infusion works

Asthma

Breathing Easy

Asthma treatment
Difficulty breathing caused by asthma symptoms can be uncomfortable and sometimes even life-threatening. At GoHealth Urgent Care, our providers can help identify your asthma triggers and work with you to create an effective treatment plan. Walk in or save your spot online and we’ll help you get the care you need to breathe easier.
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Types of asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the lungs’ ability to efficiently move air in and out. It occurs when the airways, or tubes leading to the lungs, become inflamed and narrow, impeding the flow of air.

Typically emerging during childhood, asthma can affect individuals of any age. Its severity is often exacerbated by various triggers such as allergens, cold air, respiratory infections, physical exertion, or airborne irritants.

Asthma manifests in several forms, categorized by their underlying causes. Consulting a healthcare professional can help pinpoint personal triggers and causes, enabling the development of a tailored plan to mitigate symptoms and manage flare-ups effectively. These underlying causes encompass:

Allergic asthma

This asthma diagnosis is a result of offending allergens in the environment, like pet dander, pollen, and dust.

Non-allergic asthma

A type of asthma triggered by things like stress, viruses, or weather.

Occupational asthma

Asthma symptoms are caused by workplace exposure to chemicals or irritants.

Exercise-induced asthma

This type of asthma is caused by physical exertion.

Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome

The asthma diagnosis is given when COPD and asthma symptoms overlap.

Asthma symptoms & triggers

Asthma symptoms are usually related to having trouble breathing. You might wheeze, cough or feel chest tightness. Symptoms can be mild or severe. When symptoms become severe and breathing is difficult, this is called an asthma attack or asthma exacerbation.

There are many known asthma triggers. Common triggers include:

  • Anxiety and chronic stress
  • Changes in weather and cold air
  • Chemical or environmental irritants
  • Environmental allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites and pet dander
  • Exercise
  • Food allergens
  • Heartburn / Reflux
  • Medications
  • Obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Respiratory infections such as the common cold, flu and COVID
  • Smoke & Smoking

Individual triggers can vary from person to person. Your healthcare provider can help you identify triggers and find ways to avoid or manage them with an asthma treatment plan.

Asthma diagnosis & treatment

At Infusion Works, we prioritize effective asthma management. When you visit us with asthma symptoms, we start by gathering your medical history, including potential triggers. A thorough physical exam follows, assessing lung function and skin conditions like eczema.

We offer non-invasive breathing tests to diagnose asthma and gauge its severity. Treatment options include on-site nebulizer therapy or prescribed inhalers. We’ll discuss preventive measures tailored to your needs, aiming for symptom control and minimizing medication reliance.

In case of a severe asthma attack, seek immediate care at the emergency room.

Asthma in Children
Parents may wonder how to tell if their child has asthma or another problem. Only a medical provider can diagnose your child, but certain clues can help educate concerned parents.
Children’s asthma symptoms
  • Have trouble breathing with faster and labored breaths.
  • Strain to get air in or out of lungs.
  • Make a whistling sound while breathing.
  • Cough constantly.
  • Seem exhausted, showing little interest in activities.
  • Have cyanosis, a discoloring around fingertips, tongue, mouth or around eyes.
  • Infants may struggle with breathing while nursing or sucking on a bottle.
Children’s asthma treatment
Once a child is diagnosed with asthma, the doctor will put an individualized treatment plan into action. Treatment may include:
  • Daily medication to control airway swelling.
  • Medication to treat asthma attacks quickly.
  • A plan to avoid exposure to asthma triggers.
Controlling asthma symptoms is the key to children enjoying their normal activities.