Urgent Care Clinic Of Lincoln
4210 Pioneer Woods Dr a
Lincoln, NE 68506
(402) 488-4321
Directions: Urgent Care Clinic

Asthma Overview

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition that involves the swelling and constriction of the airways, which can make breathing difficult. Individuals with asthma experience wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night or early morning. 

Asthma affects people of all ages but often starts in childhood. Although it cannot be cured, with proper management and treatment, individuals with asthma can lead active, normal lives.    

Types of Asthma 

Healthcare providers primarily identify asthma as either intermittent or persistent. 

• Intermittent Asthma: This type occurs sporadically, with symptoms arising less than twice a week and not significantly hindering daily activities. 
• Persistent Asthma: In contrast, persistent asthma symptoms appear more frequently and are categorized further into mild, moderate, or severe, based on how often symptoms manifest and their impact on daily life. 

Asthma can also be distinguished by its underlying causes:  

• Allergic: The most common form, where symptoms are triggered by allergens such as pollen, pet dander, or dust mites. 
• Non-Allergic: Triggered by factors unrelated to allergies, including stress, exercise, cold air, or respiratory infections. 

Finally, there are other unique forms of asthma, each with specific triggers and management needs: 

• Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB): Also known as exercise-induced asthma, EIB leads to narrowed airways during or after physical activity.  

• Occupational Asthma: This type of asthma is triggered by inhaling fumes, gasses, dust, or other potentially harmful substances at work. 
• Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS): ACOS is a complex condition featuring characteristics of both chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. 

Patients and their loved ones must work closely with healthcare professionals to identify their specific type of asthma and tailor their management plan accordingly.  

Symptoms of Asthma 

Common asthma symptoms include: 

• Shortness of breath 
• Chest tightness 
• Wheezing 
• Coughing 

These can range from mild to moderate and often vary from one individual to another. They can be managed with proper medical care and an asthma action plan. 

With that said, asthma symptoms can become life-threatening when they escalate and may warrant urgent care asthma treatment. It is critical to be aware of these severe symptoms and seek immediate care: 

• Intense wheezing and coughing that is unresponsive to quick-relief inhalers 
• Difficulty speaking 
• Rapid breathing rate that causes discomfort 
• Bluish lips or fingers (an indication of oxygen deprivation) 
• Panic or confusion 

When these symptoms occur, visit your nearest asthma urgent care immediately to get the medical assistance necessary to prevent a full-blown attack. 

How Does Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln Diagnose Asthma?

At Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln, we begin your diagnosis by taking your detailed medical history and discussing your symptoms. Our compassionate healthcare providers will talk to you about your concerns, symptoms, and any patterns you’ve noticed. 

Moreover, you may be asked to undergo several breathing tests, like spirometry. This simple breathing test measures how much air you can inhale and exhale, as well as the speed of your breath. You may also need a chest x-ray or allergy tests, which will help us understand if an allergy is triggering your symptoms.  

Treatment Options For Asthma

Our urgent care for asthma aims to provide immediate relief. Depending on the severity of your asthma attack, you may be given supplemental oxygen to ease breathing difficulties and quick-relief medications (such as bronchodilators) to help open your airways. 

For long-term control, inhaled corticosteroids can reduce inflammation in the airways, preventing symptoms before they start. Our medical team will guide you on how to use these treatments to manage your asthma effectively.

Finally, in severe cases, our asthma urgent care center can provide mechanical ventilation to assist your breathing while other treatments take effect. 

At Urgent Care Clinic of Lincoln, rest assured that your respiratory health is our priority. Whether you need immediate intervention or long-term management strategies, we have the expertise and facilities to provide the care you require and deserve. Let us help you breathe easier; schedule your appointment today.  

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