgent care is convenient because it is quick and cost-effective.

Average visit time: 1 hour
Average cost: $150

Emergency Room

Emergency care is necessary when you are suffering from a life-threatening condition. This could be a heart attack, stroke, head injury, or other trauma that requires more advanced treatment. If you or someone you love has a life-threatening illness or injury, then you need to call 911 and get to the closest Emergency Room.

Emergency Rooms, while the best option for serious trauma, do take time and are costly.

Average Time Spent: 4.5 hours
Average Cost Per Visit: $1700

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