Can I Go to Urgent Care for Asthma Treatment?

Yes, you can visit urgent care for asthma treatment.

Asthma is, unfortunately, a common condition. According to the CDC, in 2021, nearly 8% of people nationally suffer from asthma. Though there is no known cure, controlling asthma through medication and lifestyle is possible.

Asthma symptoms can sometimes worsen due to a trigger, resulting in an asthma attack. It is essential to be aware of the signs of an asthma attack so you can get the help you need.

What Are the Signs of Asthma?

In an asthma attack, the airways in your lungs swell and narrow. Often, extra mucus is produced. Breathing becomes more difficult, and you may experience certain symptoms, including:

• Wheezing.
• Coughing.
• Shortness of breath.
• Chest tightness.
• Sleeplessness due to symptoms.

What Causes Asthma Attacks?

In people with asthma, symptoms can be triggered by several things, including:

• Exercise. Running or other strenuous exercise can trigger asthma symptoms, especially in cold or dry air.

• Illness. An illness, especially an upper respiratory infection (such as a cold), can result in asthma symptoms.

• Allergies. Exposure to things you are allergic to (allergens) can trigger asthma symptoms in some people. Common allergens include pollen, pet dander, and mold.

• Environment. Workplace or environmental substances can cause an asthma attack. These may include dust, fumes, or gases.

Should I Go to Urgent Care or an ER for an Asthma Attack?

Urgent care can handle most asthma attacks and offers much shorter wait times than a typical emergency room. In the event of a life-threatening attack, however, you should seek help in an ER. Symptoms of an emergency asthma situation include:

• Severe difficulty breathing.
• Sudden worsening of your asthma.
• No improvement after using a rescue inhaler (such as albuterol).
• Cyanosis (a lack of oxygen indicated by blue or gray lips, tongue, or fingertips).

How Can Urgent Care Treat an Asthma Attack?

Urgent care is well-equipped to treat your asthma symptoms promptly. When you visit Oxford Urgent Care for asthma treatment, we will work to ensure you are seen quickly by a provider. Your provider will discuss your symptoms, gather vital signs (including oxygen level), and order medication to relieve your symptoms quickly. This may include nebulized medication or inhalers. Urgent care can often prescribe asthma medications.

Additional medicine, such as an oral steroid or allergy medication, may also be prescribed depending on your symptoms and your health history. Our team will work to relieve your symptoms, get your asthma attack under control, and ensure you have the resources you need to return home safely.

If you need urgent care for asthma treatment, visit Oxford Urgent Care. Our caring, experienced team is ready to help every day of the week from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.