Emergency Care for Asthma and Other Breathing Problems
The purpose of the lungs is to bring into the body. It is the primary organ to process breathing. Asthma is a long-term condition affecting the lungs that makes breathing difficult. It can be triggered after intense physical exertion or while battling a sinus infection or cold.
People with asthma are more prone to irritations that lead to shortness of breath. That is because the airways get blocked due to inflammation. Asthma treatment aims to relieve the symptoms and allow you to breathe normally.
Is It an Asthma Attack?
While shortness of breath is the primary symptom of asthma, there are other signs to look out for. These include:
- Chest pains
- Rapid and shallow breathing
- Tightening of the chest
- Trouble sleeping at night
A person experiencing these symptoms needs to consult a doctor immediately. They can help determine if this is asthma or other conditions that cause breathing problems. Diagnosis is the first step to identifying proper asthma treatments.
How is the Breathing Problem Diagnosed?
Doctors need to find the underlying cause of the breathing problem. They start by asking relevant questions and then examine the lungs and heart. A series of tests are performed on the patient, including:
Blood tests
- Chest X-rays
- CT scans
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
- Pulmonary function testing
- Pulse oximetry
The tests can reveal if the patient has asthma or other medical conditions, including:
- Arrhythmia
- Coronary Artery Disease
- Heart valve issues
- Pneumonia
- Sinus Infection
Treating Asthma and Breathing Problems
The treatment for breathing problems depends on the severity of the symptoms. Mild asthma attacks are treated with the use of an inhaler.
There are also home remedies for milder symptoms of asthma and other breathing problems, like practicing pursed-lip breathing. That is a technique to increase the efficiency of each breath. It is done by puckering the lips and breathing slowly.
However, if the symptoms are severe, you may have to seek medical attention to get proper asthma treatment. Experiencing chest pains and long periods of breathing difficulty are clear signs you need help from health care professionals.
Trouble Breathing? UF Health Emergency & Urgent Care Is Here to Help
Asthma is a common cause of breathing problems, including shortness of breath. If you are having trouble breathing, visit any of our three trusted Emergency & Urgent Care Centers in Jacksonville, Fla., to get diagnosed and treated. Our facility is ready to accommodate you 24/7.
