Urgent Care · Everyday illness

Asthma treatment

Breathing difficulties caused by asthma symptoms can be painful and, in extreme cases, life-threatening. Our experts at NeuMed can help you identify your asthma triggers and work with you to develop an effective treatment plan.

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Overview

Types of asthma

Allergy asthma

The result of environmental allergens like pet dander, pollen, and dust.

Exercise-induced asthma

This type of asthma is a result from physical exertion or exercise.

Non-allergy asthma

A kind of asthma brought on by stress, viruses, or the weather.

Asthma symptoms and triggers

Having difficulty breathing is one of the most common asthma symptoms. You may have wheezing, coughing, or chest discomfort. Symptoms might range from moderate to severe. An asthma attack occurs when symptoms worsen and breathing becomes harder.

There are numerous asthma triggers, and they can differ from one person to the next. Typical causes include:

Anxiety and chronic stress
Chemical or environmental irritants
Allergens such as pollen, mold, dust mites and pet dander
Exercise
Food allergens
Obesity
Respiratory infections such as cold, flu and COVID
Smoke & smoking

Asthma diagnosis and treatment

When you visit NeuMed with asthma symptoms, our clinicians start by taking a patient history. This includes questions about allergen exposure and other triggers, as well as any asthma diagnosis in family members.

A physical exam is performed as part of your visit. With a stethoscope, your provider carefully listens to your breathing and examines your skin for signs of associated diseases such as eczema.

If an asthma exacerbation is verified, the clinician can treat you with a nebulizer or prescribe an inhaler or oral steroid, and discuss preventative strategies to help you manage your asthma at home and avoid future attacks.

Children with asthma

Because children’s respiratory airways are so small, their asthma symptoms may differ from those of adults. Asthmatic children may show:

Difficulty breathing with rapid, labored breaths
Trouble getting air into or out of the lungs
A whistling sound while breathing
Constant coughing
Appearing weary and uninterested in activities
Cyanosis — discoloration around the fingertips, tongue, mouth or eyes

Asthma treatment for children

When a child is diagnosed with asthma, the doctor devises a specific treatment plan. This typically includes controlling airway swelling daily, fast-acting asthma medication, and a strategy for avoiding triggers. Controlling symptoms is essential for children to participate in typical activities.

Other conditions we treat

We can also help treat related issues such as:

Skin rashes and eczema
Minor insect bites & stings
Mild asthma attacks & symptoms
Wheezing

When to seek emergency care

Breathing difficulties are a medical emergency. A child who shows severe symptoms — labored breathing, retractions or cyanosis — should seek medical attention right away. Call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

FAQ

Common questions.

What does having asthma feel like?

Asthma is often described as tightness of the chest and airways and having trouble breathing. It can be very frightening and causes some people to feel panicked.

Can asthma be genetic?

Asthma is very often genetic, but other factors, like the environment, can contribute. A person is more likely to develop asthma if an immediate family member has it.