Asthma Attacks and Pediatric Urgent Care - What to Do in an Emergency
Millions of children in the United States are affected by Asthma which is a chronic condition that occurs due to inflammation in the windpipe or narrowing down of the airways leading to breathing difficulties, in most cases it can be handled with proper medication unless unattended it can get complicated.
Asthma must be managed effectively, it can’t be cured, it is chronic, and it can become fatal if not taken care of.
Beware of Signs of Asthma Attack
When the windpipe and the airways are narrowed down, nearing blockage and leading to shut down due to inflammation in the passage it can make breathing difficult, and this condition is called Asthma.
We can identify Asthma when we come across these symptoms or conditions
- Severe shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Persistent coughing or wheezing
- Retractions (visible pulling in of the skin between ribs or around the neck with each breath)
- Difficulty speaking due to breathlessness
- Bluish tint to lips or face (cyanosis)
Immediate Steps During an Asthma Attack
Watch out if your child exhibits any of the above-mentioned symptoms, if you do come across then immediately give the child the prescribed rescue inhaler (typically albuterol) as directed by your child’s pediatrician. Stay with your child so that he/she doesn’t panic or get into fear. Encourage your child to breathe gently and calmly from short breaths slowly ask your child to take deeper breaths which will reduce anxiety.
If you don’t find any improvement in your child’s condition or if the recovery time is very slow then you have to seek medical help.
When to Seek Urgent Care
When you find the below happening:
- No improvement after using rescue medication
- Inability to speak more than short phrases
- Struggling to breathe or using extra muscles to breathe
- Lips or fingernails turning blue
Preventing Future Asthma Attacks
It is not going to be difficult to prevent future asthma attacks with consistent checkups, medication and lifestyle adaptations.
Schedule routine visits with your child’s healthcare provider to monitor and adjust their asthma management plan. Ensure your child takes prescribed long-term control medications consistently. Common triggers include allergens (like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander), respiratory infections, cold air, and smoke. Keep your child’s immunizations up to date, including annual flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines, to prevent respiratory infections that can exacerbate asthma.
If you live in Torrance or in the neighborhood you can walk-in to Life Saver Urgent Care or book an appointment to visit our specialists to help your child combat this chronic condition quite easily. We accept insurance if your plan covers the child’s condition.
At Life Saver Urgent Care in Torrance, CA, we prioritize your child’s health and well-being. Our experienced medical professionals are ready to provide immediate care during asthma emergencies and guide you in managing your child’s condition effectively. Don’t hesitate to reach out or visit us when urgent care is needed.