Call Fast Track Urgent Care in Maryland at 800-417-1164!
As a condition that affects more than 25 million Americans, asthma is a disease you should take very seriously. You might have asthma if you have breathing difficulties, coughing fits, chest tightness, and/or shortness of breath. While you may think mild symptoms of asthma are a nuisance, a flare-up could be life-threatening.
Do you think you or your child could have asthma? Come to Fast Track Urgent Care for an asthma test and treatment. Our walk-in clinics in Silver Spring and Kensington are dedicated to providing quick care for asthma and other medical conditions.
For more information, call Fast Track Urgent Care at 800-417-1164or visit one of our walk-in clinics in Silver Spring or Kensington.
Asthma Symptoms
Asthma symptoms may be different in individuals, depending on the cause. For example, you experience exercise-induced asthma, in which your asthma may be worse when the air is cold and dry. Or, you may experience occupational asthma, which is triggered by workplace airborne irritants such as certain fumes, gases, or dust. Finally, you may have allergy-induced asthma symptoms, which are triggered by allergens such as pollen, mold spores, pet dander, and more.
Common asthma symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or tightness
- Sleep apnea
- Whistling or wheezing breath
- Coughing or wheezing fits
- And more
These symptoms may be worsened if the individual with asthma develops a respiratory virus or flu.
How Is Asthma Diagnosed?
Your Fast Track doctor will diagnose your breathing condition based on your family and medical health histories, a physical exam, and test results.
Family & Medical Histories
First, we’ll ask questions to learn more about your breathing challenges:
- Do you have a family history of asthma or allergies?
- What symptoms are you experiencing? How often do they occur?
- Do your symptoms flare up in certain places, seasons or times of day?
- Do you notice your symptoms worsen when you’re exposed to particular triggers, such as perfume or cigarette smoke?
- Do you have any related health conditions such as sinus infections, sleep apnea or reflux disease?
Physical Exam
Next, we perform a physical exam. This includes listening to you breathe with a stethoscope and looking for other signs of asthma, which may include swollen nasal passages and allergic skin reactions. Remember, you may still have asthma even if you don’t show these related signs.
Diagnostic Tests for Asthma
The most definitive part of asthma diagnosis is a lung function test called spirometry. This is when a machine measures how quickly you can breathe air in and out. If your results are low, your doctor may administer medicine and then repeat the test. If your lung function improves in response to the medicine, you will likely be diagnosed with asthma.
Your doctor may also recommend other tests to learn more about your condition, including an allergy test, spirometry test during physical activity, chest X-ray, or test that shows whether you have a related condition such as reflux disease or sleep apnea.
Call Fast Track Urgent Care at 800-417-1164 or contact us online to learn more about asthma treatment.
How Is Asthma Treated?
Asthma has no cure, but you can control it with the right treatments. These include taking medication and following an asthma action plan with your doctor’s guidance.
Take Medicine
Most people with asthma take long-term control medicines daily to reduce airway inflammation and control symptoms. These come in the form of pills, inhalers, nebulizer solutions and shots. You should also carry a quick-relief inhaler at all times in case an unexpected flare-up occurs.
Follow an Asthma Action Plan
Your doctor can help you craft a plan to help you manage your asthma effectively. Here are some tips:
- Learn what allergens or irritants trigger your asthma and avoid them.
- Record your symptoms. You know your condition is under control if you can perform all your normal activities and take your quick-relief medicine no more than twice a week.
- Visit your doctor for asthma checkups and advice for how to manage your condition better.
Need Asthma Diagnosis & Treatment in Montgomery County, MD?
If you or your child is having difficulty breathing, the best place to go for diagnosis and treatment is an urgent care clinic in Maryland.
At Fast Track Urgent Care, we take your case very seriously, delivering high-quality, compassionate care in our innovative Silver Spring and Kensington clinics. Let one of our knowledgeable doctors diagnose your breathing problems and begin treatment for asthma today.
To learn more, call Fast Track Urgent Care at 800-417-1164 or contact us online today!
