Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects how much oxygen you can move in and out of your body. The condition causes sudden inflammation in the airways that makes breathing difficult. The lungs also produce excess mucus that triggers a chronic cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Known triggers of an asthma flare-up or attack include environmental allergens like pet dander and pollen. Other factors that can influence sudden airway inflammation include:

• Cold air
• Air pollution
• Physical activity
• Upper respiratory infections
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Cermak Immediate Care offers long-term personalized care to manage asthma. The physicians use advanced in-office technologies to assess your respiratory health and determine which treatments you need to prevent asthma-related breathing problems.

When should I seek medical attention for asthma?

Cermak Immediate Care offers patient-focused asthma care for people with mild to severe asthma symptoms. The skilled medical providers recommend that you schedule a respiratory health evaluation if you experience symptoms of asthma, including:

• Wheezing
• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain

The physicians offer lung function tests to assess how much air you can move in and out of your lungs. You might also need blood work or a chest X-ray to rule out infection and other lung conditions.

Which asthma treatments are available?

Cermak Immediate Care offers a range of asthma therapies to treat existing respiratory symptoms and reduce your risk of additional asthma attacks.

If you have mild or occasional asthma flare-ups, you might benefit from inhaled corticosteroids that quickly reverse airway inflammation. The providers also help you create a plan to avoid known asthma triggers, including stress, allergens, and chemicals.

Chronic asthma can require daily, long-acting medication to prevent airway inflammation. You might also need prescription allergy medicines to minimize your immune system’s reaction to environmental allergens.

Severe asthma attacks require immediate medical attention. In the event of such an attack, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Cermak Immediate Care provides additional after-care services, including routine breathing treatments to support your respiratory health.

Follow-up visits are available, allowing the physicians to monitor your progress with treatment and ensure that your asthma is well-controlled. They’ll also recommend lifestyle changes, exercises, and diet modifications you can make to strengthen your lung function.

Call the Cermak Immediate Care office near you to schedule an evaluation of asthma symptoms. You can also use the online feature to request an appointment at any time.