Mild to Moderate Asthma Attacks
If you or a child are having a mild to moderate asthma attack, walk into any PromptMed Urgent Care clinic location. Patients are served on a walk-in basis and triaged by severity. You or your child will be served promptly.
Asthma – what is it
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition in which the airways become inflamed. This condition primarily affects the bronchial tubes, which are the pathways that carry air to and from the lungs. When a person has asthma the inner walls of the airways become inflamed, narrowing the space for air to flow through. The muscles surrounding the airways tighten as well, this is called Bronchospasms, and this further reduces airflow to and from the lungs. Finally, the airways produce excess mucus, which can clog the already narrowed pathways.
Symptoms of asthma
- Wheezing: A whistling or squeaky sound when breathing, especially when exhaling
- Shortness of breath: Feeling like you can’t catch your breath or that you’re out of breath
- Chest tightness: A feeling of pressure or squeezing in the chest
- Coughing: Often worse at night or early in the morning
Triggers of an asthma attack
- Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander
- Irritants: Smoke, pollution, strong odors, or chemicals
- Exercise: Especially intense physical activity
- Weather changes: Cold air or sudden temperature changes can worsen symptoms
- Stress and emotions: Intense emotions or stress could trigger an asthma attack
Severity of asthma attacks
- Mild attack: Mild wheezing, slight shortness of breath, cough, and chest tightness. Breathing is challenging but the person can speak full sentences
- Moderate attack: Increased wheezing and cough, noticeable shortness of breath, and more pronounced chest tightness. Breathing becomes harder and speaking in full sentences may become difficult due to breathlessness.
- Severe attack: Breathing becomes extremely difficult, and talking may be limited to short phrases. This level of severity requires the emergency room.
Asthma is a common condition, roughly 1 in every 13 people (adults and children in the U.S.) have asthma and the onset of an attack can come at any time as triggers are not always in our control. If you or a child is experiencing a mild to moderate asthma attack, your local PromptMed Urgent Care is equipped for your care. Our providers can prescribe a rescue inhaler, steroid inhaler, or steroid injection. Our clinics are also equipped with nebulizers should breathing treatment be necessary. Find your PromptMed Urgent Care here.
If you are a child are experiencing a severe asthma attack where the patient is not able to speak in full sentences, call 911.
