Don’t Be Sidelined by an Asthma Attack
When your chest is tight, you can’t catch your breath, and you are wheezing and coughing, it could be an asthma condition flaring up. Asthma is a long-term disease that is not curable but can be managed or controlled. It affects 25 million people in the United States.1 Asthma can restrict your airways and increase mucus production, causing breathing difficulties. When asthma gets out of control, it’s good to know the physicians at Medco ER in Plano, TX, are standing by to help.
Risk Factors for Asthma
You may be at risk for asthma if someone in your immediate family has been diagnosed with it. Allergies can contribute to asthma. Common triggers can cause an asthma attack. Environmental exposure to smoke, mold, dampness, dust mites, wood dust, chemicals, and air pollution can also increase your risk of developing asthma.2 If you have a history of viral respiratory infections, your chances of developing asthma increase. Also, obesity increases the risk of asthma.3
Diagnosing Asthma
Asthma can be detected by examining your family history and by running breathing tests such as spirometry, peak flow test, pulse oximetry and nitric oxide measurement.4 A chest or sinus X-ray may be ordered, and a blood test and allergy tests may be used to diagnose asthma.1
Types of Asthma
Asthma is a condition that can be categorized into different types. Knowing your particular type of asthma can determine the kind of treatment and management plan needed. The different types include:5
- Allergy asthma
- Aspirin-induced asthma
- Cough asthma
- Exercise-induced asthma
- Nighttime asthma
- Steroid-resistant asthma
- Occupational asthma
Emergency Room Visits
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek immediate medical help at the nearest Medco ER or emergency room.
- Persistent shortness of breath
- Blue tinged lips or fingernails
- Straining to breathe
- Tightness of chest
- Coughing a lot
- Changing posture to try to breathe
- Difficulty speaking
- Feeling confused or agitated
- Loss of consciousness
“If you are having trouble breathing and your medication isn’t helping, come to see us right away,” said Medco ER’s Medical Director, Dr. Nasir Khan. “We’re here 24/7 to help with your asthma attack.”
Treatment may include medications such as short-acting beta agonists, oral corticosteroids, bronchodilator, intubation, and oxygen. You may be kept for observation for a few hours to ensure your asthma is under control.6
Prevention Tips for Asthma Management
“See your doctor regularly for a plan of action that includes medications and management skills to help prevent flare-ups,” said Dr. Khan.
Controlling or managing your asthma requires a consistent plan of action. Take your medication consistently, even when you don’t have asthma symptoms.2 You can consider your asthma well controlled if you need your inhaler less than 3 times per week, do not wake up in the night with an asthma attack, and can go about your daily activities and exercise with few to no symptoms.7
Get Help Fast at Medco ER
When asthma attacks happen, you can find fast help at Medco ER. Our board-certified physicians are experienced in treating asthma and are ready to respond immediately to your condition.
Plano: 3960 Legacy Drive, Plano, TX 75023 (on the corner of Legacy and Coit Road)
Call us @ 469-747-0370
2 https://www.cdc.gov/asthma/faqs.htm
4 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma-attack/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354274
5 https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/learn-about-asthma/types
6 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma-attack/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354274
7 https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/asthma/managing-asthma