Asthma

Asthma is a long-term condition that makes breathing very difficult and laborious. At Ocean Urgent Care in Lawndale, California, the providers deliver comprehensive care for asthma to relieve your symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Call the clinic today or schedule an appointment online for asthma testing and treatment.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes the airways to narrow and produce too much mucus. This combination can make it difficult to breathe properly. Asthma can develop at any age, but symptoms usually start during childhood. 

The condition can interfere with a child’s ability to participate in physical activities, such as school sports. A proper diagnosis and effective treatment are essential to control flare-ups and symptoms that require emergency intervention. 

What are the symptoms of asthma?

Asthma symptoms can vary from person to person. While some individuals only notice their symptoms when they’re sick or during weather changes, others rely on medication daily to manage their symptoms. Common signs of asthma include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Difficulty breathing

Exercise, allergies, and chemical and environmental irritants can intensify symptoms of asthma. Appropriate testing can help diagnose asthma and gauge its severity to determine the proper treatment.

What causes asthma?

While there is no single cause of asthma, many irritants can trigger a flare-up, such as:

• Cold weather
• A family history of asthma
• Allergies
• Smoking
• Air pollution
• Obesity
• Viral respiratory infections
• Anxiety, depression, and stress

Understanding your asthma triggers is essential for the providers at Ocean Urgent Care to develop a treatment plan tailored toward your needs.

How is asthma diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of asthma, your provider runs a series of tests to make a diagnosis. When you arrive at the clinic, they review your medical history and perform a physical exam. This health assessment involves listening to your lungs for signs of wheezing or congestion.

Next, your provider administers lung function tests, such as spirometry, to evaluate the airflow in your lungs. Other tests, like allergy testing, allow your provider to identify your asthma triggers.

What are the treatments for asthma?

While asthma has no cure, many medications and lifestyle changes can help reduce the frequency of flare-ups and severe symptoms. Common medications for asthma include:

• Inhaled corticosteroids
• Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs)
• Long-acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs)
• Combination inhalers
• Leukotriene modifiers

You can also minimize the symptoms of asthma by avoiding your triggers. A healthy diet that focuses on anti-inflammatory foods can also help minimize inflammation in your airways.

Call Ocean Urgent Care today or schedule an appointment online to learn more about asthma and how to treat it.