When the bronchial or airway tubes narrow as a reaction to certain triggers, this can be a sign of asthma. This condition can make breathing difficult and even life-threatening if you have a severe asthma attack. If you have asthma, there is no cure, but there are effective options for managing and treating this disease. Rapid Immediate Care offers asthma treatment at our clinic in Hoffman Estates, IL.

Causes and Symptoms of Asthma

The exact cause of asthma is not known. Those with a family history of asthma are at higher risk, and asthma can begin at any age. Some risk factors include smoking, secondhand smoke, obesity and exposure to airborne chemicals. Asthma symptoms include:

• Wheezing when exhaling
• Chest pain or tightness
• Severe coughing during respiratory illness (cold or flu)
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty sleeping due to wheezing or chest tightness

Triggers usually bring on asthma attacks. Allergies, exercise, acid reflux, cold air, chemicals exposure, smoke, stress and other triggers can bring on an asthma attack. However, asthma attacks can occur without a specific trigger at any time, which is why asthma treatment and management are critical.

Asthma Management

Patients with asthma should be aware of triggers that can cause attacks, avoiding these triggers whenever possible. Controlling other conditions that contribute to asthma, such as acid reflux and allergies, can reduce asthma symptoms. Asthma treatment can include using a short-acting inhaler for emergency attacks, but asthma management is key to reducing these attacks. This may include using one of several long-term asthma control medications.

If you have asthma symptoms, it is important to get a diagnosis. Symptoms of asthma can also indicate other diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). An accurate diagnosis can determine the best treatment to improve your breathing and overall health.

Rapid Immediate Care offers personalized primary healthcare for many chronic conditions like asthma. To schedule an appointment to discuss asthma treatment and management, contact our clinic in Illinois for an appointment.