Asthma Treatment Clinic in Lutz, FL and New Port Richey, FL

The way asthma is treated at urgent cares depends on the current symptoms and their severity. In many situations, the first-line treatment of suspected or diagnosed asthma attacks includes short-acting beta2-agonist (SABA) and oxygen, if necessary. The most effective means of reversing airflow obstruction is the continuous administration of SABAs. The onset of action for SABAs is rapid (less than 5 minutes) and repetitive administration produces incremental bronchodilation; most patients will have a significant response after the first dose.

The difference between when you should visit urgent care or the ER for asthma is based on the severity of asthma symptoms. In mild cases of asthma, urgent care can provide adequate relief from symptoms. This may include:

– Minor difficulty breathing
– Able to talk in full sentences
– Able to walk or move around
– May have a cough or wheeze

Urgent cares can treat some moderate cases of asthma, some of which may include:

– Obvious difficulty breathing
– Cannot speak full sentence in one breath
– Tugging of the skin between ribs
– May have cough or wheeze
– Reliever medication not lasting as long as usual

In the event that someone is experiencing a severe asthma attack with one or more of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately at the nearest hospital ER:

– Finds it very difficult to breathe
– Unable to speak more than one word per breath
– Confused or exhausted
– May no longer have wheeze or cough
– Feeling of panic about the asthma attack
– Pale and sweaty face
– Lips or fingernails that are turning blue
– No improvement in symptoms after using inhaler

Emergency staff will likely administer a combination of the following:

– An injection or inhalation of short-acting beta2-agonists (SABA) or bronchodilators to re-open the airways
– Oral or intravenous steroids to reduce inflammation
– Anticholinergics, which block the neurotransmitter restricting breathing
– Inhaled anesthetics to reduce pain and discomfort
– Ketamine, an anesthetic hallucinogen that relaxes airways
– Intravenous (IV) magnesium sulfate

The doctor may also insert a breathing tube into the throat and provide machine-assisted ventilation if they think a person’s breathing may stop, known as respiratory arrest.

If you are having an asthma attack, or you feel one coming, try these techniques:

– Sit up—this helps to open the airways and keep airflow unrestricted
– Focus on your breathing, and practice different techniques that can help you to better control your breath
– Stay away from triggers, such as:
•  Pollen, dust, mold, pet dander
•  People with the common cold
•  Cold air
•  Smoke
•  Some drugs, like aspirin, beta-blockers, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium
•  Stress
•  Preservatives in foods and drinks
– Take some honey to clear phlegm
– Drink caffeine to open airways
– Use eucalyptus oil
– Try mustard oil

Only try these methods if suggested by your doctor; there is a possibility that your symptoms may be exacerbated by these, particularly herbs or supplements.
 
Urgent Care & Wellness Center is dedicated to providing you with all of your asthma-related needs. Contact us today. Our asthma treatment clinic, or visit our office conveniently. We look forward to serving you! We serve patients from Lutz FL, New Port Richey FL, Land O’ Lakes FL, Cheval FL, Greater Northdale FL, Greater Carrollwood FL, River Ridge FL, Seven Springs FL, Port Richey FL, Bayonet Point FL, Hudson FL, and Elfers FL.